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. The Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) jointly administer this scheme. Only investors and entrepreneurs who meet the minimum eligibility criteria can apply.
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. Furthermore, 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. Moreover, 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
Applicants send GIP application forms to Contact Singapore. Consequently, if all provided documents are in order, Contact Singapore will invite the applicant for an interview.
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. Further, within six months of receiving the AIP letter, the applicant must make the required investments under the chosen investment option. Applicants must submit all investment papers, such as share certificates, to Contact Singapore after making the investment.
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, the following criteria 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.
Invest in Singapore: A Minimum of SGD10 Million
- 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.
Invest in GIP-Approved Funds: SGD25 Million Minimum
- 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.
Establish a Single-Family Office in Singapore: SGD200 Million Minimum
- 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 managed assets.
- Applicants must deploy at least SGD50 million of their total managed assets 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):
