How to apply for PR in Singapore – agencies to help

So you’re living in Singapore and having an amazing time. If you stay beyond the classic two-year stint, the idea of sowing deeper roots in your new home may cross your mind. In time, you might want apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status. This status comes with a host of attractive benefits and considerations. Here, we take a look at those benefits, the process and requirements for applying on your own, and how using an immigration agency can also help you apply for PR in Singapore.

10 benefits of being a Permanent Resident in Singapore

Here are some of the main goodies that PRs can benefit from:

#1 You can change jobs without having to reapply for a work pass (such as an Employment Pass, Work Permit or Letter of Consent). Currently with a work pass, you need to go through cancellation and re-application every time you change jobs. However, this process can take time – there’s no guarantee of a quick response or approval.

#2 You’re free to re-enter Singapore to live and work without needing to apply for additional visas.

#3 You can include your immediate family (children under 21) within your application.

#4 School-aged children become eligible to apply for local school options. These options offer a robust curriculum and a price point that can be very appealing compared to the international school system; it also means Permanent Residents have a much larger pool of school options – international and local – to choose from.

#5 Your parents are eligible for long-term visas when they visit.

#6 You can participate in Singapore’s CPF (Central Provident Fund) scheme. This way, both you and your employer make monthly contributions towards your retirement.

#7 You can use your CPF funds towards purchasing local property, healthcare, family protection and asset growth.

#8 You become eligible to buy second-hand housing units from the government (HDB units). This lowers the barriers to entering the Singapore property market.

#9 You jump up the priority list for obtaining housing loans, and you pay lower stamp duty on your property purchase.

#10 You can benefit from various government incentives, discounts and subsidies that are also offered to Singapore citizens.

How to apply for PR in Singapore with the help of an immigration agency

Need a little help with your application process for Permanent Residence or different types of passes to work in Singapore? If so, these are two experienced immigration specialists who know how to apply for PR and can help you achieve your dream of living in Singapore.

The Immigration People – covering all immigration agency needs

The Immigration People (TIP) has over 45 years of combined experience across its multi-award-winning team of immigration experts, who are dedicated to helping individuals and businesses make Singapore their home. Since its founding in 2019, the team has assisted thousands of clients in achieving their Singaporean dreams.

TIP’s comprehensive services cover a wide range of immigration needs, including Singapore Permanent Residence, Singapore Citizenship, Work Passes (ONE Pass, PEP, EP, S Pass, DP, LTVP), Business Relocation, Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant’s Pass, and the Global Investor Programme.

TIP is also a licensed employment agency with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), enabling it to assist with complex work-pass applications and business relocation matters.

To better serve clients looking to establish or expand their business presence in Singapore, TIP’s affiliated entity, The Enterprise People (TEP), provides a full suite of corporate secretarial, accounting, and tax advisory services. Together, TIP and TEP form a one-stop business and immigration solution, helping clients not only relocate but also set up and grow successfully while living in Singapore.

The TIP team says: “We pride ourselves on our commitment to high ethical standards and simplifying the complex immigration process.” The company was the winner of the Aspiring Woman Entrepreneurs 2022/2023 and Fast Enterprise Award 2021 at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards.

If you’re ready to embark on your Singapore journey, schedule a complimentary consultation at TIP.

6240 6995 | tip.com.sg

Majestic Immigration Singapore – specialists in applying for PR in Singapore

Majestic Immigration Singapore is an immigration agency made up of a team of professionals who have a strong knowledge and almost a decade of combined experience in immigration. They say, “we are passionate about helping our foreign friends to obtain Singapore Permanent Resident and Singapore Citizenship in Singapore.”

The team has specialist training to handle complex cases with various nationalities. “We’re able to work with clients from different backgrounds to first understand their personal profile, then work out a case to enhance their profile before the submission.” This approach, they say, allows for a greater chance of approval. “We have an excellent track record in helping our clients to attain Singapore Permanent Residency and Singapore Citizenship.”

Majestic Immigration Singapore’s pricing structure is transparent, decent and affordable. Even if you’ve had several failed attempts at applications, the team is keen to assist at any point during your journey. “Our extensive knowledge and confidence in Singapore immigration regulations and policies in handling complicated and unique cases can definitely help to achieve desired positive outcomes on your application.”

As a Singapore immigration specialist, Majestic Immigration Singapore also offers advice or assistance with Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Dependant Pass (DP) applications.

Capital Square Level 7, 23 Church Street
6263 6464 | hello@majesticimmigration.com
majesticimmigration.com

Other things to know about being a Permanent Resident in Singapore

What happens if you’re a PR and you have a son?

If you’re including your son or sons on your PR application, one major consideration is that he will have to serve a mandatory two years of National Service when he turns 18 years old. There can be long-lasting implications if you renounce your PR and/or leave Singapore before your son has completed his National Service. (Read this feature for an expat’s personal perspective on the National Service.)

Eligibility to apply for PR

If you decide you would like to be a permanent resident in Singapore, you can apply if:

• You hold an Employment Pass or S Pass
• You are a student studying in Singapore
• Your spouse is a Singapore citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (PR)
• You have unmarried child below 21 born to (or legally adopted) by a SC or PR
• You’re an aged parent of a SC
• You’re an investor in Singapore

Criteria for applying to be a Permanent Resident in Singapore

The ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) will take into account the following:

• Your economic contributions
• Qualifications
• Age and family profile
• Length of your stay
• Your ability to integrate into the community
• Your commitment to deepen your roots into society

While the exact ‘approval formula’ for Permanent Resident is unknown, including evidence of your contributions to society, charity, volunteering and testimonials from Singaporeans and PR may help support your application.

Singapore as a Smart Nation

It’s worth considering Singapore’s grand vision as a “smart nation”. Certain skill sets and qualifications are more coveted than others. So, it may be worth up-skilling/re-skilling to ensure your qualifications and memberships provide economic benefits.

Procedure for PR applications

In true Singapore style, applications are relatively straightforward and can be made online via the ICA website using your SingPass. Be prepared to wait, though. The ICA website states the application process can take four to six months, and there have been reports of longer processing times. Alternatively, you may want to use an immigration agency.

What else?

Strengthening your PR application

The process to become a Permanent Resident has become more challenging over the years. But you can improve your chances by writing a strong accompanying cover letter, and by providing genuine evidence to support your application.

Babs Khanduja, a British expat in Singapore, told Expat Living: “My PR application took around seven months. I made sure I could demonstrate my historic contribution to Singapore’s economy and society. So, I included several testimonials from well-standing/educated Singaporeans and PRs to vouch for my credentials, character and participation within the community. I also documented my local charitable and voluntary work to support my overall application”.

Final word

If you want to apply for PR, you should genuinely consider how you and your family can participate and contribute to the wellbeing and growth of Singapore as a nation. For a full list of required documents, fees and National Service obligations, refer to the ICA website, here.

Now you have the lowdown on how to apply for PR through an immigration agency, why not learn some Singapore trivia?

For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section.