Everything You Should Know About Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore

Are you seeking to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) so you may relocate to one of the most liveable cities in Asia?

Singapore is a wonderful place to live for many reasons. According to the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, Singapore is the finest place for ex-pats to live and work. It boasts a robust economy that has earned the nickname “the Switzerland of Asia,” a stable political climate, and a low crime rate. It is regarded as one of the most fabulous places in the world to conduct business.

You might also be interested in learning more about Singapore PR’s advantages.

• What must you do to submit an application for permanent residency in Singapore?
• Is there a form I need to fill out or some identification I need to send in?

Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. Here is what you should do to prepare for your application and ensure that you are accepted.

Overview

A permanent visa known as Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) enables international professionals, confident investors, and family members of Singapore citizens and PR to work and reside permanently in Singapore.

Other benefits, such as healthcare and education subsidies, a pension plan for retirement, and eligibility for purchasing highly subsidised HDB apartments owned by the government, are frequently available in addition to the freedom to live permanently in Singapore and travel freely within and outside of the country.

Who is Eligible to Become a Singapore PR?

1. Professional Technical or Skilled Professional (PTS) Scheme

For those professionals from other countries who are now employed in Singapore, this is common. To understand more about this plan, continue reading.

2. Singapore PR Scheme For Investors

Another approach to applying for Singapore PR is through the investment visa programme known as the Global Investor Programme, or GIP. According to this programme, an individual can apply for PR for themselves and their family members by starting a business in Singapore with a minimum investment of $2.5 million or by investing the same amount in an existing company there.

Investors currently have two alternatives to select from:

Option A: Investing $2.5 million in a new or young company or expanding an existing one.

Option B: a fund with a GIP approval of $2.5 million.

Along with making the minimal investment, you also need to fulfil requirements, including having experience in business, a business plan and investment strategy, and a successful track record.

3. Family PR Application Scheme

Married permanent residents with kids are invited to apply for PR for their partners and kids.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that before filing for their PR, you must first send your male kid to the National Service. If you already hold a Singapore PR, you can apply for one for your elderly parent.

4. Foreign Artistic Talent Programme

The country’s art industry has grown remarkably in recent years and is taking various measures to keep up with its goal of becoming a regional arts centre; Singapore is now embracing overseas artists who want to settle there permanently. Through the Foreign Artistic Talent programme, those with skills in music, dance, photography, theatre, cinema, or literature are eligible to apply.

5. Student Option

If you are a student studying in Singapore, you may also apply for Singapore PR. You can submit an application to the ICA, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. They must have lived in the region for at least two years before applying, have completed at least one national test, or be enrolled in the integrated programme.

How do I apply for Singapore PR status under the PTS Scheme?

The Skilled Migration Scheme is probably the Singapore PR application you wish to apply for if you are currently employed under the Employment Pass or S-Pass scheme. It’s also the easiest to get.

You must be employed in the nation at the time of your application to be eligible. Additionally, you must possess an S-Pass, Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass, or Personalized Employment Pass. Even though applying is simple, there is still paperwork that must be filed. Before completing this Singapore PR application, it is advisable to speak with an immigration partner to be sure you have all you need for successful approval.

However, you should be familiar with other requirements, such as checks and balances, for which you can take the help of an immigration firm to guide you.

What Do You Need to Do Before Applying for a PR in Singapore?

You should have a few papers before submitting your Singapore PR application under the Skilled Migration Scheme to ensure everything goes correctly.

The important ones are:

• Documents proving employment. Contracts, letters of recommendation, contact details for employers, and evaluation reports, for example.

• A copy of your diploma. Certificates and degrees from high school

• Records attesting to your financial situation. Payslips and other documents that provide specifics about your source of income.

• A copy of your most recent portfolio.

• Property records for any Singaporean real estate you already hold.

• Documents for your spouse and kids, if they will be included on your application. 

Offering value-added papers (such as recommendations, letters of support, and evidence of professional accomplishments) is a good idea to differentiate yourself from the competition. Even though it can seem like an unnecessary step, having it available will help the process move forward more quickly. Due to the tremendous demand for obtaining permission for PR status, the processing time for your PR application will typically take 6 to 12 months. However, it may occasionally take more than 12 months.

What factors are used to evaluate your Singapore PR application?

Your application will be evaluated in many different ways. This might include your economic input to the firm, the uniqueness of your profession, your age and family background, the length of time you’ve lived in Singapore, and your social adaptability. Before submitting an application, think about if you can illustrate:

• The length of time you’ve spent in Singapore
• The stability of your job
• The longevity of your company
• Your educational background
• Your ability to demonstrate that you’re a law-abiding citizen
• Any family ties you may have to the nation, and
• Any volunteer or financial contributions you may have made to Singapore society are all essential considerations for the authorities.

What to do if your application for PR in Singapore is denied or fails?

If your application is turned down, there’s no reason to be upset. Despite the fact that over 180,000 foreign employees are eligible, only 15,000 applications are accepted annually. More than half of all filed applications are turned down.

Fortunately, you may apply for permanent residency in Singapore an infinite number of times. You should reapply if your circumstances dramatically change while your application is being processed, such as beginning a new job or having a kid. Partnering with a company that can help you showcase the value you provide to Singapore is a smart move.

How to Make Sure Your Application for Singapore PR is Accepted?

The processing of a Singapore PR application might take four to six months. Additionally, there is a $100 non-refundable cost for each individual listed on the form. You should make sure you supply all the information required to ensure the success of your Singapore PR application if you’re going to wait this long. This is why working with an immigration partner is ideal.

AfS has assisted investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders in obtaining their Singapore permanent residency for more than ten years. We always strive to expedite the approval of your application by staying current with any recent changes to migration laws. Sign up for our free assessment if you’re hoping to stay in Singapore permanently so that we can help you on your path to a residence.