Startup SG Talent
Startup SG Talent aims to foster a conducive environment for promising global talent to set up innovative businesses in Singapore through three main avenues: the EntrePass work pass scheme, Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-UP), and SME Talent Programme (STP) for Startups. The EntrePass is a work pass for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, and experienced investors looking to operate venture-backed or innovative technology businesses in Singapore. Jointly administered by Ministry of Manpower and Enterprise Singapore, the EntrePass is open to all nationalities and has been enhanced to simplify entry for global entrepreneurial talent. It requires pass holders to meet escalating renewal criteria including Total Business Spending and Local Workforce requirements, with the 30% shareholding requirement now deferred to end of Year 1.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Open to all nationalities/citizenships
- 02
Must have started or intend to start a Singapore private limited company
- 03
Must hold at least 30% of registered company by end of Year 1
- 04
Company must be venture-backed or own innovative technologies
- 05
Meet at least one individual condition: Entrepreneur (raised ≥S$100,000 funding OR incubated at recognized program), Innovator (holds relevant IP OR has research collaboration), or Investor (good track record)
- 06
Company not in excluded businesses (coffee shops, bars, massage parlours, employment agencies, geomancy)
- 07
If company >12 months old, assessed according to renewal criteria
How to Apply
1. Download and complete application form from MOM's website 2. Electronically sign the soft copy PDF (signed forms cannot be edited) 3. Make payment of S$105 via PayNow or Telegraphic Transfer 4. Prepare supporting documents based on qualifying criteria (funding evidence, patents, research agreements, etc.) 5. Submit online via MOM portal (with or without SingPass) 6. Processing time: within 6 weeks for most cases 7. Receive IPA letter (valid 6 months to enter Singapore) 8. Get pass issued after arriving in Singapore
Claims and Disbursement
Upon approval, receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 6 months to enter Singapore. Pass must be issued within 6 months of IPA. For renewals, must meet escalating criteria: Total Business Spending (starting S$100,000 in 2nd year, increasing to S$1,150,000 in 11th year) and Local Workforce requirements (starting 1 PME in 2nd year, increasing to 10 PMEs in 11th year). Renewal costs S$225 + S$30 Multiple Journey Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, EntrePass is open to all nationalities/citizenships.
You can apply if you have started or intend to start a private limited company. If already incorporated, the company must not be more than 12 months old (otherwise renewal criteria apply).
Within 6 weeks for most cases; some cases may take longer.
Initial pass: 1–2 years. First renewal: up to 1 year. Subsequent renewals: up to 2 years.
You must meet escalating Total Business Spending and Local Workforce criteria, maintain 30% shareholding, demonstrate ongoing business activity, and submit financial statements.
TBS = Total Operating Expenses minus: overseas royalties/franchise fees, overseas outsourcing costs, and remuneration to EntrePass holders. Cost of Goods Sold, personal expenses, and residential rent are excluded.
Related Grants
TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA)
IMDA
Salary support grants for trainees (up to 12 months), course fee grants for CCPs, full-time 6-month programme for PAIP, enhanced internship and apprenticeship funding for TIP Alliance
TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) is a SkillsFuture initiative driven by IMDA in collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and the industry. It aims to build and develop a skilled Information and Communications Technology (ICT) workforce for Singapore's digital economy. TeSA takes an integrated approach to ICT skills acquisition and practitioner training, enabling professionals to acquire relevant in-demand skills. TeSA comprises several key programmes: (1) Company-Led Training (CLT) — a structured on-the-job training programme for fresh, mid-career, and mature professionals to acquire tech skills for in-demand roles; (2) Career Conversion Programmes (CCP) — for PMETs and mid-career switchers to undergo skills conversion into new tech occupations; (3) Pinnacle AI Industry Programme (PAIP) — for frontier companies to upskill local AI talent in LLM development; (4) TeSA for ITE and Polytechnics (TIP) Alliance — placing and training Polytechnic and ITE graduates in tech roles; (5) Jobs Transformation Map — mapping the future of tech jobs; and (6) Skills-Based Hiring — encouraging employers to hire based on skills rather than qualifications.
Enabling Employment Credit (EEC)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
Up to 20% of monthly wages (max $400/month per employee) + additional 20% for first 9 months if previously unemployed
The Enabling Employment Credit (EEC) supports the employment of persons with disabilities by providing wage offsets to employers that hire local employees with disabilities aged 13 and above earning below $4,000 per month. The EEC provides up to 20% wage offset, capped at $400 per month per employee. Additionally, employers hiring persons with disabilities who have not been working for at least six months receive an enhanced additional 20% wage offset (also capped at $400 per month) for the first nine months of employment. This scheme encourages inclusive employment practices and supports workforce diversity.
Senior Employment Credit (SEC)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
Up to 7% of monthly wages (varies by age band: 2-7% based on age 60-69+)
The Senior Employment Credit (SEC) provides wage offsets to help employers adjust to higher Retirement Age and Re-employment Age requirements by supporting the employment of Singaporean workers aged 60 and above. The scheme offers higher support for older age bands, with employers receiving up to 7% of wages for workers earning below $4,000 per month. This initiative encourages continued employment of senior workers and helps businesses manage the transition to an aging workforce while supporting Singapore's active aging policies.
Innovation & Enterprise Fellowship Programme (IFP)
NRF and Enterprise Singapore
Research grant for 5 years (covers personnel, equipment, and consumables)
The Singapore NRF Fellowship provides opportunities for early career researchers to carry out independent research in Singapore over a five-year period. It is open to all areas of science and technology, and outstanding young scientists and researchers of all nationalities are welcome to apply. NRF aims to develop a strong science research and manpower base in Singapore. Each Fellow is provided with a research grant to support projects that exhibit high likelihood of a research breakthrough. Appointees are offered tenure-track faculty positions at Singapore-based universities and research institutions, including the Research Centres of Excellence.
Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) - Venture Debt
Enterprise Singapore
Up to S$8 million per borrower (S$20 million borrower group limit)
The EFS-VD aims to finance the growth of innovative enterprises using Venture Debt and Warrants. It supports high-growth enterprises that do not have significant assets to be used as collateral under traditional bank lending. Under the enhanced programme, the venture debt facility can be backed by warrants or redeemable convertible preference shares. Use cases include growing and expanding existing capacity, diversifying into other product lines, augmenting working capital needs, undertaking new projects, and undergoing mergers and acquisitions.
Startup SG Equity
EnterpriseSG
Up to S$2M (General Tech) or S$12M (Deep Tech) via SEEDS Capital co-investment
Startup SG Equity (SSGE) is a co-investment programme where the Singapore Government co-invests alongside qualified third-party investors (venture capital firms, angel investors, corporates) into Singapore-based technology startups. The programme reduces risk for private investors by providing matching government capital and is administered through appointed fund managers, with SEEDS Capital being one of the primary fund managers. This is equity financing, not a grant — the government takes an equity stake alongside private investors. The programme covers startups at early and growth stages with different investment caps and co-investment ratios depending on whether the startup is classified as general tech or deep tech. Deep tech startups benefit from more favorable initial co-investment ratios due to their longer commercialization periods and higher barriers to entry.