How to get Singapore Permanent Resident status
4 minute read
Becoming a Singapore permanent resident is highly sought after, as Singapore is one of the most developed and secure cities in the world. Read on to learn more about the process of becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident, how to apply PR in Singapore, Singapore permanent resident eligibility and more.
Overview:
What are the benefits of becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident?
- PR status lets you live, work, and travel to and from Singapore without visa restrictions
- Permanent Residents do not need to acquire new work visas (such as an EP)
- You will receive CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions from your employer
- PRs are allowed to purchase resold public HDB housing in Singapore
- PR status gives you the choice to acquire Singapore Citizenship in the future, which is one of the few ways to obtain a Singapore passport (one of the world’s most powerful passports).
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Types of PR schemes
Permanent Residency is categorised into 3 different schemes. The most common route to get PR is through the Professionals/ Technical Personnel and Skilled Worker Scheme (PTS) – this is for foreign professionals who are already living and working in Singapore.
The other two routes available are through the Global Investor Programme (GIP) – aimed at foreign investors who can invest S$2.5 million into the Singapore economy, or the Foreign Artistic Scheme – for acclaimed artists in fields such as photography, dance, music, theatre, literature or film.
Becoming a Permanent Resident used to be easier compared to the present. Due to the tightening of control over Singapore’s foreign population, PR approval has dropped significantly in the past few years.
The PTS scheme is hands down the quickest and easiest way to attain Singapore Permanent Residency compared to the rest of the schemes. While GIP scheme also has a high approval rate, however, it is only reserved for the wealthy folks who can spend million dollar investments investing in Singapore. As for Foreign Artistic Scheme, chances of approval are low unless you are a famous and significant artist on the international stage.
PTS scheme | For foreign professionals who are already living and working in Singapore. |
Global Investor Programme (GIP) | Aimed at foreign investors who can invest S$2.5 million into the Singapore economy |
Foreign Artistic Scheme | For acclaimed artists in fields such as photography, dance, music, theatre, literature or film. |
PR Scheme for Individuals Working in Singapore
Singapore has a permanent resident (PR) scheme which allows individuals who work or study in Singapore to apply for PR status on a longer-term basis.
How to qualify for PR?
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must possess at least two years of continuous employment in Singapore and hold either an Employment Pass or EntrePass that is still valid. Additionally, applicants need to meet other criteria, such as having good moral conduct and being under 40 years old if applying through the Professional, Technical Persons, and Skilled Workers Scheme.
PR Scheme for Investors
Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) offers Singapore foreign investors an unparalleled opportunity to attain Singapore Permanent Residence status by making an initial investment of 2.5 million Singapore Dollars in a new or existing business entity or approved funds within 6 months of receiving approval in principle. PR application for investors can be a bit more complicated than if it were an individual but it is worth it. With Singapore’s iconic business environment and world-renowned infrastructure, this remarkable PR application could be the chance investors are looking for to realize their goals of personal and professional growth.
PR scheme for Foreign Artistic Talent
Singapore’s Foreign Artistic Talent (ForArts) Scheme gives Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) the ability to pursue and hold Singapore citizenship. Launched by the National Arts Council (NAC) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA), it is a way for foreign nationals who have achieved excellence in their field of artistic practice to stay in Singapore with PR status. To be granted Singapore PR, applicants must show proof of recognition as an artist in their own country, with international experience or qualifications, before both ICA and NAC consider their request.
How is my application assessed?
Singapore’s Immigration and Customs Agency (ICA) adopts a Points System to assess PR eligibility. Applicants will be graded points based on the following factors:
- Type of work pass (whether you hold an EP, PEP , S-Pass or EntrePass)
- Duration of stay in Singapore
- Marital status
- Academic qualification (a reputable institute is preferred)
- Basic monthly salary
- Age (preferably 50 years and below)
- Kinship ties in Singapore (having family members from Singapore)
Other factors, such as criminal records, contributions to charity organizations are also considered, although they are not part of the point system criteria.
Applying for PR for your family
If you are married and having children, it is highly recommended to apply for PR for your spouse and children. Without them, your application will be very likely rejected.
One important point to note is that Singapore law requires all male citizens and Permanent Residents to serve a compulsory 2 years of National Service (NS) in the military, police or civil defencse when they reach 16 years old. You should consider if you wish to send your sons to NS before applying PR for them.
How to apply PR in Singapore and what is the process?
You can only apply for PR via ICA’s eService. Applying for PR often requires an exhaustive list of documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, all tertiary qualifications, testimonials from previous employers, tax assessments, and professional license and membership certificates. Luckily, the ICA has created a Permanent Resident application checklist to ensure applicants have all of the required papers. Here is the link to the latest version.
Once it is completed, you will be scheduled for an appointment at the ICA building for interview and submission of documents.
Application of Permanent Residency takes 4 to 6 months to process. If your documentation is not in proper order, the process will be delayed significantly.
Next steps
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- Sleek visa service
- Securing an S pass in Singapore
- Long term visit pass
- Student visa in Singapore
- Canceling work pass
FAQ
For an Indian to get Singapore PR, The person must be an employment pass or an S pass holder or A foreign investor of the country.or a spouse of a citizen who is living in Singapore. Or has an Unmarried kid under the age of 21 who was born in the context of legal marriage to, or legal adoption by, an SC or PR.
For getting PR in Singapore there is no minimum salary requirement. One just needs to be an S Pass or Employment Pass holder to become eligible.
