Author: Maria Plotnikova
Attorney, Family Office
Concept
The Republic of Singapore is a leading financial centre in Asia, offering investors a stable economy, high quality of life, and advanced infrastructure. The Global Investor Programme (GIP) allows high-net-worth individuals to obtain permanent residence (PR) through investments starting from SGD 2.5 million.
Singapore attracts foreign investors through the CIES (Complementary Investor Eligibility Scheme), offering the opportunity to obtain permanent resident status without the requirement of active business operations. The investment programme guarantees status upon an investment from SGD 2.5 million.
Tax system of Singapore:
β Territorial taxation principle
β Personal income tax up to 22%
β Corporate tax 17%
β No capital gains tax and no tax on dividends
Tax system of Singapore
Singaporeβs tax system is based on the territorial principle: only income earned within Singapore is a subject to taxation. Foreign-sourced income which was not remitted to Singapore is not taxed. The system is transparent and complies with international standards.
Personal income tax
Singapore applies a progressive income tax scale with a maximum rate of 22% for residents.
Income (SGD) | Tax Rate |
0β20,000 | 0% |
20,001β30,000 | 2% |
30,001β40,000 | 3.5% |
40,001β80,000 | 7% |
80,001β120,000 | 11.5% |
120,001β160,000 | 15% |
160,001β200,000 | 18% |
200,001β240,000 | 19% |
240,001β280,000 | 19.5% |
280,001β320,000 | 20% |
320,001β500,000 | 22% |
500,001β1,000,000 | 23% |
Over 1,000,000 | 24% |
Corporate tax
The standard corporate tax rate in Singapore is 17%. New companies benefit from tax incentives: exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of profits during the first three years of operation.
Tax relief for startups:
The programme for new companies includes:
- 75% tax exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of profits
- 50% tax exemption on the next SGD 100,000 of profits
- Applies for the first three years of activity
Holding companies:
Singapore provides favourable conditions for holding structures:
- Exemption on foreign dividends under certain conditions
- Exemption from capital gains tax
- Wide network of double tax treaties (over 80 countries)
Investment requirements
To obtain permanent residence status in Singapore under investment programmes, there are several options:
Path 1: Investment through GIP programme (from SGD 2.5 million)
Path 2: Business Entrepreneur Programme
Path 3: Family Office
Inclusion of family members in the PR application
When applying for Singapore PR, the main applicant may include immediate family members.
Spouse
β Legally registered marriage
β Proof of relationship through documents | Children under 21
β Automatic inclusion
β Birth certificate required
β Children from previous marriages are permitted with legal guardianship |
Parents
β Not included in the main application
β May apply for a long-term visit pass after PR is granted to the main applicant | Children over 21
β Considered separately
β May apply for a Student Pass or Employment Pass |
Financial requirements depending on family size
Financial requirements do not change based on the number of family members. The minimum investment amount remains SGD 2.5 million regardless of family size.
All family members must have medical insurance covering treatment in Singapore.
Application stages
With proper preparation of documents, permanent residence status can be obtained within 3β6 months.
Stage 1: Preparation and submission of documents
Preparation of the business plan, collection of required documents, and submission of the application to the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore. This stage takes about 1β2 months and includes preparation of financial documentation, confirmation of the legality of funds, and development of an investment strategy.
Stage 2: Application review (1β3 months)
The EDB reviews the application, verifies documents, and may request additional information. During this stage, interviews with the applicant may be conducted to discuss investment plans.
Stage 3: Issuance of In-Principle Approval
Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval letter is issued, valid for 6 months. During this time, the investment must be made according to the selected option.
Stage 4: Investment confirmation and PR issuance
After the investment is confirmed, the applicant and family members undergo a medical examination, after which permanent residence cards of Singapore are issued.
Required documents
All documents must be submitted in English or with an official translation.
Document | Requirements |
GIP Application | Official form, completed and signed. |
Passports | Copies of all pages, valid for at least 6 months. |
Photographs | Colour, white background, 35Γ45 mm. |
Marriage certificate | Original or certified copy. |
Birth certificates | For all dependent children. |
Proof of financial standing | Bank statements, asset reports for the past 3 years. |
Business plan | Detailed plan with 5-year financial projections. |
Corporate documents | For existing business: registration documents, financial statements, audit. |
Applicantβs CV | Detailed education and employment history. |
Tax returns | For the last 3 years. |
Proof of source of funds | Documents confirming the origin of investment funds. |
Medical certificates | After receiving in-principle approval. |
Contact Information
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