Does Singapore Have a Golden Visa?

By the VIVOS team — ACRA Registered Filing Agent FA20240323 · MOM Employment Agency Licence 24S2425 · Last reviewed: 22 July 2026

Not by that name. Singapore’s equivalent is the Global Investor Programme (GIP), which grants Permanent Residency — not just a visa — for substantial investment: S$10 million into a business, S$25 million into a GIP-select fund, or a Singapore family office with S$200 million under management. It is materially more demanding, and more valuable, than Europe’s golden visas.

Key facts

• Programme: Global Investor Programme (GIP), administered by the Economic Development Board
• Route A: S$10M into a new or existing Singapore business
• Route B: S$25M into a GIP-select fund
• Route C: single family office with S$200M AUM and at least S$50M deployed in Singapore
• Application fee: S$20,000 (since 5 May 2025) · Processing: ~9–12 months · Outcome: Permanent Residency
• Citizenship: possible after 2 years as PR; Singapore does not permit dual citizenship

Why the comparison with golden visas flatters Europe

European golden visas grant renewable residence permits, typically for €250,000–2 million — but the category is shrinking: Spain closed its programme in April 2025, and Malta’s citizenship-by-investment route was struck down by the European Court of Justice the same month. Singapore asks far more and gives far more: direct Permanent Residency in Asia’s most stable business hub, with a defined — if never guaranteed — path to citizenship. Property purchases, the staple of European schemes, earn no residency in Singapore at all.

If GIP is too big, there is a founder-sized door

GIP is built for established entrepreneurs and substantial families — EDB assesses business track record, not just capital. Active founders who do not need GIP can relocate on an Employment Pass through their own Singapore company at a fraction of the cost, with 3–8 week processing. Families weighing both continents can compare the EU residency-by-investment routes we advise on from Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cheaper investment route to Singapore residency?

Not via passive investment — but active founders can relocate on an Employment Pass through their own Singapore company, which most choose instead of GIP.

Does buying property qualify for Singapore residency?

No — unlike former European schemes, Singapore grants no residency for real-estate purchases.

Who is GIP actually for?

Established entrepreneurs with substantial track records, investors comfortable at S$25M fund scale, and families anchoring a Singapore family office — EDB assesses the person’s business history as much as the money.

Confidential eligibility assessment: WhatsApp +65 9366 9399 or contact@vivos.com.sg.