Singapore Residency by Investment
Introduction
The Singapore residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining Singapore permanent residency through the Global Investor Programme (GIP) — the most prestigious residency by investment programme in Asia, managed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Invest from SGD 10 million in a business, SGD 25 million in a fund, or a Single Family Office with SGD 200 million AUM. Includes spouse and children under 21. Processing time: 9–12 months. No capital gains tax. Path to citizenship after 2 years of permanent residency.
Programme Overview
Investment level
Option A: SGD 10 million in a business (~US$7.4 million). Option B: SGD 25 million in a GIP-select fund. Option C: Single Family Office with SGD 200 million AUM, of which SGD 50 million is invested in Singapore.
Processing time
From 9 to 12 months from the date of full application submission. The process includes profile assessment, an interview with the EDB, and the issuance of an Approval-in-Principle (AIP). After receiving the AIP, there is a 6-month window to finalise the investment.
Benefits
Singapore permanent resident (PR) status for the whole family — the right to live, work, and study in Singapore without restriction. Re-Entry Permit (REP) valid for 5 years, renewable if conditions are maintained.
Residence requirement
No requirement for frequent residency in the initial stage. However, to renew the REP after 5 years, the investor must maintain the investment and meet conditions such as job creation (Option A).
Family
Includes spouse and children under 21 in the same application. Parents and children over 21 are not included in the main application but may apply for a 5-year Long-Term Visit Pass.
Citizenship
Eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship after 2 years of permanent residency. Important note: Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship — investors must renounce their Vietnamese citizenship when naturalising as a Singaporean.
Benefits of Singapore permanent residency
Asia’s financial centre
Singapore is Asia’s leading centre for finance, trade, and wealth management. The legal system is transparent and based on common law, the SGD is stable, and capital markets are deeply developed — an ideal environment for HNWI to manage global assets.
Live and work freely
Permanent residents can live, work, study, and conduct business in Singapore without restriction. Access to a world-class education system — Singapore is ranked in the global top 5 for education quality by PISA.
Fast-track citizenship
Singapore offers the fastest path to citizenship among residency by investment programmes in Asia — just 2 years after obtaining permanent residency. The Singapore passport is ranked in the world’s top 1–3, providing visa-free access to over 190 countries.
Attractive tax incentives
Singapore applies a territorial tax system — income earned abroad and not remitted to Singapore is not taxed. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or property tax. Personal income tax is progressive up to a maximum of 24%, and corporate tax is 17%.
Security and quality of life
Singapore is ranked as the safest country in the world (Global Peace Index). It features a world-class healthcare system, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a near-zero crime rate. English is the official language and the language of business.
Gateway to Asia
Strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, with direct connections to China, India, Australia, and the entire ASEAN region. Changi Airport has been ranked the world’s best for many consecutive years, with direct connections to 380+ cities.
Residency by investment pathway
Option A: Business investment
Minimum investment of SGD 10 million in the share capital of a new or existing Singaporean business (including paid-up capital). The business must operate in industries approved by the EDB. After 5 years, the business must employ at least 30 staff (50% must be Singaporean citizens, with 10 new employees) to renew the REP. Suitable for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business in Singapore.
Option B: GIP-select fund
Minimum investment of SGD 25 million in an EDB-approved fund (GIP-select fund). These funds must invest at least 50% of their capital in Singaporean businesses. Suitable for passive investors who do not wish to manage a business directly. The fund is supervised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Option C: Single Family Office
Establish a Single Family Office in Singapore with a minimum of SGD 200 million in assets under management (AUM), of which at least SGD 50 million must be invested in Singapore-based assets (SGX-listed equities, local private equity funds). You must hire at least 5 professionals (legal, tax, investment advisory). Suitable for UHNWIs looking to build a family wealth management hub in Asia.
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Programme requirements
Business experience
The GIP requires investors to have at least 3 years of business management experience. You must own at least 30% of your current company. The business must have achieved a minimum annual turnover of SGD 200 million in the last 3 years (Option A — established business owner).
Investment level
Option A: SGD 10 million into a business. Option B: SGD 25 million into a fund. Option C: Single Family Office with SGD 200 million AUM. Capital must be transferred from the investor's personal account at a Singaporean bank.
Application fees
GIP application fee: SGD 20,000 (updated from 05/05/2025, non-refundable). PR processing fee: SGD 100/person (payable to the ICA – Immigration and Checkpoints Authority).
