Residency by Investment

Singapore Residence by Investment Programme

Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) grants permanent residence status to eligible investors who drive growth in the country’s economy. The GIP is aimed at high-net-worth individuals and encourages successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs to invest in new or existing business ventures, or a new or existing Singapore-based family office.

Singapore remains one of the world’s strongest economies and is a global hub for business and innovation. It is also one of the world’s most connected countries, strategically located along the world’s major trade, shipping, and aviation routes.

Singapore’s excellent standard of living has encouraged many individuals to relocate through the GIP. Frequently voted the best Asian country in which to live, Singapore has emerged as a world-class destination with excellent infrastructure, public services, and one of the most harmonious multicultural communities in the world. It also boasts one of the world’s lowest crime rates, a high level of political stability, and is rated as one of the wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita.

Residents above 21 years old can also apply for citizenship after two years of permanent residence in Singapore. However, Singapore is a strictly single citizenship country, meaning that applicants must relinquish any existing citizenship elsewhere before naturalisation is possible.

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Minimum investment: SGD 2,500,000
Permanent residence: Yes
Residence requirement: Yes
Processing time: 3 months

Singapore Residency by Investment

Benefits of Singapore Residency

Those who have permanent residency in Singapore can benefit from several key advantages, including:

Right to live, work, study, and undertake business in Singapore.
Access to excellent infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Political stability and low crime rates.

Investment Options

Applicants are eligible to apply for permanent residence under the GIP if they meet the qualifying criteria, including having a substantial business track record and a successful entrepreneurial background. Each Singapore GIP investment option has a specific application process and a particular set of requirements that must be fulfilled. Applicants can choose one of the following investment options:

01
INVESTMENT IN A BUSINESS ENTITY
An investment of SGD2,500,000 in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business in a permitted industry. Under this option, applicants must submit a detailed 5-year business or investment plan with projected employment, expenditure, and financial projections. The business plan will be assessed on its feasibility, the applicant’s role in the company, the business activities, and the creation of local jobs.
02
APPROVED GOVERNMENT FUND
A contribution of SGD2,500,000 into a government-approved ‘GIP’ fund that invests in Singapore-based companies. Under this option, applicants will be assessed based on their future business or investment plans in Singapore. This may include specific details on proposed business activities, amount of investment, and the creation of local jobs.
03
SINGAPORE-BASED SINGLE FAMILY OFFICE
An investment of SGD50,000,000 in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office having Assets-Under-Management of at least SGD200,000,000. Under this option, applicants must submit a detailed 5-year business plan with projected employment and annual financial projections. The business plan will be assessed based on the applicant’s role in the single family office, the functions of the family office, the proposed investment sectors, asset types, and geographical focus and philanthropy interest.
04
BASIC FEES
The following basic fees apply to the three options:
- Application Fee: Per Application -SGD10,000
- Permit Processing Fee: Per Applicant -SGD100
- Bank transfer fees
- CS Global Partners Professional Fees

General Requirements

Investor must fit one of four profiles:

Established Business Owner – with at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record; running a company with an annual turnover of at least SGD200 million in the last year and at least SGD200 million per year on average for the last 3 years; with at least 30 per cent shareholding in the company if privately held; and the company operates within an approved list of industries
Next Generation Business Owners – whose immediate family has at least 30 per cent shareholding or is the largest shareholder in the company; the company’s annual turnover is at least SGD500 million in the last year and at least SGD500 million per year on average for the last 3 years; investor is part of the management team of the company; and the company operates within an approved list of industries
Founders of Fast Growth Companies – a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a company with a valuation of at least SGD500 million; the company is invested into by reputable venture capital or private equity firms; and the company operates within an approved list of industries.
Family Office Principals – with at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment, or management track record and with net investible assets of at least SGD200 million.

Path to Singapore Citizenship

A Singapore permanent resident above 21 years old with at least two years of permanent residence may apply for Singapore citizenship. Each application made is considered according to the prevailing policies based on the merits of the case.

If successful, naturalised citizens can apply for a Singapore passport.

Singapore is a strictly single-citizenship country, meaning that applicants must relinquish any existing citizenship elsewhere before naturalisation is possible.

Application Process

1
1
Upon approval of the application, the investor is granted Approval-in-Principle (AIP) Permanent Residence status.
2
2
Upon the making of the investment and submission of evidence thereof, the investor is granted a Final Approval of his or her Permanent Residence status.
3
3
Within 12 months of Final Approval, the investor must formalise his or her Permanent Residence status.
4
4
Upon receipt of Permanent Residence status, the investor receives a Re-Entry Permit that allows the investor to travel in and out of Singapore without affecting his or her Permanent Residence status. Valid for an initial 5 years, the Re-Entry Permit must be renewed for either 3 or 5 years, subject to the investor fulfilling certain conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Government Advisory

CS Global Partners – Government Advisory

CS Global Partners is the world leading international legal advisory firm, London-headquartered, providing high-net-worth individuals and families with citizenship and residency solutions. As a trusted partner of many governments, CS Global Partners works directly with governments and is mandated to promote some of the world’s longest-standing citizenship programmes, giving clients accurate, up-to-date guidance straight from the source.

For advice shaped by real expertise, contact CS Global Partners.

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Our expert team is knowledgeable in all legally-recognised citizenship by investment and residency programmes. We offer in-depth consultations to meet a range of requirements.

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