Singapore has offered permanent residency by investment since 2004, aiming to attract foreign capital and create business opportunities. Known as the Singapore Global Investor Program, it enables entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to obtain Singapore permanent residency in exchange for a minimum investment of S$10 million in a Singapore business entity, with approval taking around 12 months.
Although the Singapore Global Investor Program does not grant citizenship by investment, investors may be eligible for citizenship after 2 years of holding permanent residency. However, Singapore does not give dual citizenship. To obtain Singapore citizenship, foreign investors must be ready to renounce their original citizenship.
What You Will Find in This Guide?
- Singapore Global Investor Program Review
- What is the Global Investor Programme (GIP)?
- Benefits of Singapore Residency by Investment Program
- Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Residency by Investment
- Approved Industries Listed in Annex B for Singapore Residency by Investment
- Singapore Global Investor Visa Program Investment Options for 2026
- Required Documents for the Global Investor Visa Program in Singapore
- Application Process: How to Get a Singapore Residency by Investment
- Singapore Permanent Residence by Investment: Validity of the Re-Entry Permit
- The Cost of Singapore Golden Visa
- How to Get Singapore Citizenship by Investment?
Singapore Global Investor Program Review
- The Singapore Global Investor Program is a permanent residency by investment program.
- Once you get your permanent residency, you can apply for Singapore citizenship after 2 years. However, you must revoke your initial citizenship as the country does not allow dual citizenship.
- There are three main investment categories, and the minimum investment requires S$10 million in a new business entity or existing business operation in Singapore.
- You can include your spouse and children below 21 years of age.
- In addition to the investment amount, you are required to pay an S$20,000 application fee and an S$100 non-refundable processing fee per applicant.
- To keep your PR status, you and your family must stay half of the year in Singapore (183 days per year)
- Once you get your Singapore PR residency, you will receive a 5-year re-entry permit (REP) to enter Singapore, which must be renewed before it expires.
What is the Global Investor Programme (GIP)?
The Singapore Government launched its Golden Visa program, officially known as the Global Investor Programme, in 2004. As one of the oldest programs in the Asia region, it aims to attract foreign capital through high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest or establish a business in Singapore.
Benefits of Singapore Residency by Investment Program
Getting a permanent residence card in Singapore can offer investors many benefits:
- You can access a reputable education system through its high-quality education system, as one of the world’s best education countries.
- Singapore has a friendly tax regime, as there is no corporate and capital gains tax in Singapore, and additionally, your foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt.
- The country has an English-speaking workforce, which facilitates communication and supports global business operations thanks to its multicultural community.
- As one of the safest countries to live in 2026, it has a secure environment, with potentially low crime and a promising investment climate.
- It also has an advanced infrastructure, efficient transport, and top-tier healthcare, which enhance overall business and living standards.
Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Residency by Investment
Foreign investors can apply for Global Investor Programme (GIP) on condition that they meet all the criteria, which is tailored for each investor profile.
The Main Applicant
1. Established Business Owners
Eligible investors must comply with the requirements stated below:
- You must have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business experience.
- If you have a private company, you must hold at least 30% of the shares.
- You need to have generated an annual turnover of at least S$200 million before your application date, and at least S$200 million per year for the previous 3 years.
- You must be engaged in one of the approved investment sectors.
2. Next Generation Business Owners
- Immediate family members should hold at least 30% of the shares as part of the management.
- You need to have generated an annual turnover of at least S$500 million before your application date, and at least S$500 million in each of the previous 3 years.
- You must be engaged in one of the approved investment sectors.
3. Founders of Fast-Growth Companies
- You must be the founder or own a significant portion of the shares in a non-publicly listed company.
- Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms must invest in your company.
- Your company must have a value of S$500,000
- You must be engaged in one of the approved investment sectors.
4. Family Office Principals
- You must have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business experience.
- Your company must have investible financial assets worth at least S$200,000.
