Singapore, as one of the most developed countries in Asia, attracts thousands of people to live there. However, visitors with common visas can only stay for a short time. To live permanently and enjoy resident benefits in Singapore, foreign nationals should obtain permanent residence (PR). There are different types of PR schemes available in the country. In this passage, we are going to talk about Singapore’s PR eligibility, benefits, requirements, and how to apply for PR in Singapore.
What Is Singapore PR?
It refers to Singapore Permanent Residence, a permanent visa scheme issued to foreign professionals, investors, some international students, artistic talents, and family members of a Singaporean permanent residence or Singapore citizens to work and stay in Singapore infinitely. Additionally, permanent residents can exit and enter Singapore without limitations and enjoy most public benefits like local citizens. The immigrant office allocates about 25,000 – 30,000 PR approvals every year. To learn about which scheme suits you and Singapore PR requirements, please read on.
Types of PR Schemes
There are three types of Singapore PR schemes, designed for different groups of people who will contribute to the local economy.
- PTS Scheme
PTS refers to professionals, technical personnel and skilled workers. It is suitable for foreign employees who have been living and working in Singapore for consecutive years.
- GIP Scheme
It is a Global Investor Programme that allows an investor as well as their immediate family members to be Singapore permanent residents. Please note that Singapore PR requirements for this type include minimum funds of investment, good business history, background and an investment plan.
- ForArts Scheme
Launched by the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA), it is designed for foreign artistic talents in the fields of photography, dance, music, theatre, literature and film.
Singapore PR Benefits
As a Singapore permanent resident, you can:
- Live in the country for a lifetime without renewing visas.
- Exit and re-enter the country without a limited number of times.
- Work in the country without an extra work permit.
- Include your spouse and unmarried children below 21 in the Singapore PR application. Your children of school age can enjoy priority (second to Singaporean citizens) to be accepted by chosen public schools.
- Apply for a long-stay visa for parents.
- Join a flexible pension system,
- Enjoy financial and tax benefits through Central Provident Fund (CPF) which requires you and your employer to pay a minimum amount to the pension fund every month. After retirement age, you can withdraw it for healthcare, property purchase, family protection, assets accretion, etc.
- Have a bigger chance to apply for housing loans or other loans.
- Purchase second-hand units of government Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats.
- Apply for citizenship after obtaining Singapore PR for years.
- Enjoy medical allowance in public and private hospitals, polyclinics and clinics.
With rights comes obligations. If your son is a Singapore permanent resident, he should enlist in the military service at the age of 16 and a half, and serve for 2 years at the age of 18.
📖 Read Also: Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) vs Short-Term Visit Pass
Who Can Apply for Singapore PR?
As we stated before, those who meet the requirements of the types of PR schemes above are given Singapore PR eligibility. They are:
- Professionals, technical personnel and skilled workers who are under 40 and have been working in Singapore for consecutive of at least 2 years with a valid work pass, such as an employment pass (EP), Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), or Tech Pass.
- Established business owners or investors who invest SGD 2.5 million in a Singaporean business entity or approved funds within 6 months.
- Artistic talents in music, dance, photography, theatre, film or literature who have international experience or qualifications and are recognized as an artist in their own country.
- Spouses of Singaporean permanent residents or citizens.
- Unmarried children under 21 years old and born within a legal marriage or legal adoption of Singaporean permanent residents or citizens.
- International students who have lived in the country for at least 2 years with a Student Pass. A certificate of at least 1 national exam or participation in the integrated program is required.
Please note that all applicants must meet other criteria, such as good morality and no crime.
What to Prepare for Your Singapore PR Application?
The ICA needs to verify your Singapore PR eligibility. Therefore, the following supporting documents should be ready to make things easier.
- Valid passport or certified travel document with a validity of at least 6 months
- Identity card (if applicable)
- Work pass (if applicable)
- Proof of employment, such as an employment contract, recommendation letters from your employer, employer’s contact, or evaluation reports. self-employed persons should provide a valid business registration certificate.
- Proof of highest education, such as certificates and diplomas from college, high school or other certified educational institutions.
- Proof of your financial status, such as a payslip of the last 6 months, or statements of a bank account or investment account.
- Most updated resume
- Proof of property
- Birth certificate or similar official household census list with both parents’ names
- Marriage certificate when applying as spouse of a Singapore permanent resident or citizen
All documents must be in English. If not, you should submit a translated version provided by the embassy of the issuing country, or a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country.
How To Apply for PR in Singapore
All eligible persons must submit Singapore PR application online and visit the ICA building to have an interview. The application process goes through the steps below. Please note that the whole process must be done within 7 days (168 hours) after the application starts.
Step 1. Visit ICA portal and click on the “Employment Pass Holder > Apply for PR”.
Step 2. Log in to your Singpass account. If you are applying as a foreign student, please choose “I am a foreign student” section. Finish a questionnaire to determine your eligibility and enter Applicant’s Foreign Identity Number as well as Immigration Pass Issue Date.
Step 3. Select the icon “Myself”.
