Singapore Permanent Residency

What is the Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP)?

The Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows qualified foreign investors and entrepreneurs to fast-track permanent residency (PR) in Singapore. By making a qualifying investment of SGD 10 million or more, investors and their immediate family members gain the right to live, work, and study in Singapore permanently. The GIP targets four investor profiles: established business owners, next-generation business owners, founders of fast-growth companies, and family office principals.

Who is eligible for the Singapore Global Investor Programme?

There are four eligibility tracks. Eligibility A — Established Business Owners: at least 3 years of entrepreneurial track record, with a company generating annual turnover of at least SGD 200 million on average over the last 3 years and in the past year (up to 2 businesses can be consolidated). If privately owned, the applicant must hold at least 30%; if publicly listed, must be one of the largest individual shareholders. Eligibility B — Next Generation Business Owners: immediate family holds at least 30% or is the largest shareholder of a company with SGD 500 million+ annual turnover, and the applicant is part of management. Eligibility C — Founders of Fast Growth Companies: founder and one of the largest shareholders of a non-publicly listed company valued at SGD 500 million+, backed by reputable VC or PE firms. Eligibility D — Family Office Principals: at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment, or management track record with net investible assets of at least SGD 200 million.

What are the investment options for the Singapore GIP?

There are three qualifying investment routes. Option A — New Business Investment: invest SGD 10 million in a new business entity or expansion of an existing business in Singapore, with at least 30% ownership in an approved sector. Open to Eligibility A, B, or C applicants. Option B — GIP-Select Fund: invest SGD 25 million in a government-approved GIP-select fund. Open to Eligibility A, B, or C applicants. Option C — Single-Family Office: establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with at least SGD 200 million in Assets Under Management, of which at least SGD 50 million must be deployed in Singapore across approved asset classes. Open to all four eligibility tracks including Eligibility D.

What are the approved business sectors for the Singapore GIP?

Approved sectors include: Aerospace Engineering, Alternative Energy and Clean Technology, Automotive, Chemicals, Consumer Business, Electronics, Energy, Engineering Services, Healthcare, InfoComm Products and Services, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Marine and Offshore Engineering, Natural Resources, Media and Entertainment, Medical Technology, Nanotechnology, Safety and Security, Space, Shipping, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Precision Engineering, Professional Services, Arts Businesses, Sports Businesses, Family Offices, and Financial Services.

How long does the Singapore GIP application process take?

The Singapore GIP process takes approximately 6 to 9 months in total. An Approval in Principle (AIP) is typically issued within approximately 12 months of application. Once AIP is received, the qualifying investment must be made within 6 months. Final PR approval is granted upon proof of the qualifying investment. The applicant must then move to Singapore and complete permanent residence formalities within 12 months of final approval.

Who can be included as dependents in a Singapore GIP application?

A legally married spouse and financially dependent children under 21 (including adopted children) can be included as dependents and receive permanent residency alongside the main applicant. Parents and children over 21 are not eligible for PR under the GIP but can apply for a 5-year long-term visit pass separately.

What is the Re-Entry Permit (REP) and how is it renewed?

Upon obtaining PR, a Re-Entry Permit (REP) is issued for 5 years, allowing the PR holder to maintain their status when travelling outside Singapore. Upon expiry, the REP is renewed for either 3 or 5 years depending on conditions met. For a 5-year renewal under Option A, the business must employ at least 30 staff with at least 10 incremental hires (at least half Singapore Citizens), or the applicant or dependents must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time. For Option B, the SGD 25 million fund investment must be maintained, or the residency condition met. For Option C, the Single-Family Office must employ at least 5 incremental professionals (at least 3 Singapore Citizens) with SGD 50 million AUM maintained, or the residency condition met.

When can Singapore GIP holders apply for citizenship?

GIP permanent residents may apply for Singapore citizenship after at least 2 years of holding PR status. Singapore does not permit dual citizenship — applicants must renounce all existing citizenships upon naturalisation as a Singapore citizen. This is an important consideration for applicants from countries that also do not permit renunciation or that impose significant consequences for doing so.

Are Singapore GIP holders subject to worldwide taxation?

No. Singapore does not tax overseas income that is not earned in or remitted to Singapore. GIP holders are only subject to Singapore income tax on income earned within Singapore. This territorial tax system, combined with Singapore's extensive network of double tax treaties, makes it one of the most tax-efficient residency jurisdictions in Asia for internationally mobile investors.

Do I need to prove the source of my investment funds for the Singapore GIP?

Yes. Applicants must provide verified evidence of their wealth and audited company financial reports as part of the due diligence process. The GIP has stringent eligibility requirements and the Economic Development Board (EDB) conducts thorough background assessments. The investment cannot be transferred to family members included under the program.

How does the Singapore GIP compare to the Hong Kong New CIES?

Both are premium Asian investor residency programs targeting high-net-worth individuals, but they differ significantly in structure. The Singapore GIP requires active business involvement — applicants must be established entrepreneurs, founders, or family office principals with a verifiable business track record. The Hong Kong New CIES is a purely passive investment program requiring HKD 30 million in financial assets with no business track record requirement. Singapore GIP investments start at SGD 10 million and require ongoing employment and business performance commitments for REP renewal. Singapore also does not permit dual citizenship, while Hong Kong permanent residency does not affect existing citizenship. The right choice depends on the investor's business profile and long-term objectives.