Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) 2026: Options A, B and C – and How It Compares to 13O/13U

Quick answer: The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is Singapore’s investment route to Permanent Residence, administered by EDB. In 2026 there are three options: Option A – invest at least S$10 million in a new or existing Singapore business; Option B – invest at least S$25 million in a GIP-select fund; Option C – establish a Singapore single family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management, of which at least S$50 million must be deployed into qualifying local investments. The application fee is S$20,000 (since 5 May 2025) and processing typically takes around 12 months. PR covers the applicant, spouse and children under 21.

Who the GIP is actually for

The GIP suits established owners and principals, not early-stage founders. EDB expects a substantial business track record (multi-year revenue thresholds and shareholding requirements apply per applicant profile – established business owners, next-generation owners, founders of fast-growth companies, and family office principals each have their own tests). Founders who do not clear those bars usually reach Singapore PR the operational way instead: incorporate, hold an Employment Pass through their own company, build local substance, then apply for PR after a couple of years. The GIP is the capital-led shortcut for people whose track record already speaks.

The three options compared

Option C vs the 13O/13U route: don’t confuse them

Families often arrive asking for “the 13O visa.” There is no such thing. 13O and 13U are tax incentives – fund tax exemptions for family office vehicles under the Income Tax Act – with their own AUM, spending and hiring conditions. GIP Option C is an immigration outcome (PR) that happens to require a much larger family office. The practical sequencing we run at VIVOS:

Wealth first, PR later: establish the SFO and fund vehicle under 13O (from S$20M AUM) or 13U (S$50M+), get the principal an Employment Pass as the SFO’s investment professional, and pursue PR on the strength of substance built. Full comparison in our 13O vs 13U guide and the SFO framework overview.

PR first: only if the family clears S$200M AUM with S$50M deployable locally does GIP Option C become the direct route – larger commitment, but PR arrives by design rather than by later application.

Application process and timeline

1. Pre-assessment. Profile, shareholding and financials against the applicable track-record test. This is where most applications are won or lost.

2. Submission to EDB with the S$20,000 non-refundable fee, business plan (Option A) or fund/SFO documentation (B/C).

3. Interview and approval-in-principle, then execute the investment within the stipulated window.

4. Formalities: status pass, biometrics, PR issuance. End-to-end plan on roughly 12 months.

5. Renewal conditions: the re-entry permit renewal depends on meeting your investment, business-spending and residency undertakings – treat the milestones as binding, because they are.

GIP vs the alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Does the GIP lead to Singapore citizenship?

GIP grants Permanent Residence, not citizenship. Citizenship is a separate application after typically two or more years as a PR, with genuine residence weighing heavily.

Can I include my family?

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the PR application. Parents and older children can be sponsored for Long-Term Visit Passes instead.

Is the S$10 million Option A investable into my own new startup?

It must go into a new or expanding Singapore business with an EDB-approved business plan and hiring/spending milestones – a real operating plan, not a holding shell.

What changed recently?

The programme was materially tightened in March 2023 (current thresholds) and the application fee rose to S$20,000 from 5 May 2025. Always verify current terms against EDB’s official factsheet before committing capital.

Do most families choose GIP or the 13O/13U route?

Below S$200M AUM the choice makes itself: 13O/13U plus an Employment Pass. At S$200M+, we model both – some families still prefer the SFO-first path for flexibility, adding PR applications once Singapore substance is undeniable.

Written by the VIVOS team. VIVOS PTE. LTD. is an ACRA Registered Filing Agent (FA20240323) and holds MOM Employment Agency Licence 24S2425. General information, not immigration or tax advice; figures current as of August 2026 – confirm against EDB’s published factsheet before applying.