Singapore remains one of the world’s leading investment hubs, with total foreign direct investment exceeding S$3 trillion in 2024, according to official data from the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat). This sustained capital inflow reinforces Singapore’s position as a premier destination for business expansion, investor relocation, and capital protection in Asia.
Whether you are looking to anchor capital, launch a venture, or expand an existing Southeast Asia, Singapore offers a clear, structured route. This guide breaks down the three primary immigration options available to investors and entrepreneurs: the Global Investor Programme, the EntrePass, and the Employment Pass.
In 2026, Singapore remains a top global hub for investors and entrepreneurs, offering unmatched political stability, a low-tax and business-friendly platform, and a “safe haven” for capital.
Backed by a clear legal system and trusted access to global markets, Singapore remains a preferred base for global entrepreneurs and investors – as well as regional family offices, fintech firms, and growth-stage startups.
Key reasons:
With a GDP growth from 2% to 4%, Singapore continues to demonstrate disciplined macroeconomic management and resilience amid global volatility. Singapore maintains exceptional financial and economic stability, driven by sound fiscal policies, an AAA sovereign rating, and a robust, well-capitalised banking system.
Singapore’s regulatory scheme is deliberately structured to attract global enterprises. Transparent policies, efficient administrative processes, and clearly defined immigration pathways such as the EntrePass and Employment Pass reflect a government aligned with economic participation and innovation.
Singapore’s tax framework is characterised by low
corporate tax
and no capital gains tax (or taxes on dividends, interest or inheritance). It also offers extensive incentives, including the Pioneer Certificate Incentive and the Development and Expansion Incentive, as well as a robust network of double-tax treaties.
Singapore offers robust support for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs through tailored schemes, including the Global Investor Program (GIP) for high-net-worth individuals seeking Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) and the EntrePass for innovative, venture-backed startup founders.
Data published by the Singapore Department of Statistics reveals that as of June 2023, approximately 1.77 million non-resident foreigners called Singapore home, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s total population.
Singapore offers three immigration pathways for business innovators in 2026: the Employment Pass, the EntrePass, & the Global Investor Programme, which are designed to attract global talent. Each of these programs is administered by a distinct government authority in Singapore.
The Ministry of Manpower Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa that enables foreign business operators, professionals, executives, and company directors to live and work in Singapore. For business owners, it is one of the most practical immigration routes when establishing or expanding a Singapore-incorporated company.
Under this framework, a foreign entrepreneur may register a private limited company in Singapore and apply for an Employment Pass as a director or key executive of that entity.
Approval is primarily based on factors such as salary level, professional qualifications, relevant experience, and the business’s commercial viability.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Ministry of Manpower EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is a specialised Singapore work visa structured for foreign entrepreneurs and innovation-driven investors seeking to establish and operate high-growth businesses in Singapore. The EntrePass is geared toward venture-backed, technology-focused, and scalable enterprises rather than conventional trading or small-scale operations.
As part of Singapore’s broader startup and innovation ecosystem, the EntrePass enables qualified founders to relocate, incorporate a Singapore company, and expand their ventures within a globally respected business environment.
For entrepreneurs targeting market entry in Southeast Asia, the EntrePass Singapore pathway provides both operational legitimacy and a structured immigration framework aligned with growth and innovation.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered eligible, applicants must comply with the following criteria:
The Singapore Economic Development Board Global Investor Programme (GIP) is Singapore’s principal residence-by-investment scheme for established entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent residency.
Administered by the Economic Development Board, the program requires applicants to demonstrate a strong business track record and commit substantial investment into approved business activities or funds in Singapore.
Upon approval and fulfilment of investment conditions, applicants and their immediate family members may obtain Singapore Permanent Residency.
Investment Options:
The applicant must meet one of the three investment options to attain Permanent Residence in Singapore:
Advantages of GIP:
The Global Investor Programme demands a well-prepared documentation package that clearly establishes your business track record and investment intent in Singapore. All required documents must be submitted directly to the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the governing authority responsible for administering the GIP.
