KGP Legal

Advocates & Solicitors   |   Commissioner for Oaths

Bespoke Immigration Practice
Singapore Immigration Lawyers with GIP and Investor-Focused Expertise

Whether you’re entering Singapore to invest, relocate your business, or reunite with family we’re here to help. At KGP Legal LLC, we specialise in immigration solutions for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and business owners.

Our standout strength: advising clients on the Global Investor Programme (GIP) Singapore’s premier pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through significant investment in a qualifying business, fund, or family office. We also advise on executive relocation, cross-border talent mobility, and long-term PR planning, with legal solutions tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances.

Why Clients Choose Our Bespoke Immigration Practice?

Global mobility has become central to business strategy, workforce planning, and personal relocation goals. At KGP Legal, our Bespoke Immigration Practice provides strategic, efficient, and personalised immigration solutions for both corporate and private clients including multinational companies, family offices, and HNWIs.

We understand that immigration law in Singapore is complex and subject to evolving policy and economic considerations. Whether you’re relocating foreign professionals, applying for permanent residency, or entering Singapore through investment migration routes, our lawyers offer tailored advice that aligns with your business objectives and personal circumstances.

Our team is deeply familiar with Singapore’s immigration regimes, including the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Dependant’s Pass (DP), Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), One Pass, and PR. We also advise high-net-worth clients on eligibility and strategic application under the GIP which is overseen by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) a Strategic PR by Investment for HNWIs and Family Offices

We provide full legal and strategic support for the GIP, which grants PR to investors who commit to one of three qualifying tracks:

Track A – Invest SGD 10M in a Singapore-based business

Track B – Invest SGD 25M in a GIP-approved fund

Track C – Set up a family office in Singapore with SGD 50M AUM

Who Qualifies for the GIP?

You must demonstrate strong business or investment credentials. The four main applicant types:

GIP Applicant TypeKey CriteriaFinancial ThresholdsNotes
Business Owner30% shareholding, 3-year trackSGD 200M turnoverMust be in EDB-approved sectors
Next-Gen OwnerFamily shareholding, management roleSGD 200M turnoverSuccession focus
Fast-Growth FounderSGD 500M company valuationVC/PE-backedInnovation focused
FO Principal5+ years’ investment experienceSGD 50M AUMMAS licensing & substance required

EDB’s Assessment Criteria

GIP applications are subject to rigorous evaluation by the EDB. Key considerations include:

  • Applicant’s entrepreneurial history, business growth, and innovation;
  • Demonstrated investment acumen and scale of prior investments;
  • Quality and scope of the business plan or investment proposal for Singapore;
  • Intention to relocate and integrate into Singapore’s economy and society.

We work with clients to prepare robust, well-documented submissions that align with EDB’s expectations, and to pre-emptively address any gaps or queries that may arise during review.

We also collaborate closely with accountants, banks, private equity advisers, and trust professionals to ensure seamless capital deployment and regulatory compliance throughout the GIP process.

Contact Us:

Email: enquiry@kgplegal.com.sg
Phone: (+65) 6916-1298
Fax: (+65) 6916-1290

Learn More About Us:

KGP Legal LLC is a leading corporate and commercial law firm based in Singapore, with a strong international focus. As a member of the InterAsia Law Alliance, we provide seamless legal assistance in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. Our integration within this network enables us to leverage extensive expertise and resources, ensuring comprehensive legal support across multiple jurisdictions.

Why the Bespoke Immigration Approach?

Immigration is not one-size-fits-all. Immigration pathways are often intertwined with corporate expansion, tax planning, employment strategies, and personal milestones. A bespoke approach ensures that each immigration solution is structured in a way that accommodates both regulatory requirements and the client’s strategic objectives.

We assess eligibility, regulatory requirements, and processing timelines while considering commercial structuring, long-term tax residency, family relocation, and future exit scenarios.

For business clients, we assist with global mobility planning, cross-border transfers, and the strategic alignment of immigration with corporate hiring policies and incentive plans. For private clients, we provide integrated legal support for family entry, PR, and long-term residency planning.

For high-net-worth individuals seeking Singapore permanent residency, we offer end-to-end legal support under the GIP. This holistic approach enables our clients to move with confidence, knowing their immigration strategy supports their broader personal, professional, and financial goals.

