Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) Scheme - Things You Need To Know
Introduction to Singapore's Global Investor Program (GIP)
Singapore's Global Investor Program (GIP) is a prestigious immigration scheme designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and their families to the country. By making a significant investment in Singapore, applicants can obtain permanent residency status and enjoy the numerous benefits of living in one of the world's most dynamic and prosperous cities. With its stable political environment, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life, Singapore is an attractive destination for investors and their families.
The GIP offers a pathway to permanent residency for global investors seeking to expand their businesses and investments from Singapore. Applicants will need to have a substantial business track record and successful entrepreneurial background to qualify.
Who Is Eligible For Singapore’s GIP?
In order to qualify for the GIP program, you must meet either one of the four qualifying criteria.
Criteria One: Established Business Owners
You must have at least three years of experience as a business owner or entrepreneur.
Your company should have a consistent annual turnover of at least S$200 million over the past three years, including the year preceding your application.
To qualify, you may merge up to two of your companies, provided they are involved in at least one of the industries specified in Annex B and meet the minimum turnover criteria.
For privately held companies, you should own at least 30% of the business
If your company is publicly traded, you must be a major shareholder.
Your company's industry must be one of those specified in Annex B.
The applicant is required to select one of the investment options A, B, or C and make a substantial investment in that chosen option.
Criteria Two: Next Generation Business Owners
You and your immediate family must have a significant stake in the company that you will be using to apply for GIP, owning at least 30% or being the majority shareholder.
Your company should have a consistent annual turnover of at least S$500 million over the past three years, including the year preceding your application.
You must hold a senior management position within the company, such as a C-suite executive or board director.
Your company should operate in one or more of the industries listed in Annex B.
The applicant is required to select one of the investment options A, B, or C and make a substantial investment in that chosen option.
Criteria Three: Founders of Fast Growing Companies
You must be one of the main founders and a major shareholder of a private company valued at at least S$500 million.
Your company must have received investments from well-respected venture capital or private equity firms.
Your company should operate in one or more of the industries listed in Annex B.
The applicant is required to select one of the investment options A, B, or C and make a substantial investment in that chosen option.
Criteria Four: Family Office Principals
You must have at least five years of proven track record in entrepreneurship, investment, or management.
Your net investible or liquid assets should be at least S$200 million. Net investible assets include financial assets but exclude real estate. The Singapore government reserves the right to determine if your assets are suitable for the program.
The applicant is required to make a substantial investment in option C.
What Are The GIP Investment Commitment Options (A , B, or C)?
Option A: A substantial investment of at least S$10 million in either a new business venture or the growth of an existing business operation in Singapore.
Business Plan Requirement: Applicants must submit a comprehensive five-year business or investment plan. This plan should outline projected employment figures, anticipated expenditures, and financial forecasts for the Option A company. The plan's feasibility, your role in driving the company's growth, the nature of the business activities, and potential job creation in Singapore will all be evaluated.
Additional Requirements: Option A applicants must hold a minimum of 30% ownership stake in the Option A company and be actively involved in its management (e.g., C-suite executive or board member). Additionally, the company must operate in one of the industries listed in Annex B.
Option B: Make a S$25 million investment in a pre-approved "GIP-select fund"* that focuses on investing in companies based within Singapore.
While applying for Option B, while the main requirement is a S$25 million investment in a GIP-select fund, authorities might request details on any other potential business ventures you have planned for Singapore.
The most up-to-date list of approved GIP-select funds can be found on the Singapore Economic Development Board website: http://www.edb.gov.sg/gip.
Option C: To apply under Option C, you must establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office (SFO) with Assets-Under-Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million. A minimum of S$50 million of these assets must be physically transferred to Singapore and invested in any of the four approved investment categories listed below.
The four approved investment categories include:
Equities
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs),
Business Trusts listed on Singapore-approved exchanges
Qualifying debt securities listed on the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) enquiry system
Business Plan and Investment Strategy: Applicants choosing Option C are required to submit a comprehensive five-year business plan outlining projected employment figures and annual financial forecasts. This plan will be assessed based on your role within the SFO, the functions it will perform, your proposed investment sectors, types of assets, geographical focus, and any philanthropic interests you may have.
Offshore Assets and Investment Timeline: While offshore assets can contribute to the minimum AUM requirement, at least S$50 million in investable assets must be physically transferred to Singapore and held there upon receiving approval-in-principle for your PR status. Additionally, within 12 months of your PR status being finalized, a minimum of S$50 million must be invested into any of the four approved categories, and this investment must be maintained throughout the validity of your Re-Entry Permit.
ANNEX B: LIST OF INDUSTRIES
Can I Sponsor My Family Members Under GIP?
Yes. Your spouse and children under the age of 21 are eligible for PR under GIP, but male children who are granted PR status may be required to enroll in Singapore’s National Service, depending on their age.
How To Apply For GIP ?
Here are the steps that you need to take to get started on your GIP application:
Submit an application fee of S$10,000 to the Economic Development Board (EDB) via telegraphic transfer.
Download all the application forms - Application Form, Form 4, Form A, Form B, Form C, Excel spreadsheet for Family Member Details.
Ensure that all your documents are translated and notarised. The date of notarization must be dated 1 year prior the GIP application submission.
Submit the forms and documents online, and in hard copy to EDB within 1 month from the date of remittance of the application fee.
Attend an interview with EDB representatives to discuss your application.
If conditionally approved, receive Approval in Principle (AIP) status, valid for 6 months.
Use this period to finalize your approved investment plans.
Submit documentation to EDB to verify the completion of your investments.
Upon confirmation, receive a final approval letter, confirming your Permanent Resident (PR) status in Singapore.
Renewal Criteria For Singapore Permanent Residence (REP)
For a 5-year renewal:
Option A applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option A of the GIP.
Your company in Singapore must employ at least 30 employees (at least half must be Singapore Citizens), with a minimum of 10 incremental employees.
You or your dependents (under your GIP application) must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
Option B applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option B of the GIP.
Maintain a S$25 million investment in a GIP-select fund.
You or your dependents (under your GIP application) must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
Option C applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option C of the GIP.
Your Single-Family Office in Singapore must employ at least 5 incremental professionals (with at least 3 Singapore Citizens) and maintain S$50 million AUM across any of the 4 investment categories.
You or your dependents (under your GIP application) must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
For a 3-year renewal:
Option A applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option A of the GIP.
Either:
(A) Your company in Singapore must employ at least 30 employees (with at least 10 incremental employees and half being Singapore Citizens).
(B) You or your dependents must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
Option B applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option B of the GIP.
Either:
(A) Maintain a S$25 million investment in a GIP-select fund.
(B) You or your dependents must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
Option C applicants:
Must fulfill the investment conditions under Option C of the GIP.
Either:
(A) Your Single-Family Office in Singapore must employ at least 5 incremental professionals (with at least 3 Singapore Citizens) and maintain S$50 million AUM.
(B) You or your dependents must have resided in Singapore for more than half the time.
Additional Notes:
Employment and economic contributions are measured incrementally from the date of final PR approval.
Family Office professionals must be involved in legal, tax, investment, or philanthropy-related roles.
Option C applicants must provide proof of their S$50 million AUM deployment in Singapore.
Consult With Us Today
Ready to take the next step toward securing your Permanent Residency through Singapore's Global Investor Program (GIP)? E&H Immigration Consultancy is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
With our expertise in GIP applications, personalized support, and deep understanding of the investment requirements, we ensure that your journey to PR is smooth and efficient. Visit us at www.eh-immigration.com and let us help you achieve your PR goals through strategic investments in Singapore.
