January 28, 2026

Singapore residency by investment – options and considerations

January 28, 2026
Singapore residency by investment – options and considerations

Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) is an established residence-by-investment framework for accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and business families seeking to anchor their long-term presence in Asia.

The programme enables eligible applicants to obtain Singapore Permanent Residence through qualifying investments that support Singapore’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem.

The Global Investor Programme is tailored for individuals with established business or investment credentials who are seeking a stable, internationally connected base for both personal and commercial interests. It accommodates a wide range of investor profiles, including founders of operating businesses, owners of established enterprises, principals of global family offices, and next-generation leaders with long-term strategic ambitions.

Under the programme, applicants may pursue Permanent Residence by committing capital through approved investment strategies. These may include expanding business operations in Singapore, allocating capital to selected investment vehicles, or establishing a Singapore-based single family office platform. Each route is designed to encourage meaningful and sustained engagement with Singapore’s business ecosystem while offering flexibility aligned with the investor’s objectives. For a broader overview of residence status and renewal considerations, see our guide to Singapore Permanent Residence and Re-Entry Permits.

Beyond immigration status, Singapore offers an attractive value proposition for investors and their families. A trusted legal system, robust financial and regulatory infrastructure, political stability, and seamless access to regional and global markets make Singapore a compelling jurisdiction for long-term residence planning. Permanent Residence may also support broader objectives such as mobility planning, wealth structuring, and intergenerational continuity.

Permanent Residence may also support broader objectives such as mobility planning, wealth structuring, and intergenerational continuity. For ultra-high-net-worth families in particular, Singapore Permanent Residence often forms part of a wider relocation strategy — providing access to the country's education system, healthcare infrastructure, and private wealth management sector, alongside a stable base from which to coordinate cross-border business interests and succession planning. Family members included under a GIP application share the same access to these advantages, which is why the route is frequently considered as one part of a broader international mobility plan rather than a stand-alone decision.

Investment routes under the Global Investor Programme

Under the Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP), applicants may qualify for Permanent Residence through one of several approved investment routes. Each route has distinct eligibility criteria and minimum investment thresholds.

As of the latest official framework (updated May 2025), the minimum qualifying investments are as follows:

Option A – Business Investment

SGD 10 million
Investment into a new Singapore business entity or the expansion of an existing Singapore-based business.

Who this suits

Option A for active operating business owners

Option B – Approved Fund Investment

SGD 25 million
Investment into a government-approved GIP-select fund focusing on Singapore-based companies.

Who this suits

Option B for passive investors who don't want day-to-day involvement

Option C – Single Family Office

SGD 200 million in Assets Under Management (AUM),
with at least SGD 50 million transferred into Singapore and deployed into approved local investments.

Who this suits

Option C for family office principals

These figures represent the current minimum qualifying thresholds and are subject to assessment, approval, and ongoing compliance requirements. Approval under the GIP is discretionary and based on a holistic review of the applicant’s profile, business track record, and long-term commitment to Singapore. For full eligibility criteria, the application process and current fees, see our guide to the Singapore Residence Programme.

Key Considerations for Investors

  • GIP applications are discretionary and assessed holistically
  • Ongoing economic engagement in Singapore is expected
  • Permanent Residence renewal is linked to continued ties and compliance

Note: Investment thresholds, eligibility criteria, and programme requirements under the Global Investor Programme are subject to change. Applicants should seek up-to-date guidance before making any investment decisions.

Source:  Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) – Global Investor Programme (GIP) Factsheet

Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at info@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

What is Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP)?
Who is eligible to apply for Singapore residency by investment?
What are the main investment options under the Global Investor Programme?
Does Singapore residency by investment lead to Permanent Residence?
Is Singapore residency by investment suitable for family relocation and long-term planning?
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