Counto Logo
Whatsapp
Call

Employment Pass vs EntrePass Singapore (2026 Guide): Requirements, Costs & Best Option for Founders

📅 Updated for 2026   |   ⏱️ 15 Min Read

This guide draws on real relocation structures implemented for founders across technology, consulting, and investment businesses entering Singapore, updated for 2026 under the current MOM COMPASS framework.

For international entrepreneurs, choosing the right work pass is as critical as the act of 👉 registering a company in Singapore as a foreigner. The two primary pathways—the Employment Pass (EP) and the EntrePass—serve very different types of founders. This guide breaks down the 2026 requirements and hidden costs to help you choose the most efficient path to relocate and operate your business in Singapore.

Employment Pass vs EntrePass: The Employment Pass is designed for founders who can meet salary and professional qualification benchmarks, while the EntrePass targets innovation-driven startups supported by intellectual property, funding, or research collaboration.

What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?

The Employment Pass (EP) is the standard work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. For founders, it is the primary route to relocating after incorporating a Singapore company, provided you meet specific salary and qualification benchmarks under the MOM COMPASS framework.

What Is an EntrePass?

The EntrePass is a specialised visa for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, or experienced investors. It allows eligible founders to apply before incorporation, with company setup completed after approval, provided they meet MOM’s recognised innovation eligibility criteria.

EntrePass applications are commonly used by founders establishing innovation-focused or venture-backed businesses seeking to build their startup ecosystem presence in Singapore.

Feature Employment Pass (EP) EntrePass
Approval Basis Salary & COMPASS score Innovation eligibility
Min. Salary Currently starts from S$5,000 No fixed minimum
Predictability Higher (Structured points-based) Lower (Qualitative assessment)

While both passes allow founders to relocate to Singapore, the Employment Pass is typically suited for commercially established businesses, whereas the EntrePass targets innovation-led startups.

EP vs EntrePass: Which Should Founders Choose?

Choose an EP if:

• You can pay a market-level salary.

• Business is consulting, trading, or SaaS.

• You want predictable renewals.

• You have strong professional credentials.

Choose EntrePass if:

• Startup is deep-tech or venture-backed.

• You hold proprietary IP or patents.

• You are initially pre-revenue.

✅ Employment Pass Application Process for Founders

1. Incorporate your Singapore company through a registered filing agent.
2. Inject sufficient paid-up capital into your corporate bank account.
3. Prepare your employment contract and executive salary structure.
4. Submit the EP application via the MOM EP Online portal.
5. Receive your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
6. Enter Singapore and complete the pass issuance process.

Key Employment Pass Requirements (COMPASS)

To successfully secure an EP, you must meet the criteria outlined by the Ministry of Manpower COMPASS framework. The COMPASS framework ensures foreign professionals complement the local workforce and applies at both initial application and renewal stages.

Employment Pass Requirements (2026 Summary): To qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore, founders must earn a qualifying salary starting from S$5,000, score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework, demonstrate relevant professional experience, and operate a genuine Singapore-registered company with sufficient capital to sustain the proposed salary.

The Hidden Cost Difference Most Founders Miss (EP Salary & Capital Requirements)

One factor often overlooked in Singapore company registration cost discussions is the ongoing salary commitment obligations of an EP. To maintain an EP, your company must demonstrate the financial capacity to sustain the proposed salary. A founder paying themselves S$5,000 per month means the company must support at least S$60,000 in annual payroll commitments. If your business isn’t generating revenue yet, you must ensure the company is sufficiently capitalised to meet these MOM expectations.

Renewal Requirements: EP vs EntrePass

EP Renewal

Salary must remain market-competitive, and the company must demonstrate ongoing genuine business activity. COMPASS factors continue to apply during reassessment.

EntrePass Renewal

Must meet Total Business Spending (TBS) thresholds and local hiring milestones, which increase with each renewal cycle. Founders should plan for these requirements early.

Not sure which pass suits your situation? Our team can assess your eligibility before you incorporate.
👉 Explore company registration for foreigners in Singapore here, or Book a Meeting with our Experts →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners apply for an Employment Pass as company directors?

Yes. Foreign founders commonly apply for an EP as Managing Directors of their own Singapore companies, provided the company meets MOM eligibility criteria regarding capitalisation.

Can I own 100% of my Singapore company on an Employment Pass?

Yes. A foreign founder may own 100% of the shares while holding an EP, provided the company is genuine and demonstrates the financial capacity to support the proposed salary.

Can I apply for an Employment Pass before opening a corporate bank account?

Yes — but capitalisation and operational readiness must still be demonstrated to MOM during the application review.

Can I switch from a Nominee Director to myself after my EP is approved?

Yes. Once your EP is issued, you can replace the Nominee Director and act as your own Resident Director. This is a common strategy to lower long-term compliance costs.

Ready to Build Your Business in Singapore?

Set up your business with the right structure and support from day one. Join 1,000+ founders who trust Counto to launch and grow in Singapore.

 

Share this post

Post

Menu