So you’re living in Singapore and having a fabulous 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, as there have been reports of longer processing times. Or 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.
Immigration@SG – immigration solutions for all
Immigration@SG (IASG) is a multiple award-winning, Singapore-based consultancy. It provides comprehensive immigration solutions to cater to the varying needs of businesses and individuals who wish to work and live in Singapore long-term. These include Singapore PR, Citizenship and work pass applications, incorporation of businesses, single family offices and applications for the Global Investor Programme (GIP).
The team comprises well-trained immigration professionals with close to five decades of combined immigration experience in Singapore and continues to work in close accordance with the guidelines set by the relevant government agencies.
IASG has also successfully represented clients from over 70 nationalities including India, Malaysia, China, UK, and Japan. Major sector representation includes financial services, information, communications and technology, and consumer services.
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 team at The Immigration People (TIP) are dedicated to making Singapore your new home. With over 45 years of collective experience in Singapore’s immigration landscape, the team brings great insights drawn from industry experts. Since launching in 2019, TIP has assisted over a thousand international clients to realise their Singaporean dreams.
TIP’s comprehