The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is an investment route to Singapore Permanent Residence (PR). Contact Singapore, a division of the Economic Development Board (EDB), administers it. The programme offers three investment options — Option A, B, and C — each with a different minimum commitment and activity. This article compares them using the official EDB factsheet (updated 5 May 2025) and ICA rules.
The three options at a glance
Option A requires an investment of at least S$10 million in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation in Singapore.
Option B requires an investment of S$25 million in a GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
Option C requires establishing a Singapore-based Single Family Office (SFO) with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million, where at least S$50 million must be transferred into Singapore and deployed in EDB-specified investments.
The options differ in activity. Option A is an active business investment. Option B is a passive fund placement. Option C is a family office structure.
Eligibility profiles
GIP is open to investors meeting one of four profiles.
Established Business Owners need at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record. Their company must show annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the year immediately before the application, and at least S$200 million per annum on average for the three preceding years. If privately held, they must hold at least 30% shareholding. If publicly listed, they must be one of the largest individual shareholders. The company must operate in one or more Annex B industries.
Next Generation Business Owners need an immediate family member with at least 30% shareholding or who is the largest shareholder in the qualifying company. That company must show annual turnover of at least S$500 million in the year immediately before the application, and at least S$500 million per annum on average for the three preceding years. The applicant must be part of the management team (for example, C-suite or board). The company must operate in one or more Annex B industries.
Founders of Fast Growth Companies must be a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-publicly listed company valued at at least S$500 million. The company must be invested in by reputable venture capital or private equity firms and operate in one or more Annex B industries.
Family Office Principals need at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment, or management track record. They must have net investible assets of at least S$200 million. Net investible assets cover financial assets such as bank deposits, capital market products, collective investment schemes, life insurance premiums, and other investment products, but exclude real estate.
Investment choice follows the profile. Established Business Owners, Next Generation Business Owners, and Founders of Fast Growth Companies may use Option A, B, or C. Family Office Principals may use Option C only.
Conditions attached to each option
Option A applicants must submit a detailed 5-year business or investment plan with projected employment, expenditure, and financial projections. The applicant should hold at least 30% shareholding in the Option A company and be part of its management team. The company must be in an Annex B industry.
Option B applicants may be asked to share other Singapore business plans beyond the fund investment. The selection of a GIP-select fund is the applicant’s own decision; EDB states the selection is not an endorsement of any fund.
Option C applicants must submit a detailed 5-year business plan with projected employment and annual financial projections. At least S$50 million must be deployed in EDB-specified investments, such as equities listed on Singapore-approved exchanges.
How the application proceeds
The process has seven steps. The applicant submits completed GIP Application Forms (online and hardcopy) to EDB. EDB invites the applicant for an interview. If the applicant meets the assessment criteria, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issues an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) valid for 6 months. The applicant fulfils the investment condition within 6 months from the AIP date. After investing, the applicant provides evidence and submits the Investment Undertaking. Once EDB verifies the documents, ICA issues the Final Approval. The applicant must formalise PR within 12 months from the Final Approval date.
EDB states processing takes approximately 12 months, subject to complete submission of all required supporting documents. Applications are also subject to due diligence checks.
Investment proof after Approval-in-Principle
Option A applicants must demonstrate an investment of S$10 million in their Option A company within the 6-month AIP period.
Option B applicants must demonstrate an investment of S$25 million in a GIP-select fund within the same period, made from a personal bank account in their sole name opened with a Singapore-registered bank.
Option C applicants must submit documentary evidence within the 6-month AIP period. At least S$50 million must be deployed in EDB-specified investments no later than 12 months from the Final Approval date, and maintained throughout the REP validity.
Applicants are assessed on the information submitted and shared during the GIP interview.
Fees
The PR application carries ICA fees. At submission, the fee is S$100 for each application. At completion of formalities, the fees are S$20 for the Entry Permit, S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit, and S$50 for the Singapore Identity Card. All fees are non-refundable.
The EDB factsheet does not list a separate GIP application submission fee.
Re-Entry Permit and renewal
Upon formalising PR, the holder receives a Re-Entry Permit (REP) valid for 5 years. The REP lets the holder maintain PR status when outside Singapore. Renewal requires meeting the renewal criteria by the 5th year of PR. The application window opens 3 months before the REP expires. The REP lapses if renewal is applied for after the validity period. Without a valid REP, PR is lost once the holder leaves Singapore.
For renewal, each option must have met its investment conditions. Option A applicants must have fulfilled the Option A conditions. Option B applicants must have fulfilled the Option B conditions. Option C applicants must have fulfilled the Option C conditions.
National Service and dependants
Male dependants included under a GIP application are liable for National Service. The GIP factsheet directs applicants to www.cmpb.gov.sg for details.
A spouse and unmarried children below 21 as at the application date may be included as dependants. Parents and unmarried children above 21 are not eligible as GIP dependants. They may apply for a Long Term Visit Pass tied to the REP validity.
Official warnings on agencies
ICA states it has no affiliation with any external migration agency or commercial entity that claims to be a Singapore immigration specialist or partner. ICA does not support or endorse services by self-proclaimed professional immigration consultancy providers for PR or citizenship applications.
EDB’s factsheet includes a disclaimer. Nothing in it constitutes an undertaking to ensure the continued availability of the GIP, the approval of any application, or the approval of any REP renewal.
