Singapore’s Global Investor Programme is one of the most popular investment immigration programs among wealthy individuals around the world, despite its high investment requirement and complicated structure.
Three out of every five billionaires in Singapore are Chinese immigrants or have been born in China.
Unlike EU golden visa programs, real estate investment is not an option for permanent residence through the Global Investor Programme.
The programme offers four options aimed at:
- established business owners,
- next-generation business owners,
- founders of fast-growth companies, and
- family office principals.
The minimum investment requirement is the same for each option: invest at least 2.5 million Singapore dollars.
Other requirements related to business experience, entrepreneurial track record, business ownership, and investible assets vary based on the category.
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GIP Investment Options
An established business owner must have at least three years of experience as an entrepreneur running a business with an average three-year turnover of at least $200 million. The applicant must own at least 30 percent of the company, if private, and must do business in one of the specified industries.
The next-generation business owner must be the largest shareholder or have a stake of 30 percent or more in the company. This can be held through the applicant or their immediate family. The company’s average three-year turnover must be at least $500 million, it must operate in specific industries, and the applicant must be a part of the management team.
The founder of fast-growth companies must be the founder and largest shareholder of a company valued at least $500 million. It must have received investments from reputed venture capitalists and operate in a specified industry.
The family office option is open to all with at least five years of entrepreneurial experience and $200 million or more in net investible assets.
The first three categories can qualify for PR by investing at least 2.5 million Singapore dollars in a new business or existing business or in a GIP fund that invests in Singapore companies.
The family office option requires an investment of at least $2.5 million in a new or existing single-family office in Singapore with at least $200 million of Assets Under Management.
Why Is Singapore So Popular With Chinese Investors?
With Hong Kong under Chinese control, Singapore is a hot foreign investment destination close to China. Wealthy Chinese seeking a backup option prefer Singapore over Australia or the US.
Easy access apart, Singapore has a large Chinese language community and a reputed and credible investment immigration program.
Zero tax on capital gains and dividends and an excellent track record of mobility during the pandemic are significant pluses.
China’s ‘common prosperity’ drive has worried wealthy Chinese over possible arbitrary action against their wealth.
Of all the investment options, the family office route is preferred. It allows Chinese investors to manage their wealth in Singapore and, simultaneously, fulfill the requirements of the PR program.