The documents required under the Global Investor Programme are as follows:
The EntrePass requires a carefully assembled documentation package that validates your entrepreneurial credentials and the commercial viability of your proposed venture in Singapore. All required documents must be submitted directly to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The documents required under the EntrePass are as follows:
The Employment Pass requires documents that demonstrate professional qualifications, relevant experience, and the legitimacy of your employing entity in Singapore. All required documents must be submitted directly to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The documents required under the Employment Pass are as follows:
These three passes are among the most popular for business innovators, and it is essential to understand their differences. The following table lists all the details about the passes to help you select the most suitable one for your business profile.
| Criteria | Global Investor Programme (GIP) | EntrePass | Employment Pass (EP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Applicant Profile | High-net-worth individuals, established business owners, and family office principals | Startup founders, innovators, venture-backed entrepreneurs | Business owners, directors, senior executives |
| Primary Objective | Direct Singapore Permanent Residency through investment | Build and scale an innovative, high-growth business | Relocate to operate or manage a Singapore company |
| Investment Requirement | Significant qualifying investment into approved business or fund options | No fixed minimum investment, assessed on innovation and viability | No prescribed investment threshold under immigration law |
| Focus | Business track record, net worth, economic contribution | Innovation, scalability, funding or intellectual property credentials | Salary level, qualifications, relevant experience |
| Assessment | Net worth and economic contribution | Funding or intellectual property credentials | Qualifications and relevant experience |
| Residency Outcome | Permanent Residency upon approval (subject to conditions) | Renewable work pass with potential pathway to PR | Renewable work pass with potential pathway to PR |
| Family Eligibility | Immediate family members may be included | Dependent privileges subject to business performance criteria | Dependent privileges subject to salary and regulatory criteria |
| Best Suited For | Investors seeking long-term relocation and capital anchoring | Founders launching technology or innovation-driven ventures | Entrepreneurs expanding existing businesses into Singapore |
In a jurisdiction where regulatory precision determines long-term outcomes, the difference lies in execution.VIVOS provides end-to-end advisory support across the Global Investor Programme, EntrePass, and Employment Pass frameworks, aligning immigration strategy with capital deployment, corporate structuring, and compliance governance.
From eligibility assessment and documentation to post-approval corporate administration, Vivos delivers a discreet, institution-grade service model designed for founders, investors, and principals who expect clarity, efficiency, and long-term continuity in Singapore.
Vivos aligns your investment capacity, business standing, and residency goals to identify the most appropriate immigration pathway into Singapore.
2 January, 2025
2 January, 2025What are the main immigration routes to Singapore for entrepreneurs?
Singapore offers several pathways for business and investment immigration, including the EntrePass, Global Investor Programme (GIP), and work visas for business owners. Your eligibility depends on investment amount, business track record, and residency goals.
Who is eligible for an entrepreneur pass in Singapore?
The Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, innovators, or investors launching venture-backed or high-tech, innovative businesses. Applicants must be at least 21, register a new private limited company (or one less than 6 months old) with ACRA, own at least 30% of the company, and meet specific innovation/funding criteria.
What is the Global Investor Programme (GIP)?
The GIP is designed for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Singapore. Applicants must meet minimum investment requirements and submit a viable business or investment plan to qualify for permanent residency.
What is the difference between an Employment Pass and an EntrePass in Singapore?
The Employment Pass (EP) is intended for foreign professionals, managers, and executives employed by established companies in Singapore, with a qualifying minimum salary requirement of (as of 2025) and above. In contrast, the EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start innovative, venture-backed, or IP-driven businesses in Singapore, with eligibility assessed primarily on the strength of the business model rather than a fixed salary threshold.
How can I determine the best immigration route for my profile?
The ideal route in Singapore depends on your business type, investment capacity, and long-term residency goals. Consulting with immigration experts like VIVOS ensures a tailored strategy and a higher chance of approval.
Are there any restrictions on business activities for EntrePass holders?
Yes, there are specific business activity restrictions for EntrePass holders in Singapore, as the scheme is structured to support innovative, high-growth startups rather than traditional or small-scale commercial businesses.
Can I switch from EntrePass to permanent residency in Singapore?
Yes, you can switch from an EntrePass to Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore, as the EntrePass is designed as a pathway for innovative entrepreneurs to settle in the country. However, this is not automatic and depends heavily on the performance of your business and its contribution to the Singapore economy.
Can a foreign national run a Singapore-registered business without relocating?
Yes, a foreign national can operate a Singapore-registered business without relocating by appointing a local nominee director to meet statutory requirements. While you retain 100% ownership and remote control, you must engage a registered filing agent to incorporate, as foreign nationals cannot self-register and must maintain a local office address.
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