Singapore Self-Employed EP vs EntrePass: Differences and Comparison

Singapore Self-Employed EP vs EntrePass - which is better? Singapore's Self-Employed Employment Pass (EP) and EntrePass are both common work visa types for foreigners setting up companies in Singapore or conducting business. However, these two differ significantly in application requirements, flexibility, renewal requirements, and dependent benefits.

Based on practical experience analysis, Singapore Self-Employed EP is highly recommended, because Self-Employed EP has lower requirements and is more convenient to operate than EntrePass in terms of application, renewal, and dependent's pass, while Self-Employed EP is no less advantageous than EntrePass in terms of status and rights, and may even be superior.

The following will comprehensively compare the differences between Singapore Self-Employed EP and EntrePass from multiple dimensions to help potential applicants choose the appropriate pass type.

1. Application Requirements Comparison

Pass Type	Application Requirements
Self-Employed EP	1. Applicants need to establish a company in Singapore and hold an executive position. 2. After company registration, the company must pay the applicant at least SGD 5,000/month salary (higher for financial industry) to prove the authenticity and necessity of the executive position. 3. No special requirements for industry or innovation, relatively flexible application.
EntrePass	1. For foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative enterprises in Singapore. 2. Must submit a detailed business plan demonstrating the enterprise's innovation, growth potential, and contribution to Singapore's economy. 3. Enterprise must be involved in high-growth sectors such as information technology, clean energy, biotechnology, digitalization, etc. 4. No salary requirement before company establishment, but must demonstrate enterprise growth potential and local employment opportunities.

Pass Type

Application Requirements

Self-Employed EP

1. Applicants need to establish a company in Singapore and hold an executive position.
2. After company registration, the company must pay the applicant at least SGD 5,000/month salary (higher for financial industry) to prove the authenticity and necessity of the executive position.
3. No special requirements for industry or innovation, relatively flexible application.

EntrePass

1. For foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative enterprises in Singapore.
2. Must submit a detailed business plan demonstrating the enterprise's innovation, growth potential, and contribution to Singapore's economy.
3. Enterprise must be involved in high-growth sectors such as information technology, clean energy, biotechnology, digitalization, etc.
4. No salary requirement before company establishment, but must demonstrate enterprise growth potential and local employment opportunities.

Difference Analysis:
Self-Employed EP has a relatively lower application threshold, especially suitable for applicants who wish to establish companies as freelancers or traditional business founders. EntrePass is more suitable for entrepreneurs with innovative business plans, especially those with significant innovation in technology, R&D, and other high-growth industries.

2. Flexibility Comparison

Pass Type	Flexibility
Self-Employed EP	Self-Employed EP holders can freely manage their company and also provide consulting services or hold advisory positions for different companies. The application process is relatively simple with no industry restrictions.
EntrePass	EntrePass has strict restrictions on the applicant's business type and industry. Applications must demonstrate innovation and growth potential, and renewal has strict requirements for company performance, particularly clear regulations on local employee hiring and business expenditure.

Difference Analysis:
Self-Employed EP provides more freedom for holders, with a simple and flexible application process, especially suitable for those in traditional industries or freelancers. While EntrePass offers longer-term development opportunities, the application and operation process has stricter requirements, particularly suitable for entrepreneurs in high-tech and innovative fields.

3. Renewal Requirements Comparison

Pass Type	Renewal Requirements
Self-Employed EP	For renewal, the company must maintain normal operations and pay the applicant at least SGD 5,000/month salary. Company performance requirements are relatively lenient; applicants only need to prove they continue to hold an executive position and meet salary requirements.
EntrePass	For renewal, the company must meet certain performance standards, such as hiring local employees and meeting annual business expenditure requirements. 1. First renewal (after 2 years): Must hire at least 3 local employees or 1 local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians), and achieve at least SGD 100,000 annual business expenditure. 2. Subsequent renewals have higher requirements, requiring more employees and increased expenditure.

Pass Type

Renewal Requirements

Self-Employed EP

For renewal, the company must maintain normal operations and pay the applicant at least SGD 5,000/month salary. Company performance requirements are relatively lenient; applicants only need to prove they continue to hold an executive position and meet salary requirements.

EntrePass

For renewal, the company must meet certain performance standards, such as hiring local employees and meeting annual business expenditure requirements.
1. First renewal (after 2 years): Must hire at least 3 local employees or 1 local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians), and achieve at least SGD 100,000 annual business expenditure.
2. Subsequent renewals have higher requirements, requiring more employees and increased expenditure.

Difference Analysis:
Self-Employed EP renewal is relatively lenient, only requiring proof of normal company operations and that the applicant's position and salary meet standards. EntrePass has strict renewal requirements, particularly clear standards for local employee hiring and business expenditure, suitable for entrepreneurs planning long-term development in Singapore and creating employment opportunities.

4. Dependent's Pass Comparison

Pass Type	Dependent's Pass
Self-Employed EP	Self-Employed EP holders can apply for Dependent's Pass for spouse and unmarried children under 21. Spouses holding Dependent's Pass can work in Singapore by applying for Letter of Consent (LOC).
EntrePass	EntrePass holders cannot immediately apply for Dependent's Pass for family members during the initial company establishment period. They must wait until the enterprise operates and meets hiring and expenditure standards before applying for Dependent's Pass for spouse and unmarried children under 21. Only after the enterprise operates for at least one year and achieves hiring 3 local employees or 1 local PMET can they apply for Dependent's Pass.

Pass Type

Dependent's Pass

Self-Employed EP

Self-Employed EP holders can apply for Dependent's Pass for spouse and unmarried children under 21. Spouses holding Dependent's Pass can work in Singapore by applying for Letter of Consent (LOC).

EntrePass

EntrePass holders cannot immediately apply for Dependent's Pass for family members during the initial company establishment period. They must wait until the enterprise operates and meets hiring and expenditure standards before applying for Dependent's Pass for spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Only after the enterprise operates for at least one year and achieves hiring 3 local employees or 1 local PMET can they apply for Dependent's Pass.

Difference Analysis:
Self-Employed EP holders can apply for passes for dependents earlier, and spouses can quickly obtain work opportunities in Singapore; EntrePass dependent's pass applications have strict company operation conditions, requiring certain enterprise development before applying for dependent passes, making EntrePass relatively inconvenient for family living arrangements.

5. Overall Comparison Summary

Item	Self-Employed EP	EntrePass
Target Audience	Freelancers, traditional entrepreneurs	Innovative entrepreneurs, high-tech industry founders
Industry Restrictions	No industry restrictions	Must be in innovative and high-growth sectors
Application Difficulty	Relatively easy application	Must submit business plan, strict review
Flexibility	Flexible application and work, suitable for multi-sector entrepreneurship	Significant industry restrictions, strict renewal requirements
Dependent's Pass	Spouse can apply for dependent's pass and quickly obtain work opportunities	Can only apply for dependent's pass after one year of enterprise operation

Self-Employed EP is more suitable for those who wish to establish traditional businesses in Singapore or are freelancers, offering higher flexibility and convenience, while EntrePass is more suitable for entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in innovative, high-tech sectors.