Family Members
Following members can be included in the main applicants application:
- The spouse
- The children under 21 years old
Approved Industries Listed in Annex B for Singapore Residency by Investment
- Aerospace Engineering
- Renewable Energy and Clean Tech
- Automotive Industry
- Chemical Sector
- Consumer Business (e.g., food ingredients, personal and home care)
- Electronics Industry
- Energy Sector
- Engineering Services
- Healthcare Sector
- ICT Products and Services
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Marine and Offshore Engineering
- Media and Entertainment
- Medical Technology
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Natural Resources (e.g., mining, metals, agriculture)
- Safety and Security Services
- Space Industry
- Maritime Shipping
- Pharma and Biotech
- Precision Manufacturing/Engineering
- Professional Services (e.g., consulting, design)
- Arts Businesses (visual and performing arts)
- Sports Businesses
- Family Offices and Financial Services
Singapore Global Investor Visa Program Investment Options for 2026
To get residency by investment in Singapore, all investors should pick one of the following available investment categories:
| Option | Requirements | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Option A | Business investment & employment |
|
| Option B | Fund investment |
|
| Option C | Family office setup |
|
Required Documents for the Global Investor Visa Program in Singapore
For the Singapore Investor Visa, eligible applicants must submit the following documentation, as listed on the official government website.
All applicants complete the following forms regardless of their investment eligibility:
- Undertaking on the Terms and Conditions
- Statutory Declaration Form
- Declaration form for Application of Global Investor Visa in form A
- Declaration of Proposed Investment Plan in Form B
- Declaration of Payment Details in Payment Details, along with the hard copy of the transaction of payment
- A printed copy of your online submitted application form
- Entry Permit Application to Singapore in Form 4 (one for the main investor, one for the spouse of the investor, and dependent children will be listed under the main applicant’s and spouse’s application)
- Supporting documents for section 1 (an original copy and a hard copy are required for every person included in the GIP application)
- Supporting documents for section 2 (depending on the investment option)
Section 1: Supporting Documents for GIP
- Notarized copy of your passport (if you have more than one passport, please attach them too)
- 1 passport photograph
- Notarized copy of your birth certificate (it must show the name of your parents)
- Background details of your family members are included in your application according to the official template (http://www.edb.gov.sg/gip)
- Notarized copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable
- Notarized copy of your divorce certificate, if applicable
- Notarized copy of your custody/adoption papers for children below 21 if applicable
- If you have changed your name, please provide a notarized document stating that.
- Entry Permit Application to Singapore in Form 4
Section 2: Supporting Documents for GIP
- Last 3 years of audited financial reports
- Proof of shareholding (ownership documents)
- Shareholding structure diagram
- Business registration/license
- Organization chart
- Business plan (if Option A or C)
- Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) registration (if Singapore entity exists)
- CV (resume)
- Any additional supporting documents
- Last 3 years audited financial reports (family company)
- Proof of family shareholding
- Shareholding structure diagram
- Business registration/license
- Organization chart
- Business plan (if Option A or C)
- ACRA registration (if applicable)
- CV (resume)
- Any additional supporting documents
- Last 3 years financial reports
- Proof of shareholding
- Shareholding structure diagram
- Company valuation report/equivalent
- List of investors
- Business registration/license
- Organization chart
- Business plan (if Option A or C)
- ACRA registration (if applicable)
- CV (resume)
- Any additional supporting documents
- Proof of net investible assets (min $200M)
- Asset breakdown + supporting statements
- Business/investment plan
- SFO structure diagram
- ACRA registration (Singapore SFO)
- Business description (if applicable)
- CV
- Any additional supporting documents
Application Process: How to Get a Singapore Residency by Investment
In your journey to achieve Singapore PR status, you will have 5 steps to complete before you get your permanent residency. Successful applicants can complete this process within 12 months.
Step 1: Gather your documents and submit your application
Applicants must gather all required documents for the Singapore Residency by Investment application and pay S$20,000 to the Economic Development Board (EDB). You must also fill in the application forms at this stage.
Once you gather all the required documents and make your payment to the EDB, you can submit your application through the Global Investor Visa portal.
Step 2: Attend an Interview with EDB
If your initial application is successful, you will receive an invitation for an interview with EDB. This interview is an opportunity for you to explain how your investment will benefit the Singapore economy and outline your business plans.
After this interview, your application will be examined carefully, and you may be requested for additional documentation.
