Tech.Pass vs EntrePass: Eligibility, Features, and Key Differences for Founders and Tech Talent

Singapore offers two distinct work passes for entrepreneurs and technology professionals: the Tech.Pass (administered by EDB with MOM) and the EntrePass (administered by MOM with Enterprise Singapore). Each targets a different profile and carries different conditions. From 28 January 2027, MOM and EDB will stop accepting new and renewal Tech.Pass applications; a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will replace it. Existing Tech.Pass holders may remain until expiry. This article compares both passes using only current official sources.

Who Each Pass Is For

Tech.Pass is for established global tech talent — entrepreneurs, leaders, or technical experts — who want to pursue multiple economic activities in Singapore concurrently. It is an individualised pass not tied to a single employer or entity.

EntrePass is for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, or experienced investors who intend to operate a specific Singapore private limited company that is either venture-backed or owns innovative technologies. The pass is tied to that company.

Eligibility Criteria

Tech.Pass (must meet both conditions)

Salary: Last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the last 1 year (or foreign-currency equivalent; other income sources considered case-by-case).
Experience: At least 5 cumulative years in a leading role within the past 10 years in either:
- A tech company with valuation/market capitalisation ≥ US$500 million or that raised ≥ US$30 million in funding; or
- A tech venture capital firm with ≥ US$500 million in assets under management.

EntrePass (must meet both conditions)

Company: Have started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA where the pass holder holds at least 30% of shares. The company must be venture-backed or own innovative technologies. If the company is more than 12 months old at application, renewal criteria apply instead.
Innovation track (meet at least one):
- Funding: Raised ≥ SGD 100,000 in a single funding round from eligible investors (e.g., SEEDS Capital, Vertex Ventures, Startup SG Equity partners, internationally renowned VCs/angels).
- Incubator/Accelerator: Supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator/accelerator (e.g., Startup SG Accelerator/Founder partners, Y-Combinator, MassChallenge, Alchemist Accelerator).
- Exit: Founded and sold a venture-backed/innovative tech business (must show incorporation docs, business plan, Sale & Purchase Agreement).
- Intellectual Property: Business holds IP registered with an approved national IP institution (per WIPO) that provides significant, non-replicable competitive advantage.
- Research Collaboration: Ongoing research collaboration in Singapore with an Institute of Higher Learning (per ICA list) or Research Institution (e.g., A*STAR, CREATE). Collaboration must involve the applicant, relate to the business, and be verified by the institution. Service contracts do not count.

Permitted Activities and Flexibility

Aspect	Tech.Pass	EntrePass
Primary tie	Individual (no employer sponsorship)	Specific ACRA-registered company (≥30% shares)
Concurrent roles allowed	Yes — can simultaneously: start/operate tech companies; be employee in SG companies; consult/mentor/lecture; be director in SG companies. No need to apply for additional passes when switching activities.	Holder may be director/shareholder of other companies, but any operational executive role in another entity requires a separate work pass or Letter of Consent.
Company formation	Not required to hold the pass. Can incorporate after arrival.	Required upfront (or intent to incorporate). Company must meet venture-backed/innovative tech definition.
Minimum salary	S$22,500/month (fixed, last 1 year)	No stipulated minimum salary
Foreign worker levy / quota	Not applicable	Not applicable

Validity and Renewal

	Tech.Pass	EntrePass
First issue	Up to 2 years	Up to 1 year
First renewal	Up to 2 years	Up to 1 year
Subsequent renewals	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years
Renewal criteria	Meet at least one: 1. Assessable income ≥ S$270,000 (latest IRAS NOA, salary and/or business income); 2. Annual business spending ≥ S$100,000 and employ ≥1 local PME or 3 LQS; 3. Incorporated SG tech/digital business with >US$10M cumulative investment in past 36 months and funding from programme-recognised investment firms.	Must meet EntrePass renewal criteria (assessed by Enterprise Singapore and MOM).
Key definitions for renewal	Local PME: Singaporean/PR, fixed monthly salary ≥ S$3,900, CPF ≥3 months. LQS: Singaporean/PR, monthly salary ≥ S$1,600, CPF ≥3 months. Business owner: ACRA private limited, ≥30% shares, proof of ongoing activity.	Aligned with EntrePass renewal criteria (see MOM page).

Family Members

Both passes allow eligible family members to stay in Singapore:

Tech.Pass: Legally married spouse and unmarried children <21 (including legally adopted) → Dependant’s Pass (DP). Common-law spouse, unmarried handicapped children ≥21, unmarried stepchildren <21, and parents → Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). All issued by MOM.
EntrePass: Eligible family members can apply for passes (details on MOM EntrePass family passes page).

Path to Permanent Residence (PR)

Tech.Pass and EntrePass holders can apply for PR via the ICA e-Service. The application is submitted by the candidate via Singpass.

ICA publishes no detailed scoring weights, quotas, or approval rates. It states it considers factors including:

Family ties to Singaporeans
Economic contributions
Qualifications
Age
Family profile
Length of residency
Ability to contribute and integrate
Commitment to sinking roots

Processing time: Within 6 months if documents are in order; some applications take longer. Fees: S$100 at submission; S$20 (Entry Permit) + S$50 (5-year Re-Entry Permit) + S$50 (Identity Card) at completion. All fees non-refundable.

National Service: All male applicants granted PR (including as students or under parents’ sponsorship) are liable for National Service. Details at cmpb.gov.sg.

Critical Deadline: Tech.Pass Replacement

From 28 January 2027, MOM and EDB will no longer accept new or renewal Tech.Pass applications. The pass will be replaced by a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track with “more attractive terms”. Existing Tech.Pass holders can remain until their pass expires. Eligible holders may consider applying for the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) or other work pass options thereafter.

Application Process Overview

Tech.Pass

Review eligibility on EDB Tech.Pass page.
Prepare documents (salary proof, experience evidence, company/VC details).
Submit application via EDB (process detailed on Application & Renewal page).
If approved, collect pass; register fingerprints/photo if required.

EntrePass

Confirm company meets ACRA registration and 30% shareholding requirement.
Verify company qualifies as venture-backed or owning innovative technologies.
Meet at least one innovation track (funding, incubator, exit, IP, or research collaboration).
Prepare required documents (see MOM EntrePass documents required).
Apply via MOM eService; wait for outcome.
If approved, receive In-Principle Approval (IPA); enter Singapore; get pass issued; register fingerprints/photo if required; receive card within 5 working days.

Practical Considerations (Non-Binding Guidance)

Stage of venture: EntrePass requires a Singapore entity upfront; Tech.Pass does not. Founders without an incorporated company may find Tech.Pass (while available) more flexible for initial exploration.
Track record: Tech.Pass demands a high personal salary (S$22,500) and leadership in a large-scale tech company/VC. EntrePass accepts earlier-stage evidence (e.g., SGD 100k funding, incubator support, IP, research collaboration).
Multiple ventures: Tech.Pass explicitly permits concurrent roles across entities. EntrePass ties operational work to the primary company; additional executive roles need separate authorisation.
Renewal risk: EntrePass renewal depends on business viability (Enterprise Singapore assessment). Tech.Pass renewal has defined financial/employment/investment thresholds.
PR timing: No official timeline or guarantee. ICA evaluates holistically. Maintain complete tax filings, CPF contributions for local hires, and documentary evidence of economic contribution.