Singapore

Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) Overview

The Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) is open to established entrepreneurs, business owners, and family office principals who invest at least SGD 10,000,000 (approx. US$7,500,000) in Singapore, who then qualify for Singapore Permanent Residence. 

The main applicant can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents in the PR application. Parents and unmarried children aged 21 and above may apply for a five-year Long-Term Visit Pass. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have a substantial business track record and a successful entrepreneurial background to qualify. 

Three investor profiles and three corresponding investment options are available, as follows: 

Applicant Profile Requirements

Applicants must fall into one of the following profiles:

• Established Business Owner: At least three years of entrepreneurial or business track record; company turnover of at least SGD 200,000,000 (approx. US$150,000,000) per year on average over the last three years and in the most recent year; minimum 30% ownership if the company is privately held
• Next Generation Business Owner: Part of a family-run business holding at least 30% family ownership, with company turnover of at least SGD 500,000,000 (approx. US$375,000,000) per year on average over the last three years; actively involved as a director, C-suite executive, or board member
• Founder of a Fast-Growth Company: Founded a company valued at SGD 500,000,000 (approx. US$375,000,000) or more; one of the largest individual shareholders
• Family Office Principal: Holds at least SGD 200,000,000 (approx. US$150,000,000) in investable assets and intends to establish a Single-Family Office in Singapore

Investment Options

Option A: Business Investment

• Invest at least SGD 10,000,000 (approx. US$7,500,000) in a new or existing business entity or existing business operation in a qualifying industry in Singapore
• Must hire a minimum of 30 employees in Singapore within five years, at least half of whom must be Singapore Citizens, with at least 10 being new hires, to qualify for REP renewal

Option B: GIP-Select Fund

• Invest at least SGD 25,000,000 (approx. US$18,750,000) in a GIP-select fund shortlisted by the EDB based on track record, investment mandate, and sectoral focus
• The fund must invest in Singapore-based companies
• Investment must be made within six months of receiving Approval-in-Principle

Option C: Single-Family Office

• Establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with assets under management of at least SGD 200,000,000 (approx. US$150,000,000)
• At least SGD 50,000,000 (approx. US$37,500,000) must be deployed into qualifying Singapore-based investments

Route to Citizenship

The GIP confers Permanent Residence directly. After holding PR status for a minimum of two years, GIP holders may apply for Singapore citizenship through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). 

Citizenship approval is entirely at the discretion of the ICA and is assessed on individual merit. Factors include economic contribution, length of residence, family ties, and integration into Singapore society. 

There is no guaranteed pathway and no statutory right to citizenship after two years; the two-year mark is simply the earliest point of eligibility.

Singapore does not permit dual citizenship. Applicants who are granted Singapore citizenship must renounce all prior nationalities. This is a firm requirement with no exceptions and is a critical consideration for applicants from countries that do not permit renunciation or that impose significant consequences for doing so.

Mobility and Taxation

Mobility

Singapore citizens can access 192 destinations visa-free or visa-on-arrival, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and Canada. 

As a GIP Permanent Resident, holders gain the right to live, work, and study in Singapore, access to public services, and the right to travel in and out of Singapore using the Re-Entry Permit.

Tax

Singapore operates a territorial tax system. Singapore residents are taxed only on income earned in Singapore and on foreign income remitted to or received in Singapore. 

Foreign income that is not remitted to Singapore is not subject to Singapore income tax. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or estate duty in Singapore. 

Corporate income tax is capped at 17%. GIP holders who become tax residents in Singapore benefit from this territorial framework, which is particularly advantageous for internationally mobile investors with income streams across multiple jurisdictions. 

Singapore has an extensive network of over 90 double taxation treaties. 

How to Apply

The GIP application fee is SGD 20,000 (approx. US$15,000). The process typically runs as follows:

The GIP is administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), with Permanent Residence formalities handled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). 

• Step 1: Download and complete all required application forms from the EDB’s official GIP portal and compile supporting documentation, including audited business financials for the past three years, proof of business ownership, a detailed investment plan, and a curriculum vitae.
• Step 2: Submit the completed application with all supporting documents and pay the non-refundable processing fee of SGD 100 (approx. US$75) per applicant to the ICA.
• Step 3: Attend an interview with the EDB; processing takes approximately 12 months from the date of complete submission.
• Step 4: Receive the Approval-in-Principle from the ICA, valid for six months.
• Step 5: Complete the qualifying investment within six months of the AIP and submit documentary proof to the EDB.
• Step 6: Finalize Permanent Residence in Singapore within 12 months of final approval by completing the required formalities with the ICA.