Global Investor Programme (GIP) — Options A, B and C — Eligibility and requirements checklist

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) offers permanent residence to substantial investors who commit significant capital to Singapore under one of its investment options. Administered by the Economic Development Board, the GIP requires a strong business or investment track record and a qualifying investment, typically in the millions of Singapore dollars, into a business, fund or family office.

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 the GIP is

The Global Investor Programme is Singapore’s investment-linked permanent-residence route, aimed at established entrepreneurs, business owners and investors of substance. Unlike the PTS scheme, which rewards a working track record, the GIP is built around a material capital commitment to the Singapore economy. It is administered by Contact Singapore under the Economic Development Board (EDB), and it is deliberately selective: applicants must demonstrate a substantial entrepreneurial or investment history before the investment options even come into play.

Who should consider it

The GIP suits founders of large companies, next-generation business leaders, and principals of family offices and investment vehicles who intend to base significant activity in Singapore. It is frequently paired with a Singapore holding structure or a single-family office. Applicants exploring the family-office angle often read our cross-site note on family office hiring under the 13O and 13U schemes, while those weighing the trading and treasury side review the Global Trader Programme. The corporate build often runs in parallel, as our branch-to-subsidiary conversion guide illustrates.

The three investment options

The GIP is structured around distinct options. Option A requires investing a substantial sum into a new business entity or the expansion of an existing Singapore business operation. Option B requires investing into an approved GIP fund that in turn invests in Singapore-based companies. Option C requires establishing a Singapore-based single family office with a defined quantum of assets under management. Each option carries its own qualifying investment quantum, business-plan and employment commitments, and periodic review conditions that must be maintained to renew the re-entry permit. The specific quanta are set by EDB and have been raised over time, so current figures must be confirmed directly.

Eligibility and requirements checklist

  • A substantial entrepreneurial or investment track record, evidenced by company financials, shareholding and role.
  • Selection of one investment option (A, B or C) and commitment to its qualifying quantum.
  • A credible business or investment plan with employment and spending commitments where applicable.
  • Maintenance of the investment and conditions to qualify for re-entry permit renewal.
  • Clean background and source-of-funds documentation for anti-money-laundering checks.

Timeline, cost and numerical specifics

The GIP is a multi-stage process: eligibility assessment, interview, approval-in-principle, then the investment and issuance of PR. From application to final PR commonly takes several months and can extend beyond, given the diligence involved. The qualifying investment runs into the millions of Singapore dollars depending on the option, and applicants should budget for professional fees on structuring, fund selection or family-office setup on top of the investment itself. Because the quanta and conditions are periodically revised, confirm the prevailing thresholds on EDB and align the immigration formalities with ICA and any employment aspects with the Ministry of Manpower.

Common mistakes and gotchas

Applicants sometimes assume the GIP is a passive buy-a-passport scheme, it is not; it requires genuine substance, a real business or fund or family office, and ongoing conditions. Others underestimate the source-of-funds diligence, which is rigorous. Choosing the wrong option for one’s profile, for example Option A when a family-office route under Option C fits better, wastes time. And failing to maintain the investment or employment conditions can jeopardise re-entry permit renewal. Professional structuring advice at the outset usually pays for itself.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions: global investor programme

What is the minimum investment for the GIP?
It runs into the millions of Singapore dollars and depends on the chosen option (A, B or C). EDB revises the quanta periodically, so confirm the current figures directly before applying.

Who administers the Global Investor Programme?
Contact Singapore under the Economic Development Board (EDB). EDB assesses the applicant's track record and investment plan before permanent residence is granted.

How long does the GIP take?
Typically several months across eligibility assessment, interview, approval-in-principle and the investment stage, and it can take longer given the diligence involved.

Can I include my family in a GIP application?
Yes. The principal applicant can generally include a spouse and unmarried children, subject to ICA and EDB requirements, though conditions and fees apply per applicant.

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.

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