How the Global Investor Programme leads to PR
The Global Investor Programme is a selective permanent residence route for established business owners, next-generation owners, founders of fast-growth companies and family-office principals. EDB assesses the applicant profile, ownership, track record, business sector, investment plan and due diligence evidence. Applicants must meet option-specific investment and verification milestones before final approval. For Option C, at least S$50 million must be transferred and held in Singapore during the approval-in-principle stage; deployment into specified investments is due within 12 months after final approval. Re-Entry Permit renewal has separate conditions.
Government requirements are linked in the official sources below. Preparation suggestions are advisory guidance; individual decisions remain with the relevant authority.
Who qualifies
EDB publishes four qualifying profiles with substantial turnover, valuation, ownership, experience or investible-asset requirements.
Three investment options
Option A is a Singapore business, Option B a GIP-select fund, and Option C a Singapore single family office.
| Option | Investment |
|---|---|
| Option A | A Singapore business |
| Option B | A GIP-select fund |
| Option C | A Singapore single family office, with at least S$50 million transferred and held in Singapore during approval in principle and specified deployment due within 12 months after final approval |
Application sequence
Submit forms and evidence, attend EDB interview and, if successful, meet the investment and verification conditions in the six-month approval-in-principle window before final approval and PR formalities. Option C requires at least S$50 million transferred and held in Singapore at this stage, with specified deployment due within 12 months after final approval.
Family members
A spouse and unmarried children below 21 may be included; parents and older unmarried children use an LTVP route.
REP renewal
The first REP is five years. Renewal requires the selected investment and the relevant economic or residence conditions.
No citizenship guarantee
GIP grants a route to PR, not automatic citizenship or published approval odds.
Common questions
What is the Global Investor Programme, who qualifies, and how does it lead to PR?
The GIP is an EDB-administered route through which qualifying investors may apply for Singapore PR. Applicants must fit an eligible business-owner, fast-growth founder or family-office profile, pass assessment and due diligence, and meet option-specific investment and verification conditions before final approval and PR formalities. For Option C, at least S$50 million must be transferred and held in Singapore at the approval-in-principle stage; specified deployment is due within 12 months after final approval. Investment does not guarantee approval.
Link to answerWhich family members can a GIP applicant include (spouse, children, parents)?
A spouse and unmarried children below 21 at submission may be included as dependants. Male children who obtain PR as dependants are NS-liable. Parents and unmarried children aged 21 or above cannot be included for PR under the GIP; they may apply for an LTVP tied to the main applicant REP.
Link to answerDoes Singapore offer citizenship by investment?
No. Singapore does not publish a citizenship-by-investment programme. The GIP is a permanent residence route. A GIP PR who later applies for citizenship uses ICA citizenship process and is assessed under the applicable criteria; the investment does not create an automatic conversion or guaranteed timetable.
Link to answerHow long does GIP take and what fees apply?
EDB states approximately 12 months to process a complete GIP application, subject to due diligence, and charges a non-refundable S$20,000 application fee. Approval-in-principle has a six-month window to meet the applicable investment and verification conditions. For Option C, at least S$50 million must be transferred and held in Singapore during that stage, while deployment into specified investments is due within 12 months after final approval. ICA formalisation fees are separate, and complex cases can take longer.
Link to answerWhat are the REP renewal conditions for GIP PRs after the first five years?
The initial REP is valid for five years. Renewal depends on the investment option and whether the applicant meets EDB economic and/or residence conditions by the fifth year. Option A focuses on the Singapore business and employment, Option B on maintaining the fund investment, and Option C on the family office, professionals, spending and specified investments. Use the current factsheet before renewal.
Link to answerWhat are the GIP investment options and minimum amounts?
Current EDB options are: at least S$10 million in a new or expanded Singapore business under Option A; S$25 million in a GIP-select fund under Option B; or a Singapore single family office managing at least S$200 million, with at least S$50 million transferred to Singapore and deployed in specified investments, under Option C.
Link to answerHow are GIP turnover requirements assessed if I own multiple businesses?
An established business owner may consolidate up to two companies to meet the turnover test, but all consolidated companies must operate in one or more qualifying industries. EDB assesses turnover for the year immediately preceding the application and the average of the three immediately preceding years, alongside ownership and management role. Present audited, consistent records for the required completed years rather than substituting current-year trading figures.
Link to answerHow does the family-office route to PR work?
Option C is for qualifying family-office principals with at least five years of entrepreneurial, investment or management experience and at least S$200 million in net investible assets. The applicant establishes a Singapore single family office with at least S$200 million under management and deploys at least S$50 million in EDB-specified investments, with operating and renewal conditions.
Link to answerHow many people get PR through GIP each year?
EDB and ICA do not publish a current annual table showing how many people receive PR through GIP. Parliamentary or historical totals may appear for selected periods, but they should not be converted into an annual approval rate or applicant odds. The programme factsheet provides criteria and process, not grant statistics.
Link to answerReview your documents and next steps
The initial profile assessment is free and carries no obligation to proceed. It reviews the application category, document gaps and preparation steps, with a recommendation to apply, complete specific preparation first, or check a different route. It does not predict approval.