Singapore Family Office Independent Guide Speak to a specialist

Moving to Singapore from China

Chinese families have been among the largest groups setting up family offices in Singapore. Here is how the routes apply, and what is specific to moving from China.

The short answer: the same two steps apply as for any family, a family office under the 13O or 13U tax scheme to hold the wealth, and the Global Investor Programme for permanent residency. What is specific to China is the cross-border tax and exit planning, which needs a specialist on both sides.

Why Singapore

For families in China, Singapore offers proximity, deep China links, a shared language for much of daily business, legal certainty, and a tax system with no capital gains tax, estate duty or wealth tax. It has become the default second base for Asian wealth.

What is specific to moving from China

The Singapore side of the structure is the same. The care is on the China side: how assets are moved, the tax and reporting position on exit, and timing. This is exactly where a specialist familiar with both jurisdictions matters, and it should not be improvised.

It is worth noting that scrutiny has increased. Reporting in 2025 indicated that applications from mainland Chinese clients to establish family offices or reside in Singapore had fallen materially from their 2022 peak as compliance checks tightened. The route remains open, but expect thorough due diligence.

The routes

See the family office setup guide for the 13O and 13U schemes, and the Global Investor Programme guide for the residency route.

Frequently asked questions

Can a family from China set up a family office in Singapore?

Yes. Chinese families are among the largest groups establishing single family offices in Singapore. The same routes apply: the 13O and 13U tax schemes, and the Global Investor Programme for permanent residency. Cross-border tax and exit considerations on the China side should be handled by a specialist familiar with both jurisdictions.

Planning a move from China?

We match you with an independent specialist experienced in China-to-Singapore family office setup.

Get matched

Sources

Singapore scheme details are indicative, drawn from MAS and EDB (July 2026). The trend note reflects 2025 reporting on family office application volumes. Country-specific tax on the China side is not covered here and needs a licensed cross-border specialist. This page is general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.