Singapore Residency

Singapore, esteemed for its top-notch infrastructure, low crime rates, and vibrant multicultural society, offers a prime environment for residence and business, attracting investors through programs like the Global Investor Program.

Singapore, frequently lauded as the top Asian city to live in, boasts outstanding infrastructure and public services, making it one of the world’s wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita. Originally a British trading colony, it gained independence in 1965 and has since become a diverse and harmonious city-state with excellent multicultural integration. Renowned for its low crime rates and organized community, Singapore offers state-of-the-art facilities in telecommunication, business, and finance, establishing itself as a global financial hub.

Despite recent tightening of requirements for incoming talent, investors can still pursue permanent residence through the Global Investor Program, attracted by Singapore’s political stability, economic prosperity, renowned education system, and reliable healthcare services. With English as the predominant language and a reputation for affluence and quality of life, Singapore provides an ideal environment for both residence and business.

Processing Time

Nine (9) to twelve (12) months

Investment Requirement

SGD 10 million minimum investment

The Singapore Global Investor Program caters to affluent and seasoned foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers keen on establishing a business or investing in Singapore with the aim of settling in the country, granting successful candidates Singaporean permanent residence status within nine to twelve months.

Key Benefits of a Signaporean Residency by Investment

• Stability in political, social, and economic spheres
• Safety and a superior standard of living
• Exceptional education, healthcare, and transportation systems
• Prominent global financial hub
• Advanced business facilities and telecommunications infrastructure
• Diverse multicultural environment
• Beneficial tax regulations

Requirements of the Singapore Global Investor Program

Within the Global Investor Program, the investor has the option to choose one of the following selections:

1. Invest a minimum of SGD 2.5 million in establishing a new business entity or expanding an existing business operation.
2. Invest a minimum of SGD 2.5 million in an approved fund dedicated to investing in Singapore-based firms, along with implementing a business plan in Singapore.
3. Family Office Option: Utilize an investment of SGD 2.5 million to establish a sole family office in Singapore, which must manage assets totaling at least SGD 200 million (with a minimum of SGD 50 million in Singaporean capital and SGD 150 million in offshore capital).

Eligibility for a Singapore Global Investor Program

Investors seeking permanent residency through the Global Investor Program can leverage their significant commercial experience and flourishing entrepreneurial history. Each category of Singaporean residency requires a distinct application process and specific documentation criteria to fulfill.

The eligibility criteria for the Global Investor Program target:

• Established Business Owners

Prospective applicants to the Global Investor Program must demonstrate at least three years of successful and entrepreneurial business tenure. Shareholders are required to hold a minimum ownership stake of 30% in one firm or across two firms and must provide verified financial statements for their company spanning the three years preceding the application. The company’s revenue should exceed SGD 200 million in the past 12 months and maintain an average annual revenue of SGD 200 million over the previous three years.

• Next Generation Business Owners

The shareholder’s immediate family members must hold a minimum ownership stake of 30% in one firm or across two firms and must provide validated financial records of their company for the preceding three years before applying. The company must have generated revenue of at least SGD 500 million in the last 12 months and maintained an average annual revenue of at least SGD 500 million over the past three years. Additionally, the investor must actively participate in the firm’s administrative committee.

• Founders of Fast Growing Companies

The investor must serve as a founder and hold a substantial individual ownership stake in the company. The company’s valuation must be at least SGD 500 million.

• Family Office Principles

Candidates applying under the Family Office Choice must possess a minimum of five years of experience in entrepreneurship, investing, or management, along with a net investable wealth of at least SGD 200 million.

Family Eligibility

The spouse and children under 21 years old of the financier are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the financier’s application. Male dependents will have obligations for military service. However, guardians and unmarried children of the financier who are 21 years old and older cannot be included in the permanent residency application but may opt to apply for a five-year long-term visit permit.

Re-Entry Permit Validity

Once the financier’s permanent residency status is confirmed, they will be granted a five-year re-entry permit (REP). Possession of a valid REP is essential for traveling to and from Singapore and ensures the continuity of the investor’s permanent residency status during absences from the country.

After the initial five-year period, the REP can be renewed based on specific conditions set by the chosen option. Renewal requirements at the end of the fifth year vary depending on meeting commercial goals, actual time spent in Singapore, or a combination of both.

Path to Singaporean Citizenship

The Singaporean passport ranks as one of the strongest travel documents worldwide, offering visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations, including the Schengen Area in Europe, Canada, China, and the USA.

After residing in Singapore as a permanent resident for two years, individuals become eligible to apply for Singaporean citizenship.

Singapore strictly adheres to a single citizenship policy, making it less favorable for those seeking multiple citizenships and passports.

If you would like to learn more about the Singapore Global Investor Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tsavorite as we would love to connect with you.