Permanent residency program
Singapore Global Investor Residency
Permanent residence in Asia's financial capital, one of the best-governed countries on Earth, for you and your family. If you've built a major business or fortune, this is the program for you.
- Contribution from
- $7.8M
- Processing time
- 12 months
- Citizenship path
- 2 years
- Presence required
- None on 3-yr renewals
As featured in
Why Singapore Global Investor Residency?
Your citizenship is probably the most concentrated position you'll ever own: 100% in one country's laws, politics, and tax code. Most of my clients would never build a portfolio that way.
Singapore is where I point the clients with the most to protect. It's one of the best-governed countries on Earth, an economic and financial giant of a city-state, and it anchors what I call the fortress tier of banking.
Balaji Srinivasan moved his family there for the meritocracy, and for the culture he wanted his sons raised inside. The Global Investor Residency grants permanent residence on merit too: your business record and capital at work in Singapore.
Build the wealth first, then the optionality that protects it. This program is the second half of that sentence.
James NuveenFounder of the Freedom Files
Benefits of Singapore Global Investor Residency
Permanent residence from the start
The Global Investor Residency grants permanent residence on approval, not a temporary permit, with a 5-year re-entry permit for travel in and out of Singapore.
Capital you invest, not donate
Every route puts your money to work in Singapore: a business you grow, a fund EDB selects, or your own family office. None of it is a donation.
A base for your business across Asia
As a permanent resident, you can live, work, and lead companies in Singapore, with Changi Airport connecting you to the region and the world.
Foreign income generally untaxed
If you become a tax resident, foreign income you receive is generally exempt, and Singapore doesn't tax capital gains.
Renewals tied to your investment
With your investment in place, you qualify for a 3-year re-entry permit renewal, even in the years you spend most of your time abroad.
Is Singapore Global Investor Residency Right for You?
Right for you if
- Owners of companies with S$200M or more in yearly revenue
- Next-generation owners of a family company with S$500M in revenue
- Founders of venture-backed companies valued at S$500M or more
- Family office principals with S$200M in net investible assets
- Investors who want a base for their business in Asia
Look elsewhere if
- You don't have a major business or fortune behind you: Each profile needs a record, such as a company with S$200M in yearly revenue or S$200M in investible assets.
- You want to add a second passport: Singapore requires you to give up your other citizenships when you naturalize.
- You want residency through a home purchase: Property doesn't count toward any of the 3 routes.
- You want your parents as permanent residents: Parents join on a Long-Term Visit Pass, not on your application.
Who Your Singapore Global Investor Residency Application Covers
One investment covers your spouse and unmarried children under 21, and each of them receives permanent residence. Sons who become permanent residents through your application are liable for National Service.
| Family member | Condition |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Legally married |
| Children under 21 | Unmarried |
| Parents, children 21+ | A Long-Term Visit Pass tied to your permit |
Are You Eligible for Singapore Global Investor Residency?
Answer 3 quick questions. In 2 minutes, you'll know whether you're likely to qualify, and what fits better if you don't.
Singapore Global Investor Residency Investment Options
There are 3 ways to qualify, and each starts with a business record EDB accepts. You invest S$10M, about $7.8M, in a Singapore business, or S$25M, about $19.5M, in a GIP-select fund: a fund EDB shortlists that invests in Singapore-based companies. Family office principals set up an office managing S$200M that deploys S$50M, about $39M, in Singapore.
- Popular
Business investment
$7.8M
How this route works
You invest at least S$10M in a new Singapore company or the expansion of an existing one, own at least 30% of it, and join its management team. A 5-year business plan sets out jobs and spending, and by year 5 the company employs 30 people, half of them Singapore citizens.
GIP-select fund
$19.5M
How this route works
You invest S$25M in a GIP-select fund within 6 months of approval in principle, paid from a Singapore bank account in your name. The investment remains in the fund through your first 5 years, and EDB may review your other business plans for Singapore.
Family office
$39M
How this route works
For family office principals with S$200M in net investible assets. You set up a single family office in Singapore managing at least S$200M, move S$50M into Singapore, and deploy it in listed shares and other investments EDB specifies within 12 months of final approval. The office hires 5 investment, legal, tax, or philanthropy professionals.
