Singapore Investor Visa: 2026 Requirements
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) and the EntrePass scheme are the two investor visas in Singapore. The Singapore government offers these schemes as a smart way to attract investors looking to relocate and grow their businesses in Asia.
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Are you an investor planning to expand your business into Singapore? Wondering which Singapore investor visa you may qualify for?
In this Pacific Prime guide, we will discuss the two different Singapore investor schemes, their eligibility criteria, and more. While you’re planning your move to Singapore, you can compare Singapore health insurance quotes using our free tool here.
Singapore Investor Visa Scheme Options
The options for investor visas in Singapore are the Global Investor Programme (GIP) and the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) Scheme. These schemes were designed to attract high-net-worth individuals to Singapore who can invest in the country’s economy.
Each of these investor visa schemes comes with its own set of eligibility criteria and benefits for foreign investors.
Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) Overview
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) was created by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) to attract high-net-worth entrepreneurs and global investors looking to grow and expand their businesses and investments in Singapore.
The GIP grants Permanent Resident (PR) status to global investors and their families who qualify for the visa scheme, with the potential for future citizenship after a period of time.
To qualify for the Global Investor Programme in Singapore, you will need a successful entrepreneurial background and a substantial business track record.
Investor Eligibility Criteria for the Global Investor Programme in Singapore
Eligibility criteria for the Global Investor Programme will vary depending on what kind of investor you are. Eligible investors for the GIP can be from four different categories. We will discuss the specific eligibility criteria for each category below.
- Established Business Owners
The GIP applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Possess at least three years of entrepreneurial and business track record
- Must currently be running a company with an annual turnover of at least S$200 million (about $156 million) in the year immediately preceding your application, and at least S$200 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding your application
- If the applicant’s company is privately held, they should have at least 30% shareholding in the company
- Applicant’s company must be engaged in specific approved industries
- Next Generation Business Owners
The GIP applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant’s immediate family should have at least 30% shareholding or is the largest shareholder in the company used to qualify
- This company’s annual turnover must be at least S$500 million (about $390 million) in the year immediately preceding your application and at least S$500 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding your application
- Applicant must be part of the management team of the company (e.g., C-suite/Board of Directors)
- Applicant’s company must be engaged in specific approved industries
- Founders of Fast-Growth Companies
The GIP applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-publicly listed company with a valuation of at least S$500 million (about $390 million)
- Applicant’s company must be invested in by reputable Venture Capital/Private Equity firms
- Applicant’s company must be engaged in specific approved industries
- Family Office Principals
The GIP applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Possess at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment, or management track record
- Have net investable assets of at least S$200 million (about $156 million). Net assets are defined as bank deposits, collective investments, and other investment instruments. The suitability of the applicant’s net investable assets may be assessed during the application
Approved List Of Industries for the Global Investor Programme
The specific approved industries for investors for the Global Investor Programme, according to the GIP Factsheet, are as follows:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Alternative Energy/Clean Technology
- Automotive
- Chemicals
- Consumer Business (e.g., flavors and fragrances, food ingredients, nutrition, home, and personal care)
- Electronics
- Energy
- Engineering Services
- Healthcare
- Infocomm Products & Services
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Marine & Offshore Engineering
- Media & Entertainment
- Medical Technology
- Nanotechnology
- Natural Resources (e.g., metals, mining, agri-commodities)
- Safety & Security
- Space
- Shipping
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
- Precision Engineering
- Professional Services (e.g., consulting, design)
- Arts Businesses
- Visual Arts Businesses (e.g., auction houses, art logistics/storage)
- Performing Arts Businesses
- Sports Businesses
- Family Office & Financial Services
Global Investor Programme Assessment Criteria for Investment Options
Depending on what kind of eligible investor you are, you will have three different investment options for the Global Investor Programme. We will discuss these different investment options below.
Option A: Direct Business Investment
Demonstrate an investment of minimally S$10 million (about $7.8 million) in a new business entity or the expansion of an existing business operation in Singapore.
Investor categories eligible for this investment option are:
- Established Business Owners
- Next Generation Business Owners
- Founders of Fast-Growth Companies
Option B: GIP-Select Fund
Invest S$25 million (about $19.5 million) in a GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
Investor categories eligible for this investment option are:
- Established Business Owners
- Next Generation Business Owners
- Founders of Fast-Growth Companies
Option C: Single-Family Office
Establish a Singapore-based Single Family Office (SFO) with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million (about $156 million), where a minimum of S$50 million (about $39 million) must be transferred into Singapore and deployed in EDB-specified investments.
Renewal Condition: By year 5, the SFO must employ at least 5 incremental professionals, with a minimum of 3 being Singapore Citizens
Investor categories eligible for this investment option are:
- Established Business Owners
- Next Generation Business Owners
- Founders of Fast-Growth Companies
- Family Office Principals (Note: This category is generally restricted to Option C only.)
Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) Overview
The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is an alternate investor visa scheme for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Singapore. The EntrePass offers a similar pathway to permanent residency in Singapore and is administered by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Investors looking to expand their business internationally can use the EntrePass as their way into the Singapore market.
Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), investors must register their private limited company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), be venture-backed, and own innovative technology.
They must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Raised Funding for a Past or Current Business: Applicants have raised at least S$100,000 (about $78,000) from a single funding round from investors for their past or current business.
