Singapore is a dream destination for many foreigners due to its modern infrastructure, world-class education, career opportunities, and multicultural society. And getting permanent residency in Singapore is a dream come true for many.
To become a Permanent Resident, you need to apply for an Entry Permit with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
A valid Re-Entry Permit is essential if the foreigner wishes to travel out and return to Singapore as a PR.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore PR allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
- Professionals, students, family members, investors, and artists are eligibile for Singapore PR.
- Applications are processed by ICA and typically take 4–6 months.
- PR status offers job flexibility, healthcare benefits, housing access, and a pathway to citizenship.
Table of contents
Permanent Resident Singapore Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for Singapore permanent residency if you fall under one of the following categories defined by the ICA:
- Legally married to a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident
- Unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore
- Aged/dependent parent of a Singapore citizen or Singapore PR status holder
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass and has worked for at least 6 months in the country
- Students who have lived in the country for at least two years and passed a national exam or is in the Integrated Programme (IP)
- Foreign investors who have invested at least $2.5 million in a start-up or a renowned company in Singapore
Types of Singapore PR Pathways
Singapore offers several pathways to apply for PR. The most common ones to get a Singapore permanent residency include:
Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Worker Scheme (PTS Scheme)
If you hold an Employment Pass, S-Pass, EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass and have been working in Singapore for a specified period, this is the best pathway.
The longer you work in the country, the better your chance of getting PR in Singapore. This is the most common route to get PR.
Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The GIP scheme is designed for foreign investors who are willing to invest at least $2.5 million in an existing business, a start-up from Singapore, or a GIP-approved fund.
However, applicants must have a proven business record, entrepreneurial skills, and a pre-planned investment.
Foreign Student Scheme
International students who have been in Singapore for at least two years and passed any national-level exam, including GCE N/O/A or PLSE level, can apply under this route.
Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (For Arts)
This scheme is designed for individuals who have exceptional skills in fields like music, dance, visual arts, design, or performing arts, and are committed to contributing to Singapore’s cultural scene.
Applicants must be a recognised artist with a strong leadership background.
Sponsored Scheme
If you are the spouse or child/legally adopted child/step-child of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, then you are eligible to apply for PR under the sponsored scheme. Your sponsor must have the financial ability to support your stay in Singapore.
Document Checklist for Singapore PR Application
Keep the following documents ready while applying for permanent residency in Singapore:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Valid travel document
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Last 6 months’ pay slips
- Last 3 years’ income tax assessments
- Employer letter (dated within the last 3 months) with salary details
- Educational certificates
- Marriage/birth certificates (if applicable)
- If you are self-employed, you must provide a business registration certificate, balance sheets, etc
- Employment Pass or Student Pass (if applicable)
Read: Countries With The Best Expat Pay Packages
How to Get Permanent Residency in Singapore
The application process is simple and straightforward. Here is all you need to do:
Step 1: Log in to the official portal of ICA using your Singpass ID and password.
Step 2: Select the category you are applying for, i.e., student, family member, employer, etc.
Step 3: Select for whom you are applying – self, spouse, dependent children, or aged parents.
Step 4: Download the application form.
Step 5: Fill up the form accurately and submit it online along with the required documents. Remember, you must upload the documents within 7 working days.
Step 6: Pay the application processing fee. The fee is non-refundable.
Step 7: Once the application is successfully submitted, the ICA may call you for an interview.
Step 8: Wait for processing, which takes about 4 to 6 months.
Step 9: If the application is approved, you will receive your PR card after all the formalities are completed.
Singapore National Service
Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and PRs must serve National Service (NS), unless exempted.
They have to register for NS at age 16 & ½, serve two years of full-time NS at 18 years old, followed by 40 days of Operationally Ready NS every year until age 50 (for officers) or 40 (for other ranks).
The rule is applicable to even foreign students or male children who have been granted PR under their parents’ sponsorship.
Read: 10 Best Countries To Work And Make Money
What are the Benefits of being a Singapore Permanent Resident?
Apart from living in the country indefinitely, Singapore permanent residents enjoy other benefits such as:
- Job flexibility. You can work for any employer and don’t need to acquire new work visas.
- PR holders can travel out of Singapore without restrictions.
- Children of PR holders get priority in school admissions.
- Access to both public and private healthcare at subsidised rates.
- Eligible for Central Provident Fund (CPF) pension scheme from your employer.
- PR holders can access public housing by purchasing resale Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in Singapore.
- Sponsor spouse and unmarried children (below 21) for PR.
- Sponsor parents for long-term visit passes.
- Eligibility to apply for Singapore citizenship after holding PR status for a few years.
FAQs on Singapore Permanent Residency
How long is the Singapore PR valid?
The Singapore PR doesn’t expire. But the Re-Entry Permit (REP) must be renewed every five years to keep the PR active.
What is a Re-Entry Permit?
A Re-Entry Permit (REP) is required whenever a Singapore permanent resident wishes to travel out of Singapore. If a PR remains outside Singapore without a valid REP, he/she will lose the PR status.
Can Singapore PR holders apply for citizenship?
Yes. After residing in Singapore for two years, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Wrapping Up
A Singapore PR provides long-term stability, access to several benefits, and a better quality of life. If you plan to move to this country, having a PR is a must as it allows you to live, work, and study in the country permanently. The PR also provides a pathway to become a Singapore citizen.
Source: www.ica.gov.sg
Also Read