Short answer: It depends on your pass. An EntrePass is the route for founders of venture-backed or innovative-technology companies. A Dependant's Pass holder can apply for a Letter of Consent after registering the business. An Employment Pass holder must first get a Letter of Consent from MOM. Check with your pass issuer before you register.
Last checked against ACRA and MOM pages on 31 October 2026. MOM's rules change, so confirm before you act.
What ACRA and MOM say for each pass
| Your situation | What ACRA and MOM say | Source |
|---|---|---|
| You want to move to Singapore to run a venture-backed or innovative-tech company | Apply for an EntrePass before incorporation or within six months of setting up. MOM requires an ACRA-registered private limited company in which you hold at least 30%, plus one qualifying criterion. | ACRA · MOM |
| You hold a Dependant's Pass (DP) | Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) after you register the business. MOM lets DP holders apply if they are a sole proprietor, a partner, or a company director with at least 30% of the shares. | ACRA · MOM |
| You hold an Employment Pass (EP) | ACRA says EP holders must first seek a Letter of Consent from MOM. MOM says a directorship in another company needs an LOC. | ACRA · MOM |
| You hold another work pass | ACRA says to check with your pass issuer (MOM or ICA) on whether you can register or run a business. | ACRA |
| You live overseas and are not moving | Foreigners must engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to reserve the name and register the business, and the company needs a local resident. ACRA says a work pass is needed if you move to Singapore to run the business. | ACRA · MOM |
EntrePass: what MOM asks for
MOM describes the EntrePass as intended for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators or experienced investors who want to operate a business that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies. It is open to all nationalities. You must have started, or intend to start, an ACRA-registered private limited company in which you hold at least 30%, and meet at least one of these criteria:
- Raised at least SGD 100,000 from a single funding round from investors, for any past or current business.
- The business is or will be supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator or accelerator.
- You founded and sold a venture-backed or innovative-technology business.
- The registered or proposed business holds intellectual property registered with an approved national IP institution.
- The business has a relevant ongoing research collaboration in Singapore with an institute of higher learning or research institution.
MOM also lists businesses that are not eligible, including coffee shops, hawker centres and food courts; bars, night clubs and karaoke lounges; foot reflexology and massage parlours; acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal dispensing businesses; employment agencies; and geomancy businesses. If your company is more than 12 months old when you apply, MOM assesses you against the renewal criteria. Source: MOM.
Dependant's Pass holders: the Letter of Consent
A DP holder who wants to operate a business can apply to MOM for a Letter of Consent. To be eligible, you must be one of: a sole proprietor, a partner, or a company director with at least 30% shareholding in the company (or a member of a company limited by guarantee). ACRA says to apply after you register the business.
To renew the LOC, MOM says you need at least three months of validity left on your Dependant's Pass and at least one Singaporean or permanent resident employee who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary and has received CPF contributions for at least three consecutive months before you apply. A first-time LOC lasts for the shorter of one year or the expiry of your DP. It stops being valid if the DP is cancelled or expires, or the business is no longer active. Source: MOM.
Employment Pass holders: be careful before you register
MOM says an EP holder can be registered as a director in another company only with a Letter of Consent. MOM generally allows secondary directorships in related companies, such as a subsidiary, when they are critical to the job. For an unrelated company, a sector government agency that regulates or promotes the industry assesses the LOC application, and MOM may grant it if the agency supports the application. MOM generally grants a secondary-directorship LOC only where the companies are related by shareholding, shown in ACRA records, and the role relates to your primary employment. MOM FAQ · MOM secondary directorship.
ACRA's advice for any FIN holder is to check with the pass issuer before you register a business name or accept a role. Source: ACRA.
What the company needs whatever pass you hold
- A local resident. Every business must have at least one local resident. ACRA lists Singapore citizens, permanent residents and valid holders of an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass. (ACRA)
- A registered CSP, if you are a foreigner. Foreigners must engage a CSP to reserve the name and register the company. (ACRA)
- A company secretary within six months of registration. (ACRA)
- ACRA fees of S$315: S$15 for the name and S$300 for registration. (ACRA)
Where AAA fits in
We incorporate and look after the company side: ACRA registration, company secretary, registers and annual filings. Our incorporation package is S$468 all-in, including the S$315 ACRA fees; the company secretary renewal is S$360 / year, all-in, incl. S$60 ACRA annual return fee; our other packages are on the pricing page. AAA does not apply for work passes or give immigration advice. This page only summarises what ACRA and MOM publish. Pass rules and decisions are MOM's: see MOM: passes and permits.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Employment Pass holder start their own company in Singapore?
ACRA says Employment Pass holders must first seek a Letter of Consent from MOM, and MOM says a directorship in another company needs an LOC. For unrelated companies, a sector government agency assesses the application. MOM's pages set out the rules.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder be a company director?
A DP holder who wants to operate a business applies for a Letter of Consent. MOM lets company directors with at least 30% shareholding apply. ACRA says to apply after registering the business, and renewal requires hiring a Singaporean or permanent resident.
Do I need venture funding to get an EntrePass?
Not always, but MOM requires one qualifying criterion: for example, SGD 100,000 raised in a single round, support from a recognised incubator or accelerator, a founded-and-sold tech business, registered IP, or a Singapore research collaboration. You also need at least 30% of the company.
Can I own a Singapore company from overseas without a pass?
ACRA lets foreigners register a company through a registered CSP, provided there is a local resident. ACRA says a work pass is needed if you move to Singapore to run the business; MOM's pages explain the passes.
When should I apply for an EntrePass: before or after incorporating?
ACRA says to apply for an EntrePass before incorporation or within six months of setting up. MOM assesses a company older than 12 months against its renewal criteria.
Does AAA apply for work passes?
No. AAA incorporates and keeps your company compliant, and does not give immigration advice. Pass applications are decided by MOM; its eligibility rules are on the MOM website.
Sources
- ACRA: Step 1, requirements and eligibility (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: Step 4.3, choosing company directors and other key officers (last updated 29 Jan 2026)
- ACRA: Step 4.6, registering a local company via Bizfile
- MOM: EntrePass eligibility
- MOM: LOC for Dependant's Pass holders who are business owners, eligibility
- MOM FAQ: can EP holders be registered as directors in another company?
- MOM: taking up secondary directorship
- MOM: passes and permits
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with ACRA, MOM and IRAS and your own advisers.
Related guides
- How to Register a Singapore Company as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
- Register a Singapore Company as a Malaysian (2026 Guide)
- Company Secretary Cost in Singapore: What to Compare (2026)
Talk to AAA Corporate Services
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