Singapore Global Investor Residency Cost
Estimated total for 4 people
$7,824,609
- Qualifying investmentBusiness investment
- $7,808,382
- Application fee, oncePaid directly to the Economic Development Board
- $15,617
- Permanent residence applicationPaid directly to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
- $312
- Entry permit and 5-year re-entry permitPaid directly to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
- $220
- Identity card, age 15 and upPaid directly to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
- $78
Later
- Re-entry permit renewal, 5 years$39
- Citizenship application and certificate, per adult$141
Government and official fees only. Fees are set in Singapore dollars and shown at today's rate. The application fee is paid once for everyone on the application and is non-refundable. Children 15 and older also pay for an identity card. Fund fees are typical figures, shown as assumptions. Company and family office setup, staff, notarization, translation, and Freedom Files fees aren't included. All amounts are subject to change.
Get your numbers on the call. We price your route for everyone applying before you commit.
Singapore Global Investor Residency Costs at a Glance
| Qualifying investment | S$10M, about $7.8M, in a business, S$25M, about $19.5M, in a GIP-select fund, or S$50M, about $39M, deployed by your family office |
|---|---|
| Application fee | S$20K, about $16K, once per application, non-refundable |
| Permanent residence fees | S$100, about $78, per person to apply, then S$70 to S$120 per person on approval |
| Re-entry permit renewal | S$10 per person for each year approved |
| Notarized copies and translations | Depends on the number of documents |
| Fund, company, and family office costs | Set by the fund, or by the company or office you build and staff |
| The Freedom Files | A fixed quote in writing before you commit |
Singapore Global Investor Residency and Taxes
The basics below are for planning only, and each one is pending licensed review. Your own position depends on your income, your assets, and where you spend your time. Our team provides US and Singapore tax planning, so you can have your plan reviewed before you commit.
Tax residency in Singapore
You're a Singapore tax resident after 183 days in a calendar year, or when you live or work there across 3 consecutive years.
US income tax treaty
The US and Singapore have no income tax treaty. If you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too, and foreign tax credits help prevent double tax.
Global Investor Residency presence vs tax residency
A 3-year renewal needs no set days in Singapore, and a 5-year renewal needs you or your family living there more than half the time. Tax residency starts at 183 days in a calendar year.
Special tax regimes
Resident individuals generally pay no tax on foreign income they receive, Singapore doesn't tax capital gains, and personal rates top out at 24%.
Singapore Global Investor Residency Document Checklist
Here's the typical file for Singapore Global Investor Residency. Your country and your case can change the list, and we confirm yours on the call.
Main applicant
- Notarized copy of every passport you have
- Notarized birth certificate showing both parents' names
- Entry permit form, passport photo, and family background form
- Signed undertaking and statutory declaration
- Curriculum vitae
Investment proof
- Audited financial reports for the last 3 years, or annual reports for a listed company
- Company register extract, your share records, and a chart of the ownership structure
- Business license and organization chart of your company
- 5-year business or investment plan, for the business and family office routes
- Certified statement of net investible assets, for family office principals
Spouse and children
- Notarized marriage certificate, and any divorce papers
- Notarized passport and birth certificate for each child
- Custody or adoption papers, where they apply
Prepared in Singapore
- Company or family office registration
- Bank reference letter and statements from your Singapore account
- Investment undertaking and evidence of your investment
Singapore Global Investor Residency Process and Timeline
Total: About 12 months from filing to final approval, with up to 6 months of that to make your investment. Plan on time in Singapore for the interview and to complete your permanent residence.
- 1
Freedom Consult
A call with our founder. We confirm the Global Investor Residency fits your goals, your business record, and anyone applying with you, or we point you to a better route. You leave with a clear plan and a quote in writing.
- 2
Profile and investment plan
We confirm the profile you qualify under and the route that suits you, then build your 5-year business or investment plan.
- 3
Document file
You gather your records, and we arrange the audited reports, notarized copies, and translations EDB expects.
- 4
Filing
We file your application with EDB, pay the application fee, and send the hard-copy documents within the month EDB allows.
- 5
Interview and approval in principle
EDB invites you to an interview, and we prepare you for it. If you meet the criteria, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority issues approval in principle, valid for 6 months.
