Processing Timelines & Government Bottlenecks

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Despite Singapore’s reputation for bureaucratic efficiency, the GIP involves multiple agencies and extensive documentation. Understanding expected timeframes and common bottlenecks is essential for smooth planning.

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Standard Processing Timeline

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Stage

Estimated Timeframe

Initial Consultation & Strategy

1–2 weeks

Legal & Compliance Pre-Vetting

3–4 weeks

Document Preparation

4–6 weeks

Submission to EDB

Upon completion of dossier

Preliminary Evaluation

3–4 months

Interview with EDB

~1 month after evaluation

Approval-in-Principle (AIP)

~6 months after application

Investment Execution

Within 6 months of AIP

Issuance of Final Approval & PR

3–6 months post-investment

Total Duration: Typically 9–15 months, assuming no delays.

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Known Bottlenecks

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• Incomplete Documentation: Particularly for Source of Funds or overseas corporate interests.
  
• High-Risk Jurisdictions: Applications from sanctioned or scrutinized countries face prolongd background checks.
  
• Family Office Route Delays: Post-2023, MAS has increased scrutiny on 13O/13U filings, slowing down approvals.
  
• Interview Scheduling: EDB interviews, mandatory for most applicants, can be delayed by travel constraints or holidays.
  
  

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Fast-Track or Priority Options

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Singapore does not offer formal premium processing. However, working with EDB-recognized advisors and law firms can help preempt regulatory issues and compress timeframes by ensuring high submission quality.

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