Residence in Singapore: The Global Investor Programme
You run a large business or a family office, and you want to know if Singapore is open to you. Singapore has one investment route, the Global Investor Programme (GIP), which grants permanent residence. It asks for S$10 million, S$25 million or a S$200 million family office, plus a company or asset test.
Why Singapore's bar needs to be read in full
The Global Investor Programme tests your company or your assets before the investment starts. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Global Investor Programme (GIP) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Investment residence (permanent residence) |
| Money | S$10 million in a business, S$25 million in a GIP-select fund, or a single family office with S$200 million in assets and S$50 million deployed |
| Key rule | A company turnover or asset test applies; about 12 months from a complete file; at least 50% residency by you or all your dependants |
| Page | Singapore Global Investor Programme |
| Business | Open a company in Singapore |
Singapore has other residence paths that this section does not cover; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Singapore Global Investor Programme right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You run a company with at least S$200 million in annual turnover, or your family owns a company with at least S$500 million | Your company is below the turnover tests |
| You are a founder of a fast-growth company valued at S$500 million or more, backed by reputable investors | You want a quick route: the programme takes about 12 months from a complete file |
| You manage a family office with at least S$200 million in net investible assets | You cannot keep an investment in place after approval |
| You can keep a presence in Singapore: at least 50% residency by you or all your dependants | Your funds cannot be documented |
Not sure Singapore is the best fit? Compare all South East Asia routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need to meet one of four applicant profiles, choose one of three investment options and pass due diligence. The Economic Development Board (EDB) interviews you before it recommends the file.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Singapore Global Investor Programme page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
The investment is the larger cost, and the fees sit on top. Set both against the cost of a wrong start: an investment made before you know you qualify.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee, paid to EDB with the forms | S$20,000 |
| Entry permit processing fee (Form 4), per applicant | S$100 |
Source: EDB Global Investor Programme page and overview sheet. Legal, tax and professional fees are on top.
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: EDB GIP page and factsheet.
- Factsheet: updated 5 May 2025; EDB page last updated 22 October 2026
- Open or closed: the page states no status or deadline
- Process: interview, Approval-in-Principle, investment, final approval
After you have the residence
You keep permanent residence by meeting the programme's conditions and renewing your re-entry permit. The re-entry permit is valid for 5 years, and EDB assesses renewal criteria by the fifth year.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Singapore Global Investor Programme page.
How Singapore compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Singapore route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Global Investor Programme (this page) | SGD 10,000,000 in a business; other options are higher | Investment | The Global Investor Programme (GIP) grants Singapore permanent residence through three options: S$10 million in a business, S$25 million in a fund, or a family office with S$200 million in assets. |
| Malaysia MM2H | USD 150,000 fixed deposit (Silver tier) plus a home of at least MYR 600,000 | Income or retirement | Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a residence pass with four tiers, from a fixed deposit of USD 150,000 to USD 1,000,000, plus a home you buy. |
| UK Innovator Founder Visa | No set investment; GBP 1,270 in maintenance funds held for 28 days | Work or founder | The Innovator Founder visa lets you stay for 3 years, extend with no limit, and apply to settle after 3 years if you meet the growth test. |
| UAE Golden Residence | AED 2,000,000 in property or a public investment | Investment | The Golden Residence for investors starts at AED 2,000,000, and the Dubai Land Department says a Dubai property of that value gives a 10-year renewable permit. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
End-to-end support
From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Which Singapore route can I use?
This section covers the Global Investor Programme (GIP), which the Economic Development Board runs through Contact Singapore.
How much do I need to invest?
S$10 million in a business, S$25 million in a GIP-select fund, or a single family office with S$200 million in assets and S$50 million deployed.
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner who helps you prepare and file with EDB.
Can my family be included?
Yes, the family members you list in the application. Your local partner checks each person’s documents before you file.
Who can apply?
Established business owners, next generation business owners, founders of fast-growth companies, and family office principals, each with its own company or asset test.
Can I invest in a fund?
Yes. Option B asks for S$25 million in a GIP-select fund that EDB shortlists.
Do I have to live in Singapore?
You need at least 50% residency in Singapore by you or all your dependants listed in your application, for the renewal of your status.
Do you recommend funds or companies?
No. We do not recommend or sell funds or businesses and we do not quote returns. We explain what EDB requires and bring in a local partner when your case is qualified.
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Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
