Singapore Global Investor Programme

Singapore scores 80.9 out of 100 on the worldpath.ai WRI 2026 — one of the highest in Asia. It leads globally in Business (97) and Education (94), with exceptionally strong scores in Safety (91.1) and Investment (91). The overall score is balanced by demanding Citizenship (48) and Residency (62) criteria.

Singapore does not offer a passive retirement visa. Long-term residence requires economic engagement, primarily through the Global Investor Programme (GIP) starting at $7.4 million, or professional routes like the Employment Pass and the ONE Pass (requiring a $22,200+/month salary threshold).

Yes, foreigners can freely purchase private condominium apartments, but must pay a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD). Landed property (houses) is generally restricted to citizens and permanent residents. Prime central condominiums average $2,800 per square metre, while suburban units average $1,300 per square metre.

Singapore is one of Asia's most expensive cities. A single professional needs about $3,800/month (with central 1-bedroom rent around $2,800/month). A family of three should budget approximately $6,300/month. Car ownership is punitively expensive, with a standard Certificate of Entitlement (COE) costing around $70,300 on top of the vehicle's price.

Singapore has no capital gains tax, meaning profits from holding crypto as a personal investment are tax-free. However, if crypto trading is conducted as a regular business, or received as payment for services, it is taxed as ordinary income. A 9% GST applies to crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-goods transactions.

Yes, Singapore is exceptionally safe and sits in the top decile of the Global Peace Index. Violent and petty crime rates are among the lowest globally, making it one of the calmest and most secure big-city environments for expats and families, supported by a strict legal framework.

Singapore's mixed public-private healthcare system consistently ranks near the top globally. Expat residents use public hospitals at unsubsidised rates or opt for private facilities with shorter wait times. Comprehensive international private cover for an expat family costs around $400/month.

Yes, but you must hold a valid Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, or Long-Term Visit Pass (tourists cannot open accounts). As a strict financial hub, banks run thorough KYC checks. New arrivals start with no local credit history and typically wait 6-12 months for a local credit card.