Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and their families. Its political stability, low taxes, world-class healthcare and education, and strategic position at the heart of Asia make it an extraordinarily attractive base for managing global wealth, building a regional business, or simply raising a family in a safe and well-governed city-state. If you are considering relocating to Singapore and have significant assets or income, this guide sets out every viable pathway — from immediate work visas to long-term permanent residency and citizenship.
Overview of Singapore Relocation Pathways for HNW Individuals
| Pathway | Minimum Requirement | Leads to PR? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE Pass | Monthly salary ≥ S$30,000 or top-tier achievements | Yes (after 2 years) | Senior executives, tech founders, elite athletes/artists |
| Employment Pass (EP) | Monthly salary ≥ S$5,600 (general); higher for financial services | Yes | Professionals with Singapore employer sponsorship |
| EntrePass | Qualifying startup or VC-backed business | Yes | Entrepreneurs and startup founders |
| Global Investor Programme (GIP) | S$10M business investment or S$25M fund investment or S$200M family office AUM | Direct PR application | Ultra-HNW investors and family office principals |
| Family Office (13O/13U) + EP | S$20M–S$50M AUM depending on scheme | Yes (via EP then PR) | Wealth management, multi-generational families |
Pathway 1: The ONE Pass
Launched in January 2023, the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is Singapore’s flagship visa for globally outstanding talent. It is a five-year, employer-agnostic pass that allows holders to work for multiple Singapore companies simultaneously — making it ideal for HNW individuals who sit on multiple boards, manage investments, or run portfolio companies.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Salary: Earning at least S$30,000 per month currently or in the most recent completed year (from a single employer or across multiple employers).
- Outstanding achievements: Individuals with exceptional achievements in arts and culture, sports, science and technology, or academia and research who do not meet the salary threshold may apply through a specialist track assessed by the relevant Singapore government agency.
The ONE Pass does not require employer sponsorship — the individual applies directly to MOM. Once issued, it is valid for five years and renewable. ONE Pass holders may work for multiple Singapore companies and may also set up or operate their own business during the pass tenure. For a detailed guide, see our article on the ONE Pass Singapore 2026.
Pathway 2: Employment Pass (Standard and Financial Services)
Singapore’s Employment Pass is the standard work visa for foreign professionals. For HNW individuals who plan to take up a senior executive or director role in a Singapore company (including their own family office management company), the EP is a viable and commonly used pathway.
In 2026, the minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 per month for most sectors and S$6,200 for the financial services sector. However, actual approval depends heavily on the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points system. HNW individuals typically apply for senior roles (C-suite, MD, Partner) where their salary is well above the threshold, making COMPASS compliance straightforward.
The EP ties you to a specific employer (or your own management company), but you may hold directorship roles in other Singapore companies during the EP tenure. After holding an EP for at least one year, you may apply for Permanent Residency. For more detail, see our COMPASS Framework guide.
Pathway 3: Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The GIP is Singapore’s direct PR-by-investment programme, administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB). Unlike the EP or ONE Pass, which lead to PR over time, the GIP allows qualifying investors to apply for PR directly upon meeting the investment commitment.
GIP Investment Options
- Option A: Invest at least S$10 million into a new or existing Singapore business entity. The business must be in a qualifying industry (manufacturing, technology, financial services and others on EDB’s approved list).
- Option B: Invest at least S$25 million into an EDB-approved GIP fund that invests into Singapore-based businesses.
- Option C: Establish or significantly expand a Single Family Office in Singapore with AUM of at least S$200 million, with at least S$50 million deployed into qualifying Singapore investments and employment of at least two Singapore citizens or PRs.
GIP applicants must have a strong business track record — typically a minimum of three years as an established business owner or a senior executive at a substantial company. For a complete breakdown of GIP requirements, see our dedicated guide: Global Investor Programme (GIP) Singapore: Requirements, Process & Common Mistakes.
Pathway 4: Singapore Family Office with EP for the Principal
Many HNW families opt for a two-track approach: establish a Singapore family office (qualifying for MAS Section 13O or 13U tax incentives) and apply for an Employment Pass in the name of the family principal as the CEO or CIO of the family office management company.
This approach offers:
- Immediate legal right to live and work in Singapore as a senior executive of the management company.
- Tax-exempt investment income for the fund vehicle under 13O/13U.
- A clear pathway to PR after one to three years on the EP, with the family office demonstrating genuine economic substance and investment in Singapore.
- Long-term stability — the family office and its assets are in Singapore regardless of the immigration status of individual family members.
For a detailed guide to setting up the family office itself, see our article: Complete Guide to Setting Up a Family Office in Singapore (2026).
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)
PR is granted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on a discretionary basis. There is no point-based system for PR — ICA evaluates applicants holistically based on economic contributions, family ties, community integration and long-term intention to reside in Singapore. Key factors that strengthen a PR application include:
- Duration and continuity of residence in Singapore.
- Employment stability and seniority (or investment track record for GIP applicants).
- Children enrolled in Singapore schools.
- Community involvement and ties.
For a detailed PR application guide, see our article: Singapore PR Application 2026: Requirements, Documents & Timeline.
Singapore Citizenship
PR holders may apply for Singapore citizenship after a minimum of two years as a PR, though in practice most applicants wait three to five years. Singapore does not permit dual citizenship — upon naturalisation, you must renounce your existing citizenship within one year. Male applicants (and their sons) who become Singapore citizens or PRs before the age of 16.5 are subject to National Service obligations.
Tax Considerations for HNW Individuals
Singapore’s personal tax regime is highly attractive for HNW individuals. Key features in 2026:
- No capital gains tax: Gains on sale of investments, shares or property are generally not taxable in Singapore (subject to trading income rules).
- No inheritance or estate tax: Singapore abolished estate duty in 2008.
- No tax on foreign-sourced income (for individuals): Foreign-sourced income received in Singapore by individuals is generally exempt from Singapore income tax.
- Personal income tax rates: Graduated from 0% to 24% on Singapore-sourced employment and business income.
Planning Your Move to Singapore
Relocating to Singapore as an HNW individual involves coordinating immigration, tax planning, wealth structuring and corporate setup across multiple advisors. Raffles Corporate Services provides the corporate infrastructure that underpins your Singapore presence — from incorporating and maintaining your management company and fund vehicle, to providing corporate secretarial support and ensuring ongoing ACRA and MAS compliance.
Contact us today to discuss which pathway is right for your situation and how we can support your Singapore establishment.
For those considering a VCC as their family office fund vehicle, Variable Capital Companies Act Singapore provides comprehensive resources on Singapore’s Variable Capital Companies Act framework.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services