Singapore is one of best countries to live, work and study. Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and also has the most powerful passport in the world. The proximity of Singapore to mainland China, makes the country very attractive for relocation and investment especially to many chinese and asian investors.

Singapore offers a red carpet welcome to rich immigrant investors, offering permanent resident status (PR) through Global investor scheme. The scheme requires  atleast 3 years of substantial business track record and successful entrepreneurial background who intend to drive their business and investment growth from Singapore.

• Invest at least S$2.5 million (US$ 1.8m) in a new business entity or in the expansion of an existing business operation.
•  Invest at least S$2.5 million ($1.8m) in a GIP fund that invests in Singapore- based companies.

If  GIS application is approved, ICA will issue an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) Permanent Residence (PR) status by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which is valid for 6 months and investor will be required to make all investments and formalize for PR status within 12 months..

The Global investor scheme offers quickest path to become a Singapore citizen and receive powerful passport after just two years of  Singapore permanent resident (SPR). A person who is above 21 years of age is eligible to apply for Singapore Citizenship after having spent two years as a permanent resident in Singapore.

National Military Service

Singapore is one of the countries in the world that requires national military service from citizens and second generation permanent residents.

At around the age of 18, all male Singaporeans go through a period of military training called National Service (NS). National Service was introduced in 1967, to provide defence for Singapore and to a foster cohesiveness among male Singaporeans.

All second-generation male SPRs must enlist for National Service, together with their male Singaporean counterparts, once they reach the age of 18. This is stated in the Enlistment Act. Sons who take up permanent residency under the sponsorship of their Permanent Resident parent, are required by law to serve National Service, just like Singaporean male citizens. The rationale is that they too enjoy the socio-economic national benefits of schooling and living in  Singapore.

If the person is not granted Singapore citizenship but still holds Singapore permanent residency, he is still obliged by law to serve the national service obligations, i.e. operationally-ready reservist duties/in-camp trainings

If a male SPR does not enlist, he will be considered a NS defaulter.

Not fulfilling the NS requirement would adversely impact your Singapore citizenship or PR status. Offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.

It is also possible to renounce PR status subjected to conditions.

Dual Citizenship

One other problem with Singapore, is dual citizenship restriction. Immigrant investors who plan to become citizen must plan ahead to renounce their previous citizenship.