- Supported by a Government-Recognized or Internationally Known Renowned Incubator: Some examples of government-recognized or internationally renowned investors are partners under Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Accelerator (SSGA) and incubators such as Y-Combinator.
- Founded and Sold a Technology Business: Applicants have founded and sold a business that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.
- Holds Intellectual Property: The applicant’s business holds Intellectual Property (IP) that is registered with an approved national IP institution.
- Have a Research Collaboration in Singapore: The applicant’s business has a relevant research collaboration in Singapore with an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) or Research Institution (RI).
Application Process for Singapore Investor Visa Schemes
The application process for the Global Investor Programme and the Entrepreneur Pass requires submitting an online application with supporting documents and paying a fee. The specific documents needed for each visa scheme differ.
We will share the application process for each visa in the following sections.
Step-By-Step Application Process for the Global Investor Programme
The application process for the Global Investor Programme is as follows:
- Download the Application Forms and prepare the Supporting Documents: Applicants can find the application form on the EDB website, with a list of supporting documents in the GIP factsheet.
- Payment of Application Fee: Applicants must pay a fee of S$20,000 (about USD $15,600) in a single transaction before submitting the application forms. This fee is to be credited to the following bank account using only telegraphic transfers from overseas or local interbank transfers.
- Upload the Completed Application Forms: After completing the GIP E-Application forms, upload the forms to https://application.sgip.gov.sg/public.
- Submit the Supporting Documents in Hard Copy and Soft Copy to EDB: All the supporting documents in hard copy must be submitted to EDB within one month from the date of remittance of the application fee.
Step-By-Step Application Process for the EntrePass
The application process for the EntreePass scheme is as follows:
- Gather Supporting Documents: Documents required for an Entrepass include a business plan, your passport, and more. While there is a standard list of documents required for each application, applicants may be asked to provide further documents or information.
- Submit an Online Application with Supporting Documents: Applicants can submit their online application through the Ministry of Manpower website.
- Pay an Application Fee: Applicants are required to pay an S$105 ($82) application fee.
- Pay an Issuance Fee: If your application is approved, you will be required to pay an issuance fee of S$225 ($175) for each pass, with an additional S$30 ($23) for each multiple-journey visa.
The application for an EntrePass is typically processed within eight weeks and results in approval or rejection. Applicants may check their EntrePass application status after two weeks on the MOM EntrePass page.
If additional information is required, applicants will be contacted directly through email, and the eight-week processing time may be extended.
Benefits of Singapore Investor Visas
These investor visa schemes offer various benefits for foreign investors, including a path to permanent residency and access to Singapore’s stable economy. These benefits have drawn investors from across the globe to apply for Singapore’s investor visa schemes.
- A Path to Permanent Residency: Singapore’s investor visa schemes can provide a pathway to permanent residency in Singapore, along with its benefits in healthcare, housing, and education in Singapore. Permanent residents are second only to Singapore citizens in terms of privilege.
- Access to Singapore’s Stable Economy: Foreign investors will benefit from access to Singapore’s economy when relocating their business to the country. Singapore has a robust and stable economy with a business-friendly environment and a high GDP per capita.
Tips for a Successful Singapore Investor Visa Application
You can increase your chances of your investor visa application being successful by making sure you have all the correct documents submitted with accurate and detailed information. You may also want to consult legal and financial advisors while submitting your application.
Submitting the required documents properly can help secure your Singapore investor visa application, increasing your chances of being accepted and decreasing the chance of a lengthier processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for permanent residency through the GIP?
Investors can apply for permanent residency through the GIP. The benefits of permanent residency include access to Singapore’s economy and world-class housing, healthcare, and education.
How long does the investor visa application process take?
The length of time it takes to process an investor visa application will vary depending on which scheme you choose and if you have provided the correct information, but it typically takes around 8 weeks.
What type of businesses qualify for the GIP investment?
A broad range of businesses qualify for the GIP investment, including various engineering, technology, and healthcare businesses. For an entire list of the accepted businesses, visit the GIP factsheet.
Getting Ready for Your Move to Singapore
Singapore’s investor visa schemes were created with the objective of bringing in high-calibre investors into Singapore. With these visa schemes, investors can enjoy the robust Singapore economy and pursue permanent residency.
If you’re planning on relocating to Singapore, you’ll want to ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and your loved ones. At Pacific Prime, our insurance specialists are ready to help you compare and find the right health insurance plan for you at no additional cost.
Contact us today to speak with an expert, or use our free online quote tool to begin the journey to Singapore.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
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What kind of support or networking opportunities exist for new investors to connect with local entrepreneurs and business leaders in Singapore?
New investors in Singapore can connect with local entrepreneurs and business leaders through government-backed initiatives, such as the Global Investor Programme (GIP) and the EntrePass Scheme, which often provide access to professional networks and business events. Additionally, platforms like the Singapore Business Federation, Enterprise Singapore, and networking groups like Singapore Entrepreneurs Network offer valuable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and market insights. Engaging in industry-specific events, workshops, and co-working spaces like WeWork or The Working Capitol can further help investors integrate into Singapore’s vibrant business ecosystem.
For tailored support and resources as an expat in Singapore, visit Pacific Prime’s Contact Us page.
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