The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is Singapore’s flagship investment-based permanent residency pathway, administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is designed for established business owners, founders, and next-generation entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to Singapore and contribute to the country’s economic ecosystem through substantive investment.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the GIP in 2026 — eligibility criteria, investment options, the application process, conditions attached to PR, and how to structure your Singapore presence after approval.

What Is the Global Investor Programme?

The GIP replaced the earlier Global Investor Scheme (GIS) and was substantially revamped with effect from March 2023 to raise investment thresholds and sharpen the focus on applicants who bring genuine economic value to Singapore. Successful GIP applicants and their immediate families are granted Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status.

Unlike employment-based immigration routes such as the Employment Pass or ONE Pass, the GIP is not tied to a job offer or employer sponsorship. It is purely investment-driven and is intended for individuals of significant means who can anchor their capital and business activities in Singapore.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The GIP has two broad applicant profiles:

Profile A: Established Business Owners

You must have been running a business for at least 3 years and your business must meet one of the following thresholds:

  • The business has an annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the most recent year, or
  • The business has an annual turnover of at least S$500 million in the most recent 3 years (combined), or
  • You are a shareholder or founder of a company that is listed on a recognised stock exchange with a market capitalisation of at least S$500 million

Profile B: Next-Generation Business Owners

If you are an heir or successor to a family business, you must:

  • Be actively involved in the management of the family business
  • The family business must meet the turnover or market capitalisation thresholds above
  • You must demonstrate a clear succession plan and your own leadership role in the business

In addition to meeting the business profile, all GIP applicants must be of good character with no adverse immigration or criminal records, and must have the financial resources to make the required investment.

GIP Investment Options

GIP applicants must choose one of three investment options. Each option has a minimum investment amount and specific conditions.

Option A: Invest in a New Business or Expand an Existing Singapore Business

Minimum investment: S$10 million

You must:

  • Invest at least S$10 million into a new business entity incorporated in Singapore, or into the expansion of an existing Singapore-incorporated business
  • The business must be in a qualifying industry (manufacturing, technology, financial services, and other sectors on EDB’s approved list)
  • Submit a detailed 5-year business plan demonstrating how the investment will create jobs and economic value in Singapore
  • Meet specific job creation and local hiring targets over the 5-year period

Option B: Invest in a GIP-Approved Fund

Minimum investment: S$25 million

You must:

  • Invest at least S$25 million into a fund approved by EDB under the GIP
  • The fund must invest in Singapore-based companies
  • There is a minimum holding period and you cannot withdraw the investment during the PR retention period without EDB’s approval
  • EDB maintains a list of approved funds; applicants should request the current list from EDB directly or through an authorised agent

Option C: Establish or Invest in a Singapore Single Family Office (SFO)

Minimum investment: S$200 million in assets under management

You must:

  • Have at least S$200 million in AUM at the time of application
  • Establish a qualifying Singapore-based Single Family Office that manages your family’s assets
  • The SFO must have a minimum of S$50 million in investment in Singapore-based assets
  • The SFO must employ at least 2 investment professionals in Singapore
  • This option aligns with MAS’s family office framework and the 13O/13U tax incentive schemes

The GIP Application Process

The GIP application process involves the following stages:

  1. Preparation of documents — Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents including audited financial statements of the business, personal net worth statements, proof of business ownership and management, business plans (for Option A), and source of funds documentation
  2. Submission to EDB — Applications are submitted to EDB’s Talent Attraction team. EDB does not accept walk-in applications and applicants are strongly advised to engage an authorised filing agent or migration consultant
  3. EDB assessment — EDB will review the application and may request additional information or an in-person interview. Assessment criteria include the quality of the business background, the strength of the business plan, and the credibility of the investment commitment
  4. In-principle approval (IPA) — If EDB is satisfied, it issues an IPA letter, which is valid for 6 months. The applicant must then complete the investment and satisfy all conditions within this period
  5. Investment completion and PR grant — Once the investment is made and verified, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) grants PR status to the applicant and eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)

