What Is the Global Investor Programme (GIP)?

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The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is a residency-by-investment scheme administered by Contact Singapore under the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). It enables eligible global investors and business owners to obtain Singapore PR by committing significant capital into Singapore-based business activities or investments.

The programme targets entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals who will drive business growth, create jobs, and significantly contribute to Singapore’s economy.


???? Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must demonstrate:

  • Substantial entrepreneurial experience and business success

  • Strong business track record and ability to execute investment plans

  • Contribution to Singapore’s economy through business activity or investment

Typically, investors fit into one of these applicant profiles:

  1. Established business owners

  2. Next-generation business owners

  3. Founders of fast growth companies

  4. Family office principals
     (Each category has specific criteria tied to business performance and involvement.)


???? Investment Options & Minimum Thresholds

You must choose one of three investment pathways to qualify:

???? Option A – Business Investment

Invest at least S$10 million in:

  • A new Singapore business, or

  • Expansion of an existing Singapore company

You’ll need to submit a detailed five-year business plan showing financial forecasts, local job creation, and your management role.


???? Option B – Approved Fund Investment

Invest at least S$25 million in a GIP-select investment fund that supports Singapore-based companies.


???? Option C – Single Family Office

Set up a Singapore-based family office with Assets-Under-Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million, of which at least S$50 million must be deployed in Singapore across approved investment categories (e.g., equities, REITs, private equity).


???? Eligibility Requirements (Core)

Qualifying broadly depends on:

✔️ Business Track Record

  • A strong record of entrepreneurship and business leadership

  • If applying under business criteria: company revenue thresholds and shareholding benchmarks apply (typically significant annual turnover and at least 30 % shareholding for privately held firms)

✔️ Investment

  • Committing the required capital under one of the Options above

  • Submitting investment documentation and a convincing business plan

✔️ Personal Background

  • Proof of good character

  • Clean legal record

  • Other standard document requirements (passport, audited statements, incorporation documents, etc.)


???? Application Process

  1. Prepare documents – Investment plan, business documents, proof of funds, corporate records, etc.

  2. Submit GIP application – Through EDB/Contact Singapore.

  3. Assessment & interview – EDB reviews your business proposal and investment plan.

  4. Approval-in-Principle (AIP) – If approved, you usually receive an AIP permit which gives a window (typically six months) to complete the required investment.

  5. Fulfil investment conditions – Make and document the qualifying investment.

  6. PR granted – Generally directly upon satisfying the conditions.


????️ Benefits

???? Singapore Permanent Residency

Successful applicants and their immediate family members (spouse, children) qualify for Singapore PR, which allows living, working, and studying in Singapore.

????‍????‍???? Family Inclusion

Dependents may be included in the PR application.

???? Citizenship Pathway

After holding PR and meeting conditions, applicants may eventually apply for Singapore citizenship—although Singapore generally does not allow dual citizenship.


⚠️ Key Considerations

  • Discretionary approval – Meeting investment thresholds does not guarantee approval; EDB assesses overall economic value and personal profile.

  • Substantive economic contribution expected – Investment, job creation, business operations matter.

Criteria evolve – Thresholds and conditions can change (e.g., recent increases in investment minimums).

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