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. It 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. With a robust curriculum, and a price point that can be very appealing compared to the international school system, Permanent Residents have a larger pool of school options – international and local alike – 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.
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. While the ICA website states the application process can take four to six months, be prepared to wait. There have been reports of longer processing times. Alternatively, you may want to use an immigration agency.
How to apply for PR in Singapore with the help of an immigration agency
Need a little help with your application process for PR or passes? If so, these are some experienced immigration specialists who know how to apply for PR and can help you achieve your dream of living in Singapore.
Transform Borders – a lawyer specialising in Singapore immigration
Obtaining an appropriate pass to work, conduct business or stay for a longer term can be a problem for expats living in Singapore. Often, a lawyer with connections is needed to help deal with the paperwork and red tape. Fortunately, SULOCHANA UTHIRAPATHI and her team at Transform Borders are here to help! She’s a lawyer who specialises in Singapore immigration matters of all types and her key area of expertise is in Employment Passes (EP), EntrePasses and residency applications.
She knows first-hand how stressful it can be when you have a work permit or immigration issue. Also, she’s all over the work permit requirements for the new Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) that was introduced for Employment Pass (EP) holders in 2023.
Transform Borders’ services also include applications for Singapore PR, Singapore Citizenship and Letters of Consent (LOC). Additionally, the consultancy helps highly qualified individuals not tied to a specific employer to attain a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) and the ONE Pass. This affords the pass holders flexible job or business options, and to stay in Singapore after a job loss while looking for a new position.
Other areas of expertise include assessing eligibility for an S Pass for mid-level skilled workers, and Long Term Visit Passes (LTVP) for foreign spouses. An initial complimentary consultation is available if you’d like to know more.
WhatsApp 8588 8980 | transformborders.com
The Immigration People – covering all immigration agency needs
The Immigration People (TIP) has over 45 years of combined experience in its multi-award winning team of immigration experts who are dedicated to helping you make Singapore your home. Since its founding in 2019, the team have assisted thousands of clients in achieving their Singaporean dreams. TIP’s also a licensed employment agency with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), so can assist with complex work pass application matters.
TIP’s comprehensive services cover a wide range of immigration needs, including: Singapore Permanent Residence, Singapore Citizenship, Work Passes (ONEPass, PEP, EP, S-Pass, DP, LTVP), Business Relocation Services, Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant’s Pass, and the Global Investor Programme.
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 “The Fast Enterprise Award Category 2021” at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA).
If you’re ready to embark on your Singapore journey, shedule a complimentary consultation at TIP.
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
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”.
SG United
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 more about Singapore trivia?
For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section.
