Startup SG Tech Grant: Benefits, Funding, and Application Process
Get complete details about the Startup SG Tech Grant, including POC/POV funding, eligibility, and how to apply. Perfect for Singapore tech startups.
The Singapore Global Investor Programme - commonly shortened to GIP - is organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB). This programme allows people planning to relocate and invest in Singapore with the opportunity to apply for permanent resident status both for the investor and their immediate family.
If you’re planning on moving to Singapore to invest in a business here, you might want to learn about the GIP and the processes to apply. We’ve got you covered.
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As you may expect, there are strict eligibility criteria governing who can apply for permanent residency (PR) under this programme. You’ll need a significant record in both business and entrepreneurialism to be considered - and you’ll need to be planning on investing 2.5 million SGD or more in a Singapore based eligible business, GIP funds or family office¹.
The eligibility criteria are broken down according to the role you’re in - here’s what you need to know. We’ll also cover more on the investment requirements in a moment.
You must:
To qualify as a next generation business owner:
As the founder of a fast growth company you can apply under GIP, if:
Family office principals can only apply under eligibility Option C - which we’ll explain more in a minute - and must:
It’s worth noting that you’ll be asked to show the type of business you’re building or investing in as part of your GIP application. Your business must fall into an approved business sector, and must also be able to grow and create local jobs in Singapore.
Here are the approved business sectors you should know about:
Once your application for PR status under the Global Investment Programme has been approved, you will be granted Approval in Principle (AIP) status and will then have 6 months to invest according to your approved plans. Your options for investment are:
Invest at least 2.5 million SGD in a new eligible business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation in Singapore. You should be part of the management of the company, owning at least a 30% stake in the business to qualify. You’ll also need to submit detailed 5 year plans showing your projected turnover, employment goals for local Singaporeans and how your investment or business will grow.
Invest at least 2.5 million SGD in a GIP fund that invests in Singapore-based companies. Your application under this option will be assessed based on how you plan to grow your local investments and create employment in Singapore.
Invest at least 2.5 million SGD in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office having Assets-Under-Management of at least 200 million SGD. You’ll need to submit a detailed 5 year plan showing where you intend to invest, how you project future growth and how you’ll create employment for locals. Your application will also be assessed based on your specific role within the family office.
Preparing all the paperwork for the Global Investor Programme and having your Singapore investor visa assessed and approved will take a little time. Expect a 9 to 12 month process once you have submitted all your paperwork. As we have seen, the evidence you need to present will also depend on the eligibility category you’re applying under.
Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take:
It’s important to note a few things when you apply for PR status under GIP. Firstly, you’ll be able to apply for your immediate family including your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to become PRs as dependents at the same time. Your parents and older or married children are not able to apply for PR status but may be eligible for other forms of entry into Singapore including long term visit passes.
Permanent Residency confers many of the rights and responsibilities of being a Singapore citizen. This means that males who are granted PR status may be required to complete a period of National Service, depending on their age. This applies to the children and dependent spouses of investors - get the full details online when you make your application.
Singapore is a great place to live, work and invest - and if you’re planning on building a business here, the Global Investor Programme might be the right way to obtain permanent residency when you do. The GIP process is rigorous and does take some time - use this guide to start your research, and read up on the requirements and your responsibilities under the programme to make sure you’re completely in the know.
Sources:
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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