The Global Investor Programme and the EntrePass scheme are the two investor visa schemes available in Singapore. Singapore offers these schemes as a way to attract investors looking to relocate and grow their businesses abroad.

Are you an investor looking to take your business into the Singapore market? Would you like to know what kind of investor visa schemes you’re eligible for? This article will answer all your questions and more.

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 Global Investor Programme (GIP) Overview

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) was created by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) to attract foreign 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 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. 

 1 .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 SGD 200 million (about USD 150 million) in the year immediately preceding your application, and at least SGD 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 

2. 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 SGD 500 million (about USD 372 million) in the year immediately preceding your application and at least SGD 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 

3. 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 SGD 500 million (about USD 372 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

4. 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 SGD 200 million (about USD 150 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: 

Demonstrate an investment of minimally SGD 10 million (about USD 7.5 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: 

Invest SGD 25 million (about USD 18.6 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:

Establish a Singapore-based Single Family Office with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least SGD 200 million (about USD 150 million), where minimally SGD 50 million (about USD 37.3 million) must be transferred into Singapore and deployed in EDB-specified investments.

Investor categories eligible for this investment option are: 

• Established Business Owners
• Next Generation Business Owners
• Founders of Fast Growth Companies
• Family Office Principals

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 SGD 100,000 (USD 74,574.27) 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 SGD 10,000 (USD 74,574.27) before submitting the application forms. The sum must be sent in a single transaction. The application 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: 

1. 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. 
2. Submit an Online Application with Supporting Documents: Applicants can submit their online application through the Ministry of Manpower website. 
3. Pay an Application Fee: Applicants are required to pay an SGD 105 (USD 78.30) application fee. 

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. 

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, which provides a host of benefits relating to 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 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 with legal and financial advisors while submitting your application. 

Submitting the correct documents can help strengthen your successful Singapore investor visa application, increasing your chances of being accepted and decreasing the chance of a lengthier processing time. 

If you submit the wrong information, application can be denied or given a longer 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 benefits.

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.

Conclusion

Singapore’s investor visa schemes were created with the objective of bringing in high-caliber 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. The insurance experts at Pacific Prime are prepared to help you find the right health insurance plan for you at no cost. 

We can help you compare plans and give unbiased advice. Contact us now to begin shopping for plans today, or use our free quote tool to begin the journey on your own.