Singapore is an island city-state in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula between Malaysia and Indonesia, renowned as one of the world's leading economies and most successful centres of trade.
It was ruled by the British from the early 19th century, joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, and became a fully independent nation in 1965. It now remains a member of the Commonwealth and operates a common law system. The country is also well renowned for its world-class education system and one of the world's most efficient healthcare systems.
The Global Investor Programme
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) allows successful business people to obtain permanent residence in Singapore upon making a certain level of investment.
Is there a Singapore Golden Visa?
Singapore does not operate a formally named "golden visa" programme, comparable to the investment-residency schemes commonly associated with countries such as the UAE, Portugal or Greece. The closest Singapore equivalent is the Global Investor Programme, which enables eligible international investors, entrepreneurs and business owners to apply for Singapore permanent residence.
However, the GIP is not a passive "invest and receive residency" arrangement. Applicants must demonstrate a substantial and successful entrepreneurial, investment or management history, and qualify under one of the EDB's prescribed investor profiles. The EDB also assesses the applicant's proposed business or investment activity, potential economic contribution and, where relevant, plans for local employment — so the investment must form part of a credible commitment to conducting business or managing investments from Singapore.
Key Facts
- Founding member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), enjoying strong ties with the United States and China.
- World’s fourth best financial center according to the Global Financial Centers Index 2015 and ranked 9th in the United Nations’ Human Development Report 2014.
- Excellent infrastructure including frequent flight connections to world’s major countries.
- A multi-cultural society having a stable political system.
- World’s best in class educational institutions and an exceptional healthcare system.
Singapore Residence Programme – Key Benefits, Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Singapore golden visa programme?
Singapore does not officially use the term "golden visa". The Global Investor Programme is its investment-linked permanent residence route for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs and business owners.
What is the minimum investment for the Singapore Global Investor Programme?
The lowest current investment threshold is SGD 10 million under Option A, covering a new Singapore business or the expansion of an existing operation. Option B requires SGD 25 million in a GIP-select fund. Option C requires a Singapore-based single family office with at least SGD 200 million in assets under management, of which at least SGD 50 million must be deployed in Singapore.
How long does the GIP application process take?
EDB's current guidance states that processing typically takes approximately 12 months, depending on the completeness of the application, supporting evidence and the outcome of due diligence checks. Successful applicants receive Approval-in-Principle and generally have six months to fulfil the relevant investment conditions.
Can my family members obtain Singapore PR through the GIP?
Yes. The main applicant may include a spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the application, and approved dependants receive Singapore PR under the main applicant's sponsorship. Parents and unmarried children aged 21 or above are not eligible for inclusion as PR dependants but may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass. National Service implications should be considered where male dependants are involved.
What is the difference between the GIP and converting an Employment Pass to PR?
The GIP is an investor-led route for applicants with substantial business or investment credentials who can meet significant financial and economic-contribution requirements. An Employment Pass holder applies for PR instead through the Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers route, based on employment, qualifications, income, time in Singapore and broader integration factors rather than a prescribed capital investment. GIP criteria and investment milestones are comparatively structured, while Employment Pass-to-PR applications are assessed holistically by ICA without a published approval formula.
We would be delighted to assist you and your family members in obtaining Residency of Singapore. Please get in touch with us at info@hudsonmckenzie.com to know more about this programme.
