Singapore Global Investor ProgrammeOverview
The GIP is Singapore's only investment-linked route to permanent residence. It is run by Contact Singapore within the Economic Development Board, while the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority grants the resulting PR status. Applications are assessed holistically, and approval is at the government's discretion; meeting the published thresholds is necessary but not sufficient.
Applicants must first fit one of four profiles. Established business owners need a substantial entrepreneurial track record and a company with turnover of at least S$200 million in the most recent year and on average over the preceding three years. Next-generation business owners must be immediate family members of an owner whose company has turnover of at least S$500 million and be part of its management. Founders of fast-growth companies need a company valued at S$500 million or more and backed by reputable investors. Family office principals need an investment or business track record and net investible assets of at least S$200 million.
Once a profile is met, the applicant chooses an investment option. Option A requires at least S$10 million in a new business or the expansion of an existing business in Singapore. Option B requires at least S$25 million in a GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies. Option C requires at least S$50 million placed in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office with assets under management of at least S$200 million, deployed into qualifying categories.
The PR is issued with a five-year Re-Entry Permit. Renewal for a further term is linked to whether the investment commitment and any business plan milestones, such as hiring and business spending, have been met, and to the investor or included dependants spending meaningful time in Singapore. The March 2023 revision raised thresholds and strengthened these ongoing obligations; we are not aware of further published changes in 2025-2026, but criteria are reviewed periodically and must be confirmed with EDB before filing.
Key benefits
- Permanent residence in a leading financial centre with rule-of-law certainty
- Inclusion of spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same application
- Eligibility for long-term passes for parents
- A natural base for a single family office, regional holding company or operating business
- Access to Singapore banking, schooling and healthcare on a resident basis
- A potential pathway to citizenship applications at the government's discretion after a period of PR residence
Requirements
- Fit within one of the four applicant profiles: established business owner, next-generation business owner, founder of a fast-growth company or family office principal
- Established business owners: company turnover of at least S$200m in the latest year and averaged over three years, with a significant shareholding
- Next-generation business owners: immediate family of the owner of a company with at least S$500m turnover, and a management role
- Fast-growth founders: company valued at S$500m or more and backed by reputable investment firms
- Family office principals: net investible assets of at least S$200m and a substantial track record
- Commit capital under Option A, B or C within the required timeframe after approval in principle
- Submit a business or investment plan with credible milestones
- Satisfy background, source-of-wealth and character checks
- Meet residence and investment-maintenance conditions for Re-Entry Permit renewal
Investment options
Option A – Business investment
S$10,000,000
Invest in a new business entity or expand an existing business operation in Singapore, with a five-year business plan covering hiring and spending targets.
Option B – GIP-select fund
S$25,000,000
Invest in an approved GIP-select fund that deploys capital into Singapore-based companies.
Option C – Single family office
S$50,000,000
Place at least S$50m in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office with assets under management of at least S$200m, invested in qualifying categories.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Profile and readiness review
We review the applicant's companies, financial statements and family structure against the GIP profiles before engaging with EDB.
- 2
Business or investment plan
A detailed plan is prepared for the chosen option, together with audited accounts and source-of-wealth evidence.
- 3
Submission to Contact Singapore
The application is filed with EDB, which may request further information or an interview.
- 4
Approval in principle
If successful, the applicant receives approval in principle and must make the investment within the stipulated period.
- 5
Proof of investment and PR formalities
Evidence of the investment is submitted and PR is finalised with ICA for the applicant and included family members.
- 6
Ongoing compliance and renewal
Milestones and residence are tracked through the five-year term to support Re-Entry Permit renewal.
Typical documents
- Passports and identity documents for the applicant and family members
- Audited financial statements of the applicant's company for the past three years
- Shareholding and corporate structure documentation
- Evidence of net investible assets for the family office profile
- Detailed business plan or family office investment plan
- Curriculum vitae and evidence of entrepreneurial or investment track record
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependants
- Source-of-wealth and source-of-funds documentation
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps applicants assess, candidly, whether they meet a GIP profile before time and cost are committed. We coordinate preparation of the business or family office plan, organise financial and source-of-wealth evidence, liaise with Singapore corporate and fund advisers, and set up a compliance calendar for investment, hiring and residence milestones. We integrate Singapore residence into the family's wider succession, governance and tax planning, with strict confidentiality throughout.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is the investment alone enough to qualify?
No. The applicant must first meet one of the GIP profiles, which focus on business track record or, for family office principals, investible assets of at least S$200m. The investment option is a second requirement.
Can I include my family?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the PR application. Parents may be considered for long-term visit passes.
What happens after five years?
The Re-Entry Permit must be renewed. EDB and ICA consider whether the investment commitment and business milestones were met and whether the investor or dependants have resided in Singapore.
Can a single family office be used for other immigration routes?
Singapore family offices can also support employment passes for professionals, but the GIP is the route that leads directly to permanent residence for the principal.
Does the GIP lead to citizenship?
PR holders may apply for citizenship after a period of residence, but approval is discretionary and Singapore does not permit dual citizenship for adults naturalising.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary with complexity and EDB's assessment. Clients should plan for several months from submission to approval in principle, followed by the investment period.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
