Singapore EntrePass vs Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)
A factual side-by-side comparison of two residency programmes. All figures are drawn from the canonical program pages — follow either link in the table header for sources and the full profile.
Key Differences at a Glance
- ›Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is faster: 1 months vs 2 months for Singapore EntrePass.
Singapore EntrePass Singapore · entrepreneur | Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) Singapore · skilled worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Singapore | Singapore |
| Category | Entrepreneur | Skilled Worker |
| Application Fee | $150 | $110 |
| Minimum Income | — | $22,000 /mo |
| Minimum Investment | — | — |
| Processing Time | 2 months | 1 months |
| Family Included | Dependant's Pass available for spouse and children under 21; Long-Term Visit Pass available for parents and parents-in-law. | Dependant's Pass for spouse and children; spouse may work in Singapore without needing a separate work pass. |
| Path to PR | Yes — 2 years | Yes — 2 years |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes — 8 years | Yes — 8 years |
| Physical Presence | Must actively manage the business in Singapore; substantial physical presence required for renewal. | Must live in Singapore for the majority of the 5-year pass period; renewal requires demonstrating continued engagement with Singapore. |
| Dual Citizenship | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Tax Impact | Singapore taxes income sourced in Singapore; foreign-sourced income remitted to Singapore may also be taxable. No capital gains tax. | Holders are Singapore tax residents subject to Singapore income tax on locally sourced income. The territory's flat and progressive rates are among the most competitive in Asia. |
| Tax Residency Trigger | 183 days/yr | 183 days/yr |
| Worldwide Taxation | Territorial | Territorial |
| Renewal Cost | $150 | $110 |
About Singapore EntrePass
The Singapore EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate innovative, scalable businesses in Singapore. Applicants must either have secured funding from a recognized venture capital firm, be supported by a Singapore government-linked incubator, or possess a strong track record in entrepreneurship or intellectual property. The pass is renewable every one to two years and can serve as a stepping stone toward Singapore permanent residency.
Full Singapore EntrePass profile →About Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)
The Singapore ONE Pass, launched in January 2023, is a five-year pass for the world's top talent — whether in business, arts, sports, science, or academia. Unlike the Employment Pass, ONE Pass holders are not tied to a single employer and can work for multiple companies simultaneously or start their own business without a separate EntrePass. It is designed for individuals earning SGD $30,000 or more per month or those with globally recognized exceptional achievements.
Full Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) profile →Gotchas to Watch For
Singapore EntrePass
- ⚠The "VC funding" qualifier must be from a MOM-recognised, MAS-licensed investor — a term sheet from an unrecognised angel or family investment will be rejected
- ⚠EntrePass renewal is NOT automatic — MOM expects demonstrable business progress at each renewal. No progress = no pass
- ⚠Singapore does NOT allow dual citizenship — naturalisation requires full renunciation
- ⚠There is no minimum salary requirement for EntrePass (unlike Employment Pass) — but personal financial viability is assessed
- ⚠EntrePass holders do NOT qualify for CPF contributions (personal) — no CPF for your own retirement unless hiring Singapore citizens/PRs
- ⚠Business plan must show Singapore-specific operations; companies that simply "relocate" without local activity are rejected
- ⚠Spouse/children on Dependant's Pass can work in Singapore (spouse may apply for Letter of Consent to work without separate EP)
Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)
- ⚠SGD 30,000/month is the firm fixed-salary threshold — bonuses, RSUs, variable pay, and equity do not count toward this figure
- ⚠ONE Pass is employer-flexible but NOT employer-independent entirely — you still need to be working for a Singapore entity or operating a Singapore business to justify your presence
- ⚠Singapore does NOT allow dual citizenship — renunciation required if naturalising
- ⚠At SGD 360,000/year, Singapore income tax is approximately SGD 60,000-70,000/year — still lower than most Western countries but substantial
- ⚠COMPASS framework does NOT apply to ONE Pass — unlike the standard EP, no points system is used; it is salary or achievement only
- ⚠Spouse of ONE Pass holder can work in Singapore without a separate work pass — a major practical benefit not available on standard EP at lower salary tiers
- ⚠Achievement track is opaque — MOM does not publish specific criteria; rejections with no explanation are possible
Neutral reference — we don't recommend one programme over another. Programmes change: always verify each detail against the official source linked on the individual program pages.