Conditions Attached to GIP PR Status

GIP PR is not unconditional. Holders must comply with ongoing conditions to maintain their PR status and to qualify for re-entry permit (REP) renewals:

  • Investment maintenance: The GIP investment must be maintained throughout the PR retention period. For Option A, the business must continue to operate and meet job creation targets. For Option B, the fund investment must be maintained
  • Residency: GIP PR holders are expected to be ordinarily resident in Singapore. Extended absences from Singapore may affect REP renewals
  • Annual reporting: EDB requires GIP PR holders to submit annual declarations confirming that investment conditions continue to be met
  • No divestment without approval: For Options B and C, divesting the GIP investment without prior EDB approval will trigger a review of PR status

Timeline

The GIP process typically takes:

  • 3 to 6 months for EDB to assess the application and issue an IPA
  • Up to 6 months after IPA to complete the investment and submit completion evidence
  • 1 to 3 months for ICA to process the PR grant after investment completion is confirmed

In total, applicants should plan for a 9 to 15 month process from initial submission to PR grant, though well-prepared applications with strong business backgrounds can proceed more quickly.

Setting Up Your Singapore Business Under the GIP

For applicants choosing Option A, incorporating and operating a Singapore company is a core requirement of the GIP. Key steps include:

  • Incorporating a Singapore private limited company with ACRA — see our guide on Singapore company compliance
  • Appointing at least one Singapore-resident director
  • Opening a corporate bank account to receive and deploy the GIP investment funds
  • Hiring qualifying local employees to meet job creation targets
  • Maintaining proper accounting records and filing annual returns with ACRA

At Raffles Corporate Services, we provide full corporate secretarial support for GIP applicants setting up their Singapore operations, including company incorporation, resident director services, corporate bank account introduction, and ongoing compliance management.

GIP vs Other Singapore PR Pathways

The GIP is one of several ways to obtain Singapore PR. Other pathways include:

  • Professional / employment-based PR: For holders of Employment Passes or S Passes who have worked in Singapore for at least 6 months and can demonstrate economic contribution
  • Spouse or child of a Singapore Citizen or PR: Family reunion applications
  • Aged parents of Singapore Citizens: For elderly parents seeking to rejoin family in Singapore
  • Global Investor Programme: For high-net-worth individuals with established business track records — the focus of this guide

The GIP is uniquely suited to business owners and investors who do not have an employer in Singapore but have the capital and business acumen to make a substantive economic contribution. For those with a strong employment track record, the employment-based PR route may be more appropriate and faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include my parents in my GIP application?

No. GIP PR covers only the principal applicant, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21. Parents are not included under the GIP. Aged parents may apply separately under ICA’s Long Term Visit Pass for parents of Singapore Citizens or PRs.

Does GIP lead to Singapore citizenship?

GIP grants PR status, not citizenship. After holding PR for at least 2 years, a GIP holder may apply for Singapore citizenship, subject to ICA’s assessment of the applicant’s commitment to Singapore, including residency, national service obligations for male children, and overall integration into Singapore society. Citizenship is not guaranteed.

What happens if my business fails after I get GIP PR?

EDB will review the situation on a case-by-case basis. If the business failure was due to genuine economic circumstances and you have made best efforts to meet your GIP conditions, EDB may grant some flexibility. However, wilful non-compliance with GIP conditions is likely to result in PR status being reviewed.

Can a GIP applicant be a director or employee of the Singapore company?

Yes. GIP applicants who are investing under Option A and incorporating a new Singapore company may serve as directors of that company. They may also draw a salary once PR is granted, and will be subject to CPF contributions as Singapore PRs.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

At Raffles Corporate Services, we support high-net-worth individuals and family offices navigating the GIP process. Our services include company incorporation for GIP Option A applicants, resident director services, nominee directorship, corporate secretarial services, and introductions to Singapore’s banking and professional services ecosystem.

To speak with our team about your Singapore investment and residency plans, contact us at [email protected] or call, SMS, or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. We are happy to assist.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services