Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP): Get Your Singapore PR Through Investment

The Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) is the only Singapore PR investment scheme available to high-net-worth individuals and successful entrepreneurs seeking Permanent Residency through qualifying investments in Singapore. Administered jointly by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the GIP is reserved for the world’s most accomplished business leaders. Since 2005, Xignam Consulting has worked alongside private banks, fund managers, and real estate agencies to personalise GIP profiles and strengthen every application we handle. Our credentials, networks, and consultative approach make us the partner of choice for discerning investors who require more than a standard immigration service.

What is the Singapore
Global Investor Programme (GIP)?

The Singapore Global Investor Programme is the country’s sole Singapore PR investment scheme and the most direct route to Permanent Residency for high-net-worth individuals with a strong entrepreneurial or business track record. Jointly administered by the EDB and ICA, the GIP was introduced to attract exceptional foreign talent to invest in and become an active part of Singapore’s economy.

Unlike employment-based immigration pathways such as the Employment Pass or EntrePass, the GIP grants Permanent Residency directly upon approval with no extended waiting period. Demand for the programme has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting Singapore’s rising profile as a global wealth management hub and one of the world’s premier destinations for capital deployment.

The GIP Singapore programme replaced the earlier Financial Investor Scheme when it was abolished in April 2012, making it the definitive and only pathway for immigration-via-investment into Singapore.

Why Apply for Singapore PR Through the GIP?

Singapore Permanent Residency is more than a residency status — it is a gateway to one of the world’s most strategically positioned, financially advantageous, and globally connected cities. For high-net-worth individuals and their families, the benefits extend well beyond the right to reside.

Global Mobility

The Singapore passport ranks among the world’s most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, including the United States, the European Union, and China.

Property Savings

Singapore PRs benefit from savings of up to 15% on Buyer’s Stamp Duty compared to foreign purchasers, with access to a broader range of government-regulated housing options.

Favourable Tax Regime

Singapore imposes no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. Dividend and interest income are exempt from personal income tax, and overall tax rates remain highly competitive among developed economies.

Subsidised Healthcare

PRs access Singapore’s world-class public healthcare system at subsidised government rates, covering both primary care and specialist treatment.

World-Class Education

Singapore’s education system is consistently ranked among the finest globally. PR status grants children access to government schools at local rates, alongside Singapore’s renowned international school ecosystem.

Freedom of Movement

PRs hold a five-year Re-entry Permit, allowing unrestricted travel and re-entry to Singapore without the need for separate visas.

Pathway to Citizenship

 Singapore Permanent Residency is the only route to Singapore Citizenship for foreign nationals. PRs who have held the status for a minimum of two years become eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship.

Who is Eligible for GIP in Singapore?

GIP eligibility is assessed against a set of core criteria applicable to all applicants, combined with the specific requirements of the chosen investment option. The table below summarises the full eligibility framework across all four pathways.

Core Eligibility Criteria (All Applicants)

Requirement Details
Entrepreneurial Experience Minimum 3 years in a key management or ownership position within a qualifying company
Business Turnover Annual average turnover of at least S$200 million (listed companies) or S$500 million (privately held companies) over the last 3 audited financial years
Shareholding (Private Companies) Minimum 30% shareholding in the applicant's company
Industry Company must operate in one of EDB's app

Investment Options

GIP Fund Option

Invest a minimum of S$25 million in a GIP-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.

Renewal Criteria:

  • Maintain the full S$25 million investment in a qualifying GIP-select fund

GIP Business Option

Invest a minimum of S$10 million in a new business entity or the expansion of an existing Singapore business operation.

Renewal Criteria:

  • Maintain the investment in full
  • Employ a minimum of 30 staff in Singapore, of whom at least 15 must be Singapore Citizens, and at least 10 must be incremental employees added after the GIP application.

Singapore Based Single Family Office Option

Establish a Singapore-based Single Family Office with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million, with a minimum of S$50 million deployed across any of the four qualifying investment categories.

Renewal Criteria:

  • Maintain the S$50 million AUM across the qualifying investment categories
  • Employ a minimum of 5 incremental Singapore Citizen professionals within the Family Office

Alternatives for GIP

If you are not eligible for the Global Investor Program and can wait a little longer to get your Singapore PR, consider the following programs for investment and eventually get a Singapore PR.

Our GIP Application Process with Xignam Consulting

Singapore’s GIP application framework is rigorous, and the quality of your application profile is the most important factor in securing approval. At Xignam, we take full ownership of your GIP application, managing every stage with precision, discretion, and a consultative approach that has consistently improved our clients’ approval outcomes.

Step 1: Confidential GIP Assessment

We begin with a thorough and confidential evaluation of your eligibility, reviewing your business background, financial profile, and investment capacity against EDB’s current GIP criteria. We identify your most suitable investment option and provide frank, expert guidance on the strength of your application before any commitment is made.

Step 2: Investment Structuring and Option Selection

Based on your assessment, our consultants work alongside your financial advisors, private banking partners, and fund managers to structure your chosen investment option in a manner that satisfies EDB’s requirements and aligns with your broader wealth and business objectives. We ensure every investment vehicle and documentation trail is correctly positioned from the outset.

