Singapore Global Investor Programme: Who Qualifies for PR in 2026?

01

Who runs the program?

Contact Singapore, a division of the Economic Development Board (EDB), runs the GIP and assesses applications. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issues the approvals (EDB). The criteria sit in the GIP factsheet, updated 5 May 2025 and still the edition EDB links on 12 October 2026. It guarantees neither approval nor renewal.

02

Who qualifies?

You must fit one of four profiles (factsheet, s. 1):

The business must be in an industry on EDB's list (Annex B). You may combine up to two companies to meet turnover.

03

How the investment works

Option A. Invest at least S$10 million in a new business or the expansion of an existing one in Singapore. You need a five-year plan with jobs, spending and financial projections, at least 30% of the company and a management role (factsheet, s. 2). Paid-up capital already put in can count (s. 4, n. 8).

Option B. Invest S$25 million in a GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies. The money must come from a personal account in your sole name at a bank registered in Singapore (s. 4). EDB says selection is not an endorsement of any fund, and it accepts no liability for losses (s. 2, n. 6). We name no funds.

Option C. Set up a Singapore single family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management. Offshore assets can count, but at least S$50 million must be in Singapore by approval in principle. That S$50 million must then be deployed in EDB's specified investments within 12 months of final approval and kept there. The only specified investment listed is equities on Singapore's approved exchanges (s. 2).

Timing. After an interview with EDB, ICA may issue approval in principle, valid for six months. You make the investment within those six months, then sign an investment undertaking. ICA then issues final approval, and you must formalize PR within 12 months (ss. 3 to 5). EDB says processing takes about 12 months.

In our view, Option C suits families who already run assets from Asia, while Option B is the simplest on paper but carries full market risk.

04

Which family members are included?

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 at the date you apply can be included as dependants. Parents and older unmarried children cannot. They can apply for a Long Term Visit Pass tied to your Re-Entry Permit (factsheet, s. 1, n. 1).

Sons who get PR as your dependants are liable for National Service. A male dependant whose spouse is the main applicant may also be liable. Families with teenage sons should weigh this early.

05

How do you keep PR?

When you formalize PR you get a Re-Entry Permit valid for five years, which lets you keep PR while abroad (s. 6). Renewal depends on these tests by year five (s. 7):

Both renewals assume you made the investment. For a five-year renewal, you or all your GIP dependants must also have lived in Singapore more than half the time. A three-year renewal needs the business test or the residence test, not both.

Since 1 December 2025, a PR who leaves without a valid Re-Entry Permit must apply for one within 180 days or lose PR (ICA).

06

Can you become a Singapore citizen?

PRs aged 21 or over who have held PR for at least two years may apply (ICA). There is no fixed grant date. ICA weighs family ties, economic contribution, age and length of residence. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship: ICA's undertaking form says so, citing Articles 134 and 135 of the Constitution (form).

07

What should families from Asia and the Gulf check?

Tax residence. PRs who normally live in Singapore are tax resident, as is a foreigner who stayed or worked there 183 days or more in the previous calendar year (IRAS). Resident rates are progressive, up to 24% (IRAS rates). Foreign-sourced income received by a resident individual is generally exempt, except through a Singapore partnership.

Home-country nationality. PR does not touch your citizenship. Taking Singapore citizenship later means giving up the other.

Hong Kong as an alternative. Hong Kong's New CIES asks for HK$30 million in assets, but no operating business or track record.

In our view, the GIP fits owners whose business already clears the turnover tests and who will spend real time in Singapore.

08

FAQ