Singapore

Singapore consistently earns accolades as the top city in Asia for its outstanding infrastructure and public amenities, boasting one of the world’s lowest crime rates while delivering a superior quality of life to its inhabitants. On the global stage, it ranks among the most affluent nations when evaluating GDP per capita.

Foreign individuals have the opportunity to seek permanent residency under the Singapore Global Investor Program, tailored for entrepreneurs and investors willing to make significant financial contributions in Singapore. This program is strategically designed to draw affluent foreign nationals aspiring to establish their home in Singapore.

• Stability in political, social, and economic domains
• A secure environment coupled with a superior standard of living
• Exceptional education, healthcare, and transportation systems
• A prominent global financial hub
• Cutting-edge business facilities and telecommunications infrastructure
• A diverse and multicultural setting
• Beneficial tax regulations

To qualify for the GIP Scheme, you must:

• Make a minimum investment of S$2.5 million in one of the investment options (each option’s specific conditions are detailed below).
• Possess at least three years of business or entrepreneurial experience.

Ensure that your current company meets the following revenue criteria:

For businesses in other sectors:

• Hold a minimum of 30% shareholding in the privately-owned company.
• Submit audited financial statements for the past three years.
• Display a minimum annual turnover of at least S$50 million for the most recent year and an average of at least S$50 million per annum over the last three years.

If you own multiple businesses, you must provide financial documentation for the company with the highest turnover. You are allowed to consolidate your businesses to meet the minimum yearly turnover requirements.

In addition, the authorities will assess your job role and position within the organization, examine audited financial reports, and evaluate your company’s profitability.

Experienced business owners, emerging business leaders, tech company founders, and family office principals with significant entrepreneurial, business, and management backgrounds can choose from the following investment avenues to attain permanent residency in Singapore:

Option A:

Display an investment of SGD 10 million (including paid-up capital) in a new or existing Singaporean business.

Employ a minimum of 30 staff members.

To renew the re-entry permit after the initial five-year term, half of the employees must be Singaporean citizens, and 10 should be newly recruited if the business was already established.

Option B:

Invest SGD 25 million in an Economic Development Board-approved fund, which in turn invests in companies based in Singapore.

Option C:

Create a single family office based in Singapore with assets under management of at least SGD 200 million.

Allocate at least SGD 50 million of the assets throughout the five-year residence period within specific investment categories:

Companies listed on exchanges licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore

Qualifying debt securities such as bonds, notes, commercial papers, and certificates of deposit

Funds managed by Singapore-licensed or -registered managers

Private equity investments in non-listed businesses based in Singapore.

To qualify for re-entry permit renewal under Option C, hire a minimum of five additional family office professionals by the end of the five-year period, with at least three being Singaporean citizens.

 Fees:

Total fees: 21,000 SGD (approximately USD 15,000)

Please note that these fees are estimates and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each applicant. It is always best to consult with a licensed immigration consultant to get an accurate quote of the fees involved.

In addition to the fees listed above, applicants will also need to make a minimum investment of S$2.5 million (approximately USD 1.8 million) in a new or existing business in Singapore.

• .What is the processing time for the Singapore Global Investor Programme?Receive an Approval in Principle (AIP) in 6-9 months, initiate investment within 6 months of AIP, and provide proof for final approval.Relocate to Singapore and complete PR procedures within 12 months of final approval.After gaining PR, receive a 5-year Re-Entry Permit (REP) for PR maintenance, which can be renewed for 3 or 5 years as needed.

  What are the steps and timeline for Singaporean investment-based residency?

  The Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP) for permanent residence usually takes 9-12 months.

  Applicants must submit a personal profile and proposed investment plan via an e-application form, including supporting hard copy documents.

  Following application submission, an interview is conducted. If all requirements are met, an Approval in Principle (AIP) is granted, valid for six months.

  Within one year of receiving the final approval, successful applicants must formalize their permanent residency.

  Spouse and children (under 21 years old) can be included in the permanent residence application, with male dependents possibly subject to national service obligations.

  Parents and unmarried children aged 21 and above are not eligible for permanent residency but may apply for a five-year long-term visit pass.

  Can family members be included in the application?

  Spouses and minor children are eligible for inclusion in the application, while parents and adult children over 21 are not considered eligible. Candidates can apply for naturalization after holding permanent residency for at least two years.

  Can parents or children over the age of 21 participate in the Singapore Global Investor Programme?

  No, parents and older children are not eligible for the program, but they can apply for a 5-year visit visa.

  What is the minimum investment amount?

  The Singapore GIP offers three investment options. Under the most affordable option, the applicant must make a minimum investment of SGD 10 million in a qualified investment.

  Is the applicant required to demonstrate the source of funds?

  Yes, applicants must provide substantial evidence of their wealth and furnish audited reports from companies in which they held leadership positions.

  What qualifies as a qualifying investment?

  The candidate must make one of the following investments:

  Establish a new business or expand an existing business in an eligible sector (SGD 10 million).

  Invest SGD 25 million in an approved fund that supports Singapore-based companies.

  Establish a family office in Singapore (SGD 50 million).

  Can the investment be transferred to family members attending the applicant’s party?

  No, the investment cannot be transferred.

  After making the qualifying investment, can the applicant make additional investments in Singapore?

  Yes, the applicant is free to make additional investments or purchases, including real estate, after the qualifying investment.

Make Singapore your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

Population:

5.66 million

GDP (Per Capita):

US$133,894 (PPP)

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): 

US$753.27 billion

Capital City: Singapore.

Time Zone: Singapore Standard Time (SGT), UTC+8.

Total Area: Approximately 728 square kilometers.

Languages: Official languages include English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD).

Main Industry: Singapore has a diverse economy with key sectors including financial services, manufacturing, information technology, and shipping.

Schengen/EU: Singapore is not part of the Schengen Area or the European Union as it is located in Southeast Asia.

KEY ADVANTAGES

• High Quality of Life: Singapore offers an excellent quality of life with top-notch healthcare, education, public services, and safety.
• Economic Opportunities: The city-state boasts a strong and diverse economy, providing abundant job opportunities and a thriving business environment.
• Cultural Diversity: Singapore’s multicultural society creates a rich and inclusive environment, fostering a variety of cultural experiences and culinary delights.

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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.