Step 3: Profile Personalisation and Documentation

Our team works closely with you to build a compelling, well-evidenced application profile that presents your entrepreneurial track record, business achievements, and Singapore investment commitment in the most persuasive light possible, fully compliant with EDB and ICA requirements.

Step 4: Application Submission and EDB Liaison

We compile and submit your complete GIP application to EDB, ensuring every document meets the required standards. Throughout the review process, we monitor your application status, respond promptly to any queries from EDB or ICA, and keep you fully informed at every stage.

Step 5: ICA PR Approval and Endorsement

Upon receiving EDB’s Letter of Eligibility, we manage the subsequent ICA submission for formal PR approval. We guide you through the formalities of PR collection, Re-entry Permit issuance, and any Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass applications required for eligible family members.

Step 6: Renewal Support and Ongoing Compliance

As your Re-entry Permit approaches renewal, our team reviews your compliance with the investment and residency conditions of your chosen GIP option, prepares all required documentation, and manages the renewal submission on your behalf, ensuring your PR status is maintained without interruption.

Why Partner with Xignam Consulting for
Your GIP Application?

Comprehensive, End-to-End Service

Xignam goes well beyond basic immigration compliance. We provide fully integrated support across your GIP application, business incorporation, investment structuring, and ongoing corporate compliance, so every dimension of your Singapore journey is managed by a single, trusted partner.

Exclusive Network Access

Our established relationships with Singapore’s elite private banks, GIP-approved fund managers, real estate agencies, and investment professionals give our clients a distinct advantage. We open doors that accelerate your transition into Singapore’s top-tier business and investment community.

Absolute Client Privacy

Xignam operates on a strict confidentiality model. Your personal, financial, and business information is handled with the highest level of discretion and security throughout every stage of the GIP process. Our clients choose us precisely because they trust us with matters of the highest sensitivity.

Transparent, Upfront Pricing

We operate on a fully transparent pricing model with no hidden fees and no unexpected charges. From the outset, you will know exactly what you are engaging us for and what it costs, giving you complete clarity and confidence throughout the GIP application process.

Proven Track Record with HNWIs and Global Investors

Since 2005, Xignam has been the trusted Singapore immigration consultancy partner for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders navigating Singapore’s investment immigration landscape. Our experience, depth of knowledge, and commitment to client outcomes make us the partner of choice for a successful GIP application in Singapore.

Hear from Our GIP Clients

Secure Your Singapore PR Through Global Investor Program Today!

Singapore’s GIP is one of the world’s most selective investment immigration programmes and one of the most rewarding. With only 3 in 10 applications approved, the quality of your application matters as much as your eligibility. Engage Xignam and let our specialists build, position, and submit your GIP application with the expertise, precision, and discretion it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions About GIP Applications in Singapore

What is a GIP-approved fund in Singapore?

A GIP-approved fund is an investment fund that has been formally endorsed by the EDB as a qualifying vehicle under Option B of the Singapore Global Investor Programme. These funds are required to deploy capital into Singapore-based companies and must meet EDB’s criteria for fund structure, management, and investment mandate. The list of approved funds is maintained and updated by EDB. Xignam works directly with several GIP-approved fund managers and can provide introductions based on your investment profile and objectives.

What is the process to apply for the GIP in Singapore?

The GIP application process begins with an eligibility assessment conducted by EDB, followed by the submission of a comprehensive application package including business background documentation, audited financial statements, investment proposals, and personal declarations. Upon EDB’s issuance of a Letter of Eligibility, the applicant proceeds to ICA for formal PR approval. The full process typically spans several months, depending on the complexity of the applicant’s profile and the investment option selected.

What types of industries qualify for investment under the GIP?

EDB maintains a list of approved industries eligible for investment under the GIP programme. These broadly include manufacturing, technology, financial services, professional services, and other sectors aligned with Singapore’s economic development priorities. Investments in property development, retail, and certain F&B activities are generally not eligible. Our consultants will assess your intended investment activity against EDB’s current approved industry list during your initial GIP assessment.

How long does a GIP application take to process?

Processing timelines vary depending on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the applicant’s business and investment profile,w and EDB’s current case volume. As a general guide, applicants should expect the full GIP process to take between six and twelve months. Ensuring that all documentation is complete, accurate, and well-presented from the outset is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays.

What documents are required for a GIP application?

A complete GIP application typically requires a valid passport, personal curriculum vitae, audited financial statements for the company (covering the last three financial years), business profile and shareholding documentation, a detailed investment proposal for Singapore, proof of net worth, and personal tax records. Additional documents may be required depending on the chosen investment option. Our team provides a full documentation checklist and guides you through every requirement at the outset of your engagement.

Can my family members obtain Singapore PR through my GIP application?

Yes. Immediate family members, specifically spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, are eligible to be included in your GIP application as dependents. Upon your PR approval, eligible family members may receive PR status concurrently. Older children and parents may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).