Short answer: Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) requires a successful business track record and an investment from SGD 10,000,000 in a Singapore business or approved fund. It can lead to permanent residence for you and your family. The bar is higher than most residence schemes and suits larger-scale entrepreneurs.
Investment options at a glance
| Option | Rough requirement |
|---|---|
| Invest in a new or expanded business | From SGD 10,000,000, with job creation |
| Invest in an approved fund | From SGD 25,000,000 (depending on category) |
| Family office and other routes | Higher capital and employment requirements under current GIP rules |
Exact options and amounts follow the latest Economic Development Board (EDB) publication.
Basic conditions
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Background | Successful entrepreneurial or business track record |
| Status | Permanent residence |
| Family | Spouse and children (age and dependency rules apply) |
| Tax | Foreign-sourced personal income generally untaxed if conditions are met |
Compared with Hong Kong CIES
| Singapore GIP | Hong Kong CIES | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment / net assets | From SGD 10,000,000 | Net assets HKD 30,000,000 |
| Status | Direct permanent residence | Residence; PR after seven years |
| Business track record | Required | Not required |
| Suits | Larger entrepreneurs willing to operate in Singapore | High-net-worth individuals using Hong Kong as a base |
Who it suits
- A solid business track record you can document
- Willingness to invest and create jobs in Singapore
- Wanting permanent residence directly, and Singapore’s tax and legal environment
Points to note
- GIP scrutiny is strict — track record and the business plan are critical.
- After investment you must meet ongoing holding and employment conditions.
- Tax treatment of foreign-sourced income depends on tax residence — take advice from a tax adviser.
See Singapore GIP.