What’s in this article
The Global Investor Programme (GIP), also known as the investor visa, was first introduced in 2004. This grants Singapore permanent residency (PR) to wealthy investors who wish to relocate to Singapore. It is jointly administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and is only applicable to investors and entrepreneurs who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for this scheme.
What is the Global Investor Programme (GIP)?
With the Global Investor Programme (GIP), business owners or investors can fast-track their PR simply by investing 10 million SGD into a start-up business, Global Investor Programme Fund, or a Family Office. It also fast-tracks Singaporean Citizenship by investment with a short waiting time of 2 years after securing a GIP visa.
On top of having sufficient funds (the 10 million SGD investment) entrepreneurial abilities must be showcased to the relevant authorities by providing an outstanding track record. This includes a well-thought-out investment plan and a credible business proposal to earn PR status in Singapore.
Eligibility for the Global Investor Programme (GIP)
Any business owner, entrepreneur, or established investor can apply for their PR directly through the Global Investor Programme (GIP). Besides this, they will need to meet the criteria listed below:
| Position | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Established Business Owners |
|
| Next Generation Business Owner |
|
| Founders of Fast Growth Companies |
|
| Family Office Principals |
|
Application Process for the Global Investor Programme (GIP)
Step 1
GIP application forms are sent by the applicant to Contact Singapore. The applicant will be invited to an interview with officers at Contact Singapore if all provided documents are in order.
Step 2
If the applicant meets all evaluation requirements, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will grant him or her an Approval in-Principle (AIP) status. Within six months of receiving the AIP letter, the applicant must make the required investments under the chosen investment option. All investment papers such as share certificates must be submitted to Contact Singapore after the investment is made.
Step 3
ICA will issue the final approval letter after Contact Singapore has received the investment documents. Within a year of receiving the final approved letter, the applicant must formalize his or her PR status in Singapore.
Permanent Residence for Family Members
Individuals under the Global Investor Programme (GIP) can apply for permanent residency for their direct family members. However, criteria listed below must be met:
Investment Options for the Global Investor Programme (GIP)
Individuals under the Global Investor Programme (GIP) have a total of 3 investment options.
Option 1
- Invest a minimum amount either to start a new business or to expand an existing business in Singapore.
- One must show an investment amount of at least SGD10 million, including paid-up capital.
Option 2:
- Invest a minimum amount in a GIP-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
- A minimum investment of SGD25 million is required.
- Funds are chosen based on a comprehensive assessment of factors.
Option 3:
- Set up a single-family office based in Singapore with a minimum amount of managed assets.
- Applicants must establish a Singapore-based single-family office with at least SGD200 million in assets being managed.
- Of this, at least SGD50 million must be deployed in any of these 4 investment categories:
Investment Sectors for the Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible business sectors, in which an individual can invest, should they wish to apply for permanent residency in Singapore through the Global Investor Programme (GIP):
