Singapore Residence by Investment

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is Singapore’s residence-by-investment scheme administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). It enables high-net-worth individuals with substantial business track records to obtain Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) by making a significant investment in Singapore’s economy. The programme is designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs, founders of high-growth companies, and family office principals who can contribute to Singapore’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s best countries for business, safety, and quality of life. It offers unrivalled political stability, rule of law, world-class infrastructure, and excellent education and healthcare systems. Singapore’s tax regime is among the most favourable globally, with no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and a flat 17% corporate tax rate. The Singapore passport is ranked the most powerful in the world, providing visa-free access to over 192 destinations. For families, Singapore offers a safe, multicultural, English-speaking environment with top-tier international and public schools — and a strategic position at the heart of the rapidly growing ASEAN economic region.

The programme targets four profiles of applicants. Established business owners must hold at least 30% shareholding in a company with SGD 200 million annual turnover. Next-generation business owners must belong to a family holding at least 30% of a company with SGD 500 million annual turnover. Founders of fast-growth companies must lead a venture valued at SGD 500 million or more, backed by reputable VC or PE firms. Family office principals must possess net investible assets of at least SGD 200 million. All applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record, clear source of funds, and a strong business track record.

The GIP offers three investment options. Option A requires investing a minimum of SGD 10 million in a new or existing business entity in Singapore. Option B requires investing a minimum of SGD 25 million in a GIP-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies. Option C requires establishing a Singapore-based Single Family Office with assets under management of at least SGD 200 million, with at least SGD 50 million deployed into qualifying investment categories such as equities listed on Singapore-approved exchanges, REITs, or company trusts.

GIP permanent residents enjoy the right to live, work, and study in Singapore without requiring separate work permits. They gain access to Singapore’s subsidised public education and national healthcare system. PR holders benefit from Singapore’s favourable tax regime — no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and progressive personal income tax rates. Family members including spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the same application. After a minimum of two years, holders may apply for Singapore citizenship, which grants access to the world’s most powerful passport.

The typical processing time from application submission to Approval-in-Principle is approximately six to twelve months, provided all required documentation is submitted completely. After receiving the Approval-in-Principle, applicants have six months to fulfil the qualifying investment. The total end-to-end timeline from initial submission to receiving the PR card is approximately nine to eighteen months. Engaging an experienced advisory firm and ensuring thorough documentation from the outset can help minimise delays.

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years of age at the time of application can be included as dependants in your GIP application and receive PR status alongside you. Parents, parents-in-law, and children aged 21 and above are not eligible for inclusion under the GIP but may apply separately for a Long-Term Visit Pass. Male dependants granted PR status will be subject to Singapore’s National Service obligations.

Singapore does not impose a strict minimum number of days that PR holders must spend in the country. However, to renew the five-year Re-Entry Permit — which is necessary to maintain PR status while travelling abroad — the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority assesses factors including the frequency and duration of stays in Singapore, whether Singapore is the primary place of residence, economic contributions, family ties, and community integration. For Option A investors, employing at least 30 workers (with at least half being Singaporean citizens) is a condition for REP renewal.

Applicants must provide certified copies of passports for the applicant and all dependants, three years of audited financial statements of the applicant’s company, proof of shareholding and management role, a detailed five-year business plan (for Option A), evidence of net worth and source of funds, educational certificates, professional references, and any additional documents specified in the EDB’s official checklist. All documents must be certified and, where applicable, translated into English.

Yes. After holding Singapore Permanent Residence for a minimum of two years, you may apply for citizenship by naturalisation. The ICA evaluates applications based on length of residence, economic contributions, family ties, and integration into Singaporean society. Singapore does not permit dual citizenship — applicants must renounce all other citizenships upon becoming a Singapore citizen. Citizenship grants access to the Singapore passport, currently ranked the most powerful in the world with visa-free access to 192+ destinations.

Singapore PR holders who are tax residents enjoy progressive personal income tax rates from 0% to 24%. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance or estate tax, and no tax on foreign-sourced income not remitted to Singapore. The corporate tax rate is a flat 17%, one of the lowest in the developed world. Singapore maintains over 90 double taxation agreements, which can significantly reduce the tax burden for investors with global business interests. New companies may qualify for partial tax exemptions and startup relief schemes.

The non-refundable application processing fee is SGD 20,000, payable to the Economic Development Board at the time of submission. In addition to the application fee, applicants should budget for professional advisory fees, legal costs, document certification and translation, and the qualifying investment itself — a minimum of SGD 10 million for Option A, SGD 25 million for Option B, or the establishment of a family office with SGD 200 million in assets under management for Option C.

Singapore’s GIP is one of the most prestigious and selective residence-by-investment programmes globally. While the minimum investment threshold is significantly higher than programmes in the Caribbean or Southern Europe, it offers permanent residence in one of the world’s most developed, stable, and business-friendly nations. The programme provides a clear pathway to the world’s most powerful passport. Singapore’s zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, low corporate tax rate, and strategic position as the gateway to Asia’s fastest-growing markets make it a uniquely compelling proposition for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.