- 6
Investment
You make your investment within 6 months. We source and vet each fund or company, open your Singapore accounts with you, and file the evidence with EDB.
- 7
Final approval and permanent residence
Once EDB verifies your investment, you receive final approval. You travel to Singapore within 12 months to complete the formalities and collect your identity card and 5-year re-entry permit.
- 8
Re-entry permit renewal
We track your investment and renewal conditions, then file your renewal in the 3 months before your permit expires. Contact us to renew.
Milestones to residency and citizenship
Permanent residence
About 12 months
Re-entry permit renewal
Year 5
Citizenship application
After 2 years as a permanent resident
“I love the way the Freedom Files team present themselves and show up for our family. I much prefer their honest, on-the-ground-experience approach than the suited-up lawyers with bookshelves of textbooks behind them.”
Singapore Global Investor Residency vs Alternatives
| Singapore Global Investor Residency | New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa | UAE Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum financial requirement | $7.8M | $2.8M | $545K |
| Processing time | 12 months | 3 months | 1-3 months |
| Presence required | None on 3-year renewals | 21 days in 3 years | None |
| Time to citizenship | 2 years | 5 years | Not a path |
| Language test for citizenship | None | English | Not a path |
| Family included | Spouse, children under 21 | Partner, children to 24 | Spouse, children of any age, parents |
| Capital returned | Yes, when you exit | Yes, after 3 years | Yes, when you sell or the investment pays out |
Undecided between these programs? We compare them for you on the call.
How the Freedom Files Helps You with Singapore Global Investor Residency
You get one team from your first call to your arrival in Singapore. We prepare, check, and file your application, and we're your single point of contact from start to finish.
- Clients served
- 200+
- years in investment migration
- 10+
- Americans educated
- 2M+
| This program only | Private Client Engagement | |
|---|---|---|
| An eligibility review before you pay a government fee | ||
| Your document file, assembled and optimized | ||
| We prepare and submit your application | ||
| Consular coordination and liaising | ||
| Qualifying investment vetting and due diligence | ||
| Your case manager | Through arrival | Long term |
| A global Plan B strategy across residency, citizenship, tax, asset protection, and more | ||
| Residency and/or citizenship in more than one country | ||
| US and foreign tax strategy, with introductions | ||
| Banking and asset protection strategy, with introductions | ||
| Healthcare, schools, and relocation, with introductions | ||
| Book a consult | Learn more |
Other Freedom Files Services in Singapore
We can take on each of these for you, alongside your application or on its own. Our Singapore team provides legal, tax, financial, immigration, and investment advice and services.
Tax strategy and filing
Bank account opening
Investment vetting
Real estate and accommodations
Healthcare enrollment
Residency renewals
“We came in with a complicated global setup and needed special attention. What we got from the Freedom Files team was direct, honest, and personal responsiveness at every turn. Exactly what we needed! Very impressed.”
Mike · New York“The Private Client Engagement has been perfect for our unique situation. James is the total quarterback of our whole Plan B strategy.”
Kenneth · Illinois
Why Singapore?
One of the best-governed countries
Singapore pairs clean, efficient government with low crime and a legal system built for business, which is why so much of Asia's wealth is managed there.
Asia's best-connected hub
Changi Airport links you to most of Asia within a few hours, with nonstop flights to the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Four cultures at one table
Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions meet in the hawker centers, and English is the language of business and daily life.
A city in a garden
The Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tree-lined streets, and parks across the island make the city greener than its skyline suggests.
Singapore Global Investor Residency FAQs
Cost and qualifying routes
How much do you need to invest for Singapore permanent residence?
S$10M, about $7.8M, in a Singapore business, S$25M, about $19.5M, in a GIP-select fund, or a family office managing S$200M that deploys S$50M in Singapore. The fee calculator adds the government fees for anyone applying with you.
Who qualifies for the Global Investor Residency?
Established business owners with 3 years of track record and a company with S$200M in yearly revenue, next-generation owners of a family company with S$500M, founders of venture-backed companies valued at S$500M, and family office principals with S$200M in net investible assets. The company must be in a sector EDB lists.
What is a GIP-select fund?
