Global Investor Programme (GIP), Options A, B and C: Documents required and templates

The Global Investor Programme offers Singapore Permanent Residence to qualifying investors through three routes: Option A, investing at least S$10 million in a new or existing Singapore business; Option B, investing at least S$25 million in a GIP-select fund; and Option C, establishing a single family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management, of which at least S$50 million must go into qualifying local investments.

Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

What each GIP option actually requires

Option A requires a direct investment of at least S$10 million into a new Singapore business or an existing one being expanded, suiting entrepreneurs and operators who want to run the business directly. Option B requires at least S$25 million into a GIP-select fund, a curated list of funds investing in Singapore-based companies, suiting investors who prefer a managed vehicle over direct operational involvement. Option C requires establishing a single family office with at least S$200 million in AUM, with at least S$50 million deployed into qualifying local investments, suiting high-net-worth families whose wealth planning already points toward a Singapore family office.

Who each option is for

Option A suits founders and business operators with an existing track record who want to build or scale a Singapore-based operating company. Option B suits passive investors comfortable committing capital to a professionally managed fund rather than running a business themselves. Option C suits families already planning to centralise wealth management in Singapore, since the S$200 million AUM threshold is set at a scale where a family office is typically already justified on its own commercial merits, independent of the immigration outcome.

Documents required and templates

Across all three options, applicants provide identity documents, a statement of net worth, source-of-funds documentation, and a business or investment plan specific to the chosen option. Option A additionally requires a detailed business plan, projected headcount and revenue, and evidence of the applicant’s entrepreneurial or operating track record. Option B requires the GIP-select fund’s subscription documents and the fund manager’s confirmation of the investment. Option C requires the family office’s proposed investment mandate, evidence of the S$200 million AUM, and a plan showing how the S$50 million local investment requirement will be met.

Cost and timeline in numbers

The GIP application fee is S$20,000, in effect since 5 May 2025, and processing typically takes around 12 months from submission to decision. Approval covers the main applicant, spouse and children under 21, meaning family members do not need separate standalone applications. Option C’s S$200 million AUM and S$50 million local investment figures are hard thresholds assessed at application and expected to be maintained afterward, not one-time entry tests.

Step-by-step: applying under GIP

An applicant first selects the option matching their circumstances, business operator, passive investor, or family office principal, since the required documents and evaluation criteria differ meaningfully between the three. They then engage the relevant intermediary, a business consultant for Option A, the GIP-select fund manager for Option B, or a family office service provider for Option C, to prepare the investment or business plan. The application, including the S$20,000 fee, is submitted to the Singapore Economic Development Board, which coordinates the assessment; processing commonly runs around 12 months, after which in-principle approval precedes final PR confirmation.

Common mistakes and gotchas

A frequent Option A mistake is submitting a business plan that reads as generic rather than tailored to the applicant’s actual track record and the Singapore market. A common Option B error is treating fund selection as an afterthought, when the GIP-select list and the fund’s own terms materially affect both the investment case and the immigration outcome. A common Option C mistake is under-documenting how the S$50 million local investment requirement will be met on an ongoing basis, since EDB and the family office’s own governance need to show this is a real, maintained allocation rather than a one-time compliance exercise.

FAQs

What is the minimum investment for each GIP option? S$10 million for Option A, S$25 million for Option B, and S$200 million in AUM (with S$50 million in qualifying local investments) for Option C.

What is the GIP application fee? S$20,000, in effect since 5 May 2025.

How long does GIP processing take? Typically around 12 months from application to decision.

Does GIP approval cover family members? Yes, PR under GIP covers the main applicant, spouse and children under 21.

How does Option C differ from a standalone Section 13O or 13U family office? Option C is an immigration route tied to establishing a S$200 million-AUM single family office; 13O and 13U are separate tax incentive schemes that a family office may also apply for independently of any immigration objective.

Related guides

For how a Section 13O family office compares in AUM and structure to Option C, see Single Family Office (SFO) Singapore setup, frequently asked questions. Investors also incorporating a Singapore company under Option A should see the Global Investor Programme requirements, process and common mistakes guide. For how to maintain evidence across a five-year GIP Option C renewal cycle, see our companion piece, GIP Option C renewal: build a five-year evidence calendar.

Authoritative background: the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority confirms PR status once GIP investment conditions are met, and the Singapore Economic Development Board administers the GIP application and investment assessment referenced above.

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.