Getting a PR in Singapore is not an easy task, however, we have listed the most important factors you should know that will make your chances higher to get a PR

1. Eligibility
2. Documents Required
3. Procedure
4. Fees
5. Approval
6. Processing Time
7. Summary

3 types of Permanent Resident Visa schemes

Scheme 1: Foreign professionals, technicians and skilled workers. This scheme is suited for individuals who are currently working in Singapore for a certain period of time (key requirement). The longer a foreigner has worked and contributed to the Singapore economy, the better it looks on paper when an application is sent for processing. Therefore, when the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses you for your candidacy, it will be based on your personal and professional merits you have acquired and built over the years while working in Singapore. Therefore, if you are a working professional and you are currently holding an Employment Pass or S Pass and planning to apply for a Permanent Resident visa in the future, it is essential to plan and build an excellent employment profile.

Scheme 2: Investors Scheme (Global Investor Programme) This scheme is suitable for foreign investors who are willing to invest at least $2.5 million SGD into a new Singaporean business start up, existing business, or a GIP-approved fund. Eager entrepreneurs are required to have a good entrepreneurial background, a good track record of your business, and an investment plan prepared. (For more details, feel free to drop us an email at info@singapore-visa.net)

Eligibility

As a foreigner, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if you are a/an:

NOTE: ICA takes into account factors such as the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency, to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into our society, as well as his or her commitment to sinking roots.

Documents Required

You will need to read through the following explanatory notes and submit the required supporting documents (please refer to notes and list below) when applying for permanent residence using the e-Service if you are a/an:

• Spouse of a SC or PR, or child of a SC or PR who is unmarried and aged under 21
• Explanatory Notes and Document List (spouse with/without accompanying child(ren))
• Explanatory Notes and Document List (child(ren) only)
• Aged parent of a SC
• Explanatory Notes and Document List
• Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
• Explanatory Notes and Document List
• Student studying in Singapore
• Explanatory Notes and Document List 

Procedure

All permanent residence applications must be submitted online using the e-Service.

You may submit a PR application online with a valid SingPass account if you are a/an:

• SC or PR applying PR for your spouse or for your child who is unmarried and aged under 21
• SC applying PR for your aged parent
• Employment Pass or S Pass holder applying PR for self.

Fees

A S$100 non-refundable processing fee is payable for each applicant at the point of submission of PR application.

Payment can be made using

• Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card or,
• American Express (AMEX) credit card or,
• Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore) or,
• PayNow.

Approval

If your application is successful, you will need to pay the following fees for each applicant:

• S$100 for Entry Permit (for PR applications submitted before 18 December 2017)
• S$20 for Entry Permit (for PR applications submitted from 18 December 2017 onwards)
• S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit
• S$50 for Identity Card
• S$30 per Entry Visa (foreigners requiring a visa).

The above fees are payable via NETS or CashCard.

Processing Time

The general processing time for permanent residence applications submitted with the correct documentation is four to six months. Some applications may take longer to process. You may check the application status via the e-Service.

Additional Information

National Service Liability

Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted¹, are required to serve National Service (NS). Following the completion of full-time NS, they will be required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) per year for the duration of their ORNS training cycle, till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).

Main applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.

Male applicants who are granted PR status as a Foreign Student or under their parents’ sponsorship are required to register for NS upon reaching 16½ years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old. Deferment from NS for university studies, regardless of whether such studies have begun, will not be granted. Those who are pursuing full-time GCE ’A’ Level or Polytechnic Diploma studies (or equivalent) may be granted deferment if they meet the deferment conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Defence. All male applicants are required to access www.cmpb.gov.sg for information on NS deferment, pre-enlistment process and Exit Permit requirements, before proceeding with the application.

Males who are granted Singapore PR, and who were previously Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, are liable to be called up for NS regardless of the scheme under which their PR status was granted.

Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS would have an adverse impact on any immediate or future applications to work, study or live in Singapore, or for Singapore citizenship or PR status. Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS may also adversely affect any immediate or future applications for renewal of Re-entry Permits made by one’s family members or sponsors.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Central Manpower Base
Email: contact@ns.sg
Contact No(s):
1800-3676767 (local)
65-65676767 (overseas)

¹Main applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.

In Summary

The Government of Singapore welcomes the arrival of professionals and other foreigners who are able to make positive contribution to the country’s development and economy in may different ways. There are various permanent residence schemes in place to help you obtain Singapore permanent residence through the means that is most relevant to your situation.