Ongoing Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

We assist our clients in remaining compliant with relevant Singapore immigration statutes and evolving MOM, ICA, and EDB policies. This includes guidance on:

  • Employment of foreign manpower
  • Sector-specific quotas and dependency ratios
  • Fair Consideration Framework requirements
  • Proper documentation, filing, and renewal processes
  • Adherence to conditions under each pass category
  • GIP application thresholds and post-approval obligations

Immigration Services KGP Legal Offers

We provide a full suite of immigration-related legal services, including:

GIP legal and strategic support:

  • Preliminary eligibility screening and advisory for the different Tracks
  • Incorporation and legal structuring of the investment vehicle, family office, or operating business
  • Preparation of GIP-compliant business plans, financial forecasts, and staffing proposals
  • Liaison with EDB officers, including handling clarifications and interview preparation
  • Coordination with bankers, tax advisors, corporate secretaries, and wealth managers
  • Relocation planning, including dependant passes, long-term stay strategies, and local integration
  • Support for GIP renewal milestones, including employment, local spending, and business growth thresholds

Work Passes and Entry Permits:

  • Application and renewal of EPs, S Passes, PEPs, and One Passes
  • DPs and LTVPs for accompanying family members
  • Sector-specific advisory for employment in regulated professions (for instance, medicine, education, finance)

Permanent Residency and Long-Term Stay:

  • Strategic planning and submission of PR applications
  • Advice on long-term relocation, family sponsorship, and re-entry permit requirements

Compliance and Advisory:

  • Risk management for immigration issues arising from employment termination, retrenchment, or pass cancellations
  • Support with immigration audits, employer responsibilities, and MOM notifications
  • Advice on entry/exit strategy, pass portability, and transition to PR or citizenship

We also work closely with our employment and corporate to provide a fully integrated solution for corporate clients and private clients with complex residency planning needs.

Role of KGP Legal in Legal Guidance from Entry to Long-Term Residency

At KGP Legal, we play an essential role in managing the immigration lifecycle for our clients from initial eligibility assessments to long-term residency planning and regulatory compliance.

We provide hands-on legal support in preparing robust applications, liaising with authorities, and resolving immigration-related issues. Our goal is to ensure our clients, whether business leaders, foreign specialists, or investors enjoys a seamless, secure, and strategic immigration experience.

As part of the InterAsia Law Alliance, we are also able to assist clients with immigration coordination across Hong Kong, China, Japan and Southeast Asia, supporting regional talent mobility and family relocation strategies.

Past Immigration Projects Undertaken

  • Assisting HNW individuals from EUROPE with PR applications;
  • Assisting an Australian blockchain company with their employment pass applications for senior hires;
  • Assisted an American client with his One Pass application;
  • Advisory to various family offices on the Singapore GIP and its requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions?

We assist a broad spectrum of clients, including:

  • Individuals relocating for employment (Employment Pass, S Pass, etc.)
  • Entrepreneurs and founders setting up new ventures
  • Family offices relocating principals and dependants
  • High-net-worth individuals applying under the Global Investor Programme
  • Companies transferring staff regionally or globally
  • Foreign spouses, dependants, or long-term visit pass applicants

Whether you are a C-suite executive, investor, or family member seeking to establish long-term presence in Singapore, KGP Legal offers tailored support every step of the way.

  • EP: For foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 5,600 (non-financial sectors) or SGD 6,200 (financial sectors), subject to the COMPASS framework.
  • Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass: For top talent across business, academia, and arts, with personal income of at least SGD 30,000/month or equivalent achievement.
  • EntrePass: For foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business plans in strategic sectors.
  • S Pass: For mid-skilled foreign employees earning at least SGD 3,150/month.
  • Work Holiday Pass: For students or graduates from select countries under youth mobility schemes.
  • Training Employment Pass: For foreign trainees undergoing practical training.
  • Dependent’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass: For spouses, children, or parents of pass holders.

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based system introduced by MOM. To qualify for an EP under COMPASS, applicants must score at least 40 points based on four criteria:

  • Salary relative to market benchmarks
  • Candidate qualifications
  • Workforce diversity (nationality mix)
  • Support for local employment (firm-level)

Bonus points are awarded for roles on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) or linked to Strategic Economic Priorities.

There are several PR schemes in Singapore:

  • PTS Scheme (Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers): For those working on an EP or S Pass
  • GIP Scheme: For investors and business owners (see above)
  • Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme: For individuals with exceptional talent in arts and culture
  • Family Ties Scheme: For spouses or children of Singapore Citizens/PRs

Our team assists with end-to-end PR application support, including strategic timing, documentation, employment history reviews, and ICA submissions.

Yes. We work with foreign individuals and companies to:

  • Incorporate a local entity with ACRA
  • Draft constitution and shareholder agreements
  • Obtain necessary licences and regulatory approvals
  • Structure employment or directorship roles tied to pass eligibility

We also assist with representative office setup for market exploration before full-scale entry.

Passes may be rejected due to incomplete documentation, quota issues, or failing to meet criteria. We assist in:

  • Reviewing rejection reasons
  • Filing formal appeals or reapplications
  • Restructuring corporate roles or salary packages
  • Advising on alternative immigration strategies (for instance, ONE Pass, GIP)

KGP Legal’s immigration team provides:

  • Strategic immigration advisory
  • Legal structuring for visa compliance
  • Business incorporation and licensing for immigration purposes
  • Appeal and dispute resolution for pass rejections
  • GIP, ONE Pass, and PR application support
  • Regulatory engagement with MOM, ICA, and EDB

We work closely with international clients, expatriate families, and foreign investors to offer seamless, discreet, and strategic legal solutions.