Approved industries
The business must operate in industries listed by the EDB in Annex B of the GIP guidelines, including: technology, finance, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and other strategic sectors.
Education and language
No specific educational qualifications are required, but investors must have an excellent business track record. English is the working language in Singapore — not mandatory but encouraged for the EDB interview process.
Background
No criminal record. Not subject to an entry ban in Singapore. Proof of legal source of funds with strict due diligence — Singapore has one of the world's most rigorous vetting processes.
Implementation process
Obtain Singapore permanent residency for the entire family with the support of the Prosperous Living Investment team.
Consultation and selection
PLI specialists assess your business track record, financial capacity, and family size. We provide consultation on the most suitable Option A, B, or C. PLI connects you with reputable immigration lawyers and financial partners in Singapore. Duration: 2–4 weeks.
Prepare documentation and submit application
PLI coordinates with Singaporean lawyers to prepare the application package, including: a detailed business plan, 3-year financial statements, proof of legal source of funds, criminal record certificates, and supporting documents. Submit the application to the EDB with the SGD 20,000 fee. Duration: 4–6 weeks.
EDB interview and Approval-in-Principle
The EDB vets the application and invites the investor for an in-person interview. The investor presents their business vision and plan for contributing to the Singaporean economy. After the interview, the EDB issues an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) valid for 6 months. Duration: 4–6 months.
Investment completion and PR issuance
Within 6 months of receiving the AIP, the investor completes the capital transfer and investment according to the chosen Option. Provide proof of investment (Investment Undertaking, Statutory Declaration) to the EDB. Upon confirmation, the EDB issues Final Approval, and the investor and their family receive their Singapore permanent resident cards. Duration: 2–6 months.
Re-Entry Permit and citizenship
After receiving PR, the investor is granted an initial 5-year Re-Entry Permit (REP). To renew the REP, you must maintain the investment conditions and meet requirements (Option A: create 30 jobs, Option C: maintain SGD 50 million investment). After 2 years as a permanent resident: eligible to apply for Singaporean citizenship (note: you must renounce your Vietnamese citizenship as Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship).
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Effectiveness
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.
Transparency
Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.
Professionalism
The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are common client questions regarding the Singapore residency by investment programme. If you require a detailed consultation, please contact us.
What is the minimum investment level for the Singapore GIP?
- Option A: SGD 10 million (~US$7.4 million) into a Singaporean business.
- Option B: SGD 25 million into a GIP-select fund.
- Option C: Single Family Office with SGD 200 million AUM (of which SGD 50 million is invested in Singapore).
The investment level increased from SGD 2.5 million (previous) to SGD 10 million in 2023. Programme conditions are as announced by theSingapore Economic Development Board.
What are the business track record requirements?
The GIP requires investors to have at least 3 years of business management experience and own at least 30% of their current company. For Option A (established business owner), the business must have achieved a minimum annual turnover of SGD 200 million in the last 3 years.
How long does it take from application submission to receiving permanent residency?
The total process takes 9 to 12 months, including application vetting (4–6 months), EDB interview, Approval-in-Principle, 6 months to complete the investment, and Final Approval. Singapore has one of the world's most rigorous vetting processes.
Can family members be included in the application?
The GIP includes your spouse and children under 21 in the same application — all receive Singapore permanent residency. Parents and children over 21 are not included in the main application but can apply for a 5-year Long-Term Visit Pass. Note: sons will be required to perform mandatory national service in Singapore.
Does Singapore recognise dual citizenship?
NO. Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship. Upon naturalising as a Singaporean citizen (after 2 years of PR), the investor must renounce their Vietnamese citizenship. This is a point to consider carefully — many investors choose to retain permanent residency instead of applying for citizenship.
Is it necessary to live in Singapore permanently?
During the initial stage (5-year REP), permanent residence is not required. However, to renew the REP, the investor must maintain the investment and meet specific conditions: Option A requires maintaining the investment and creating 30 jobs; Option C requires maintaining the SGD 50 million investment in Singapore.
What tax incentives does Singapore offer investors?
Singapore applies a territorial tax system — no tax is levied on foreign income not remitted to Singapore. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, property tax, or gift tax. Personal income tax is capped at 24%, and corporate tax is 17% — the lowest among global financial centres.
Is the GIP approval rate high?
The GIP is a highly selective programme — only about 450 investors were approved between 2015–2025. Singapore prioritises quality over quantity, focusing on entrepreneurs with an excellent track record and the ability to make a genuine contribution to the economy. Well-prepared applications that meet the criteria have a higher approval rate.