Approved Investment Routes

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The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is Singapore’s flagship investment-based immigration scheme, offering Permanent Residency (PR) to eligible investors and their immediate family members. It is administered by the EDB and evaluated in partnership with the Ministry of Manpower and other relevant agencies. As of 2025, there are three approved investment pathways under the GIP.

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Option A: Direct Business Investment

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This route is geared toward established entrepreneurs looking to start or expand an operating business in Singapore.

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• Minimum Investment: SGD 10 million in a new or existing business.
  
• Sector Requirement: The business must fall within one of the pre-approved sectors, including fintech, advanced manufacturing, biotech, education, sustainability, and logistics.
  
• Ownership: The investor must hold a substantial equity stake (usually >30%).
  
• Business Plan: A detailed 5-year business plan, including projected hiring and value creation, must be submitted.
  
• Evaluation Metrics: Past entrepreneurial track record, audited financials, and scalability of the business.

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Legal and Strategic Considerations:

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This route favors experienced founders with a verifiable track record. It offers high credibility for subsequent tax residency or family integration but requires hands-on operational involvement and may not suit purely passive investors.

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Option B: GIP-Approved Fund Investment

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Applicants may invest in a pre-approved GIP private equity or venture capital fund, curated by EDB and regulated by MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore).

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• Minimum Investment: SGD 25 million.
  
• Holding Period: Minimum of 5 years, extendable to 7 if fund terms require
  
• Fund Criteria: Must be regulated under the Securities and Futures Act, with a demonstrable local economic multiplier.
  
• Reporting: Annual compliance and progress reports submitted by fund managers.
  
  

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Legal and Strategic Considerations:

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Ideal for family offices or HNWIs seeking diversified exposure to Singapore’s innovation economy. The fund is selected from a government-vetted list, limiting flexibility but reducing counterparty risk. Less operational engagement is required compared to Option A.

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Option C: Family Office Model

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This option caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking to establish a Single Family Office (SFO) in Singapore.

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• Total AUM Requirement: SGD 200 million in investible assets, of which SGD 50 million must be deployed in Singapore.
  
• Structure: The SFO must be incorporated and operate in Singapore with at least 5 professionals employed locally.
  
• Deployment: Investments can be in equities, fixed income, private equity, or other approved asset classes managed from Singapore.
  
• MAS Engagement: Regulatory filings and tax exemptions under Section 13O or 13U may be pursued concurrently.

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Legal and Strategic Considerations:

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Option C is complex and requires a multi-layered strategy, involving legal, tax, fund administration, and regulatory expertise. It is well-suited to families seeking a long-term jurisdiction for wealth management, legacy planning, and philanthropic engagement.

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Real Estate is not a qualifying investment class under GIP. Foreigners may still purchase select residential and commercial properties subject to URA and LDAU restrictions, but such investments do not count toward immigration eligibility.

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