Step 3: Receive your Approval in Principle
After your application is examined carefully, you will receive your approval in principle letter from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which will be valid for 6 months. During this period, you must make your requisite investment under the chosen investment option.
Step 4: Submit your proof of investment
Once you make the required investment in the Singapore Global Investment program, you must provide proof of the investment you have made. This can be your bank statements or certified copies of share certificates.
Step 5: Undergo approval process and get your permanent residence
If your proof of investment is approved, ICA will issue a final approval letter. With this letter, you and your eligible family members can obtain Permanent Singapore Residency by Investment and a Blue Card.
Singapore Permanent Residence by Investment: Validity of the Re-Entry Permit
Investors will receive a Re-Entry Permit (REP) upon the issuance of Singapore Permanent Residency status. This REP will be valid for 5 years, allowing you to maintain your permanent residence status while you are outside Singapore.
To keep your permanent residency active, you must still meet the requirements at the end of 5 years. It will not be automatically renewed, so you must submit your renewal application from ICA’s Electronic Re-Entry Permit System.
You can renew your valid REP three months before your expiration date. If you apply for renewal after your expiration date, you cannot renew your re-entry permit. So, it is advised to check your renewal date before it expires.
The Cost of Singapore Golden Visa
The Singapore Golden Visa price depends on your investment path. It requires investing at least S$10 million to S$25 million (about USD $7.5M–$19M+) in a new or existing business, GIP approved funds, or a family office.
In addition to the investment costs, it includes a S$20,000 application fee, and you will also have to pay a S$100 non-refundable processing fee per applicant.
Apart from these, there may be extra legal fees, notarization, and translation costs.
How Can Get Golden Visa Help You?
Get Golden Visa is a leading investment advisory firm offering assistance in 16 residency and citizenship programs worldwide. Since 2014, Get Golden Visa has centered its advisory approach on the investor’s side, offering tailor-made solutions.
Our advisory team takes an independent approach to help every investor find the best solutions for their interests. To start your investment migration journey, we can arrange a meeting online or in person at our offices in Lisbon, London, Athens, and Istanbul.
Get in touch with us to speak with our investment migration advisors to discover which program suits you best.
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While we provide advisory services based on the legislation and administrative practice in effect at the time of your consultation, we cannot guarantee that future legal or policy changes will not affect eligibility, timing, or requirements for Singapore Residency.
We act as an independent advisory firm, not a government body, and all applications remain subject to Singapore law and the discretion of the relevant authorities.
How to Get Singapore Citizenship by Investment?
Singapore does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program; it only offers permanent residency by investment. So, how to get a Singapore passport as a foreigner? You can apply for Singapore citizenship after two years of permanent residency. Once achieved through a Singapore passport, investors can have visa free access to 193 destinations, including the key destinations such as Schengen Area and the US.
However, Singapore does not allow dual citizenship. So, obtaining Singaporean nationality
means giving up your existing citizenship. You have to renounce it. As a result, it is not as appealing as Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, which grant direct citizenship with additional global mobility and tax benefits.
It is also important to note that in Singapore, all male citizens and permanent residents aged 16 to 50 must serve in the mandatory national service. However, mature males (around 30 and above) are generally not subject to mandatory enlistment.
FAQs on Singapore PR Residency by Investment
How much do I need to invest in Singapore to get PR?
You must invest at least S$10 million into a new business entity or existing business operation in Singapore. The other investment categories require 25 million into GIP funds or a family office setup.
Can a foreigner invest in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can also invest in Singapore, and if they invest in one of the eligible investment options in Singapore Global Investor Program, they can get permanent residency in exchange for their investment.
How to immigrate to Singapore as an investor?
You can go for the Permanent Residency by Investment program in Singapore, and immigrate to Singapore within 12 months.
Can a foreigner become a Singapore citizen?
Yes, you can grant Singapore citizenship after 2 years of residency in Singapore. However, you must revoke your original citizenship as the country does not allow dual citizenship.
Do I have to pay income tax in Singapore?
If you reside in Singapore for more than 183 days, you will be considered as tax resident, and you have to pay taxes on the income earned in Singapore. However, your foreign income will be tax-exempt.