A fund EDB shortlists for its track record and its mandate to invest in Singapore-based companies. You invest S$25M in one, paid from a Singapore bank account in your name, and we source and vet the options with you.
Can you buy property to get Singapore permanent residence?
No. Property doesn't count toward any route, and a family office's S$200M in assets excludes real estate.
How much is the Global Investor Residency application fee?
S$20K, about $16K, paid once to EDB and non-refundable. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority charges S$100 per person to apply, and permit and identity card fees on approval. The fee calculator totals them.
Timeline and presence
How long does the Global Investor Residency take?
About 12 months from a complete filing to final approval. Approval in principle gives you 6 months to make your investment, and you then have 12 months to complete your permanent residence in Singapore.
How much time do you need to spend in Singapore?
None on a 3-year renewal of your re-entry permit, as long as your investment is in place. A 5-year renewal also needs you or your family living in Singapore more than half the time, plus the hiring targets on the business and family office routes.
What happens when your re-entry permit expires?
Your first permit lasts 5 years. We file the renewal in the 3 months before it expires, showing your investment and, for a 5-year renewal, your residence and hiring. Without a valid permit, you lose permanent residence when you leave Singapore.
Citizenship
How long until you can apply for Singapore citizenship?
Permanent residents 21 and older can apply after 2 years. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority weighs your family ties, economic contribution, age, and length of residence, so approval is at its discretion.
Does Singapore allow dual citizenship?
No. You give up your other citizenships when you become a Singapore citizen. Permanent residence has no such rule, so you can remain a permanent resident with the passport you have.
Family, tax and living
Who can join your Global Investor Residency application?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21, who each receive permanent residence. Parents and older children can live with you on a Long-Term Visit Pass tied to your re-entry permit.
Do children who get permanent residence serve National Service?
Sons who become permanent residents through your application are liable for National Service, which starts with registration at 16 and a half and enlistment at 18. We plan the timing with you before you file.
How does Singapore tax new residents?
Only if you become a tax resident, after 183 days in a calendar year. Foreign income you receive is then generally exempt, Singapore doesn't tax capital gains, and personal rates top out at 24%. If you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too. We review your position on a Freedom Consult.
Is it right for you?
Singapore Global Investor Residency vs New Zealand Active Investor Plus: Which is better?
Singapore gives you permanent residence in Asia's financial center, with a business base and foreign income generally untaxed. The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa needs less capital and leads to a passport you can add to your own. We compare both on a Freedom Consult.
Documents and approval
What documents does the Global Investor Residency require?
Notarized passports and birth certificates, 3 years of audited financial reports, your share records, a business or investment plan, and signed declarations, plus marriage and birth records for anyone applying with you. The document checklist lists each one.
Working with the Freedom Files
What does the Freedom Files do on your application?
We review your eligibility, assemble and check your documents, and optimize your application for approval. We have a 100% approval rate so far. We prepare and file your application, liaise with the government, coordinate your consular appointments and communication, and support you through your arrival in Singapore, when your residency or citizenship is formalized. We're your single point of contact from start to finish.
Who does the legal work?
Our Singapore team can provide any legal, tax, financial, immigration, or investment advice and services you need. You work with one team from your first call to your arrival.
What does the Freedom Files charge?
Prices differ by program, because each program has its own costs and its own currency. You get a fixed quote in writing before any work begins. Government fees and third-party costs are listed separately, and you pay them directly.
How does the Freedom Files get paid?
We accept card, wire or ACH transfer, Bitcoin, USDC, and most other payment methods. You choose whether to pay for our services up front or monthly through the end of your engagement.
What if you need more than one country, or help with tax and banking?
That's what the Private Client Engagement is for. A long-term case manager with global expertise, always reachable on WhatsApp, manages your whole Plan B: Residency and citizenship in more than one country, tax strategy, banking and asset protection, and introductions for your move.
What if this program is the wrong fit?
Compare it with the alternatives on this page. Then book a Freedom Consult: If you're ready to move forward, we tell you which programs are best for you.
How do I start?
Book a Freedom Consult. There's no charge.
Start Your Singapore Global Investor Residency
If Singapore is the wrong fit, we tell you on the first call.