Step 4. Fill out the PR application form online or download it and upload the completed form.
Step 5. Provide all necessary information. Don’t miss any required fields. Information about the main applicant and dependents should also be included in the Personnel List.
Step 6. When the “Proceed” button is enabled, which means all required fields are filled, click on it to continue.
Step 7. Review your application to make sure all information you provide is correct.
Step 8. Select “Upload Documents” and import supporting documents. Please note that only PDF and JPG file formats are acceptable. If you can’t provide the document, check “I do not have the document” and enter the reason in the box. Don’t forget to click on the “save”. After all documents are submitted, click on the “Next” button to move on to the next step.
Step 9. Fulfill payment through MyCart.
Step 10. Your application is successfully submitted until you see an acknowledgment page.
Step 11. Download the PDF application form before the due date and time.
Step 12. Wait for the result. The Singapore PR application status can also be checked on ICA website.
How to Apply for Singapore PR for Your Family?
Supposing that you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident and applying for Singapore PR for your spouse or children, the process is similar to self-application. In this case, both you and your family member’s identity need to be verified.
Step 1. Visit ICA portal and choose “Singapore citizen > Apply for PR” or “Singapore Permanent Resident > Apply for PR”.
Step 2. Log in to your Singpass account.
Step 3. Select the suitable icon “My Spouse and child(ren)”, “child(ren)” or “My Parent(s)” when seeing “I want to apply for…”
The following steps, including filling out the application form, uploading supporting documents and paying for Singapore PR application fees, are the same as the previous section.
How Will Singapore PR Applicants Be Assessed?
Singapore’s Immigration and Customs Agency (ICA) uses a Singapore PR points calculator to assess your PR application which is based on the following factors.
✅ Type of work pass
✅ Length of stay
✅ Marital status
✅ Academic performance and qualifications
✅ Income
✅ Age (under 50 years is favorable)
✅ Family connection to Singapore
What Should I Do If My Singapore PR Application Fails?
It is quite depressing that the authority rejected your application after waiting for a few months. Don’t be disappointed. It is reported that approximately half of all Singapore PR applications are rejected every year. Therefore, you are not alone. The good news is that you can submit the application again without limitation in the number of times. Make sure to learn about why you are turned down and avoid the same mistakes.
Common Reasons for Singapore PR Application Rejection
❌ Unstable financial situations
❌ Weak family ties in Singapore
❌ Insufficient skills or working experience
❌ Lack of education qualifications
❌ Negative contributions to the country’s economy
❌ Criminal record or other legal issues
Which Countries Can Singapore PR Travel to Without a Visa?
Singapore citizens can take a visa-free trip to more than 100 countries and territories. However, Singapore PRs are not eligible to have Singapore passports yet. Therefore, which countries they can travel to without visas depends on the issuing country of their passport. The most convenient thing is that a Singapore PR can travel freely in and out of Singapore with visas regardless of their nationality.
How to Maintain Your Singapore PR?
As a Singapore permanent resident, you are required to:
- Contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
- Keep your personal information updated at ICA, including changes in address, marital status, employment, or the birth of a child.
- Satisfy the residency requirements. A Singapore PR should live in the country for at least half the duration of the PR validity (usually 5 years).
- Fulfill tax obligations, including income tax, property tax, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Take part in community activities, such as local clubs, volunteering events, or cultural gatherings, which shows your willingness and determination to integrate into the local society.
Failing to fulfill the above responsibilities and obligations might jeopardize your Singapore PR status. Moreover, once you are granted the Singapore PR, you must hold a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) to travel and stay abroad, or you are likely to lose the status.
FAQ
Q1: What is the best time to apply for Singapore PR?
A: Any time you are eligible and get ready is the best time.
Q2: How long is the SPR application process?
A: It usually takes 6 months to deal with each application.
Q3: How many years is the SPR granted for?
A: Once it is approved, you will be issued a Re-Entry Permit (REP) which is valid for 5 years.
Q4: How long do you live in Singapore to get PR?
A: It depends on which scheme you are applying through. Work pass holders should live for at least 6 months while foreign students should have been studying in Singapore for at least 2 years.
Q5: Can Singapore PR stay outside Singapore?
A: Yes, but you should hold a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP), or your PR status might be deprived.
Q6: Does Singapore PR have Singapore passport?
A: No. A Singapore PR is qualified to apply for full Singapore citizenship and a Singapore passport after living in the country for some years.
Q: How much does a Singapore PR application cost?
A: The processing fee is SGD 100 which is not refundable and can be paid through Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, American Express (AMEX) credit card, Internet Direct Debit or PayNow.
Summary
Let’s make a summary. If you are an immediate family of a Singapore permanent resident/citizen or are eligible for the PTS Scheme/GIP Scheme/ForArts Scheme, you can file the Singapore PR application online. To make sure you will be approved, it is suggested to learn about Singapore PR eligibility and requirements first. After obtaining the status, don’t forget to fulfill the obligations while enjoying similar benefits to a local, otherwise, you might risk losing it.
Dolores Xiao