Global Investor Program (GIP)
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) accords Singapore Permanent Resident status (PR) to eligible global investors who intend to drive their businesses and investment growth from Singapore.
This initiative was introduced by the Singaporean government to attract and encourage foreign investment in the country and at the same time, grant Permanent Residency to successful applicants.
Applicants will need to have a substantial business track record and successful entrepreneurial background to qualify.
Key features of the Global Investor Program may include:
- Investment Requirement: Applicants are typically required to make a substantial financial investment in qualifying sectors such as business and investment.
- Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility is often based on factors such as business track record, entrepreneurial experience, and the ability to contribute to the local economy.
- Investment Sectors: The program may specify certain sectors or industries where investments are encouraged. These could include sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and more
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants may be granted permanent residency in Singapore, which can provide them with various benefits, including the ability to live and work in the country.
Eligibility Criteria for Global Investor Program (GIP)
| Applicant’s Profile | Established Business Owners |
Next Generation Business Owners | Founders of Fast Growth Companies | Family Office Principals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria |
a) You must possess at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record; b) You should currently be running a company1 with an annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the year immediately preceding your application, and at least S$200 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding your application; c) If your company is privately held, you should have at least 30% shareholding in the company; AND d) Your company must be engaged in one or more of the industries listed in Annex B. See FAQ section for Annex B. |
a) Your immediate family should have at least 30% shareholding or is the largest shareholder in the company you use to qualify; b) This company’s annual turnover must be at least S$500 million in the year immediately preceding your application, and at least S$500 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding your application; c) You must be part of the management team of the company (e.g. C-suite / Board of Directors); AND d) Your company must be engaged in one or more of the industries listed in Annex B |
a) You must be a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a company with a valuation of at least S$500 million; b) Your company must be invested into by reputable Venture Capital /Private Equity firms; AND c) Your company must be engaged in one or more of the industries listed in Annex B. |
a) You must possess at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record; AND b) You must have net investible assets of at least S$200 million. (NB: Net Investible Assets include all financial assets, such as bank deposits, capital market products, collective investment schemes, premiums paid in respect of life insurance policies and other investment products, excluding real estate.) |
| Type of Investment Option(s) |
Option A: Invest S$10 million in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation; Option B: Invest S$25 million SGD in a GIP fund3 that invests in Singapore-based companies; Option C: Setup a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with at least S$200 million in Assets-Under-Management (AUM*), of which a minimum of S$50 million must be placed select investment instruments. |
Option A: Invest S$10 million in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation; Option B: Invest S$25 million in a GIP fund that invests in Singapore-based companies; Option C: Setup a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with at least S$200 million in Assets-Under-Management (AUM*), of which a minimum of S$50 million must be placed select investment instruments. |
Option A: Invest S$10 million SGD in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation; Option B: Invest S$25 million in a GIP fund3 that invests in Singapore-based companies; Option C: Setup a Single-Family Office in Singapore with at least S$200 million in Assets-Under-Management (AUM*), of which a minimum of S$50 million must be placed select investment instruments. |
Option C: Setup a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with at least S$200 million in Assets-Under-Management (AUM*), of which a minimum of S$50 million must be placed in one of the four investment categories: (i) stocks, REITs, and business trusts that are listed on Singapore-approved exchanges; (ii) debt securities eligible for listing on the MAS inquiry system; (iii) funds dispersed by managers or financial institutions authorised or registered in Singapore; and (iv) private equity investments in Singapore-based operational companies that are not publicly traded. |
Global Investor Program (GIP) - Approved Business Sectors
Investors may choose to invest in any of the following business sectors under the GIP scheme. Please note that this list is as of 15 March 2023 and may be updated by the authority from time to time.
| Aerospace Engineering | Electronics | Logistics & Supply Chain Management | Natural Resources e.g. metals, mining, agri-commodities | Precision Engineering |
| Alternative Energy/Clean Technology | Energy | Marine & Offshore Engineering | Safety & Security | Professional Services e.g. consulting, design |
| Automotive | Engineering Services | Media & Entertainment | Space | Arts Businesses – Visual arts businesses – Performing arts businesses |
| Chemicals | Healthcare | Medical Technology | Shipping | Sports Businesses |
| Consumer Business e.g. flavors and fragrances, food ingredients, nutrition, home and personal care | Infocomm Products & Services | Nanotechnology | Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology | Family Office & Financial Services |
Additional information that you may find useful
- If you are an adult, applying yourself, you will have to attach the aforementioned documents for both yourself and your spouse, even if they aren’t coming with you.
- If you are applying for a child, you have to attach the required documents for yourself, your spouse, and your child, as applicable. So, for example, if your child is working, attach the employment documents.
- Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of documents and the Immigration & Custom Authority may ask for additional documents after they have reviewed your application
- In addition to the supporting documents as required per the Singapore Citizenship application, providing these additional documents will also help the authority to better access your application:
- Cover Letter: along with the application that summarizes key points of your application (i.e. why you have decided to apply for Singapore citizenship, the roots you have established in Singapore, your financial strength, and other positive factors about your application)
- If you have purchased any properties in Singapore, include the proof in supporting documents
- If you have significant financial assets, include their evidence
Benefits of GIP program: Permanent Residence (PR) for direct family members
You can currently apply for permanent residency for your direct family members under the Investor visa (GIP) Scheme if they meet the following criteria:
- Your partner and children under the age of 21 can also apply for PR at the same time as you. Dependants who are men will have to do National Service.
- Your parents and children who are over 21 can apply for a 5-year Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP), which can be renewed and is tied to the length of time your re-entry permit
Not sure of your profile type or which could be your best investment options? Our SIC’s team of experience consultants whom will provide each of you with recommendation and sound advice on your available options based on your current status and business plans is just a click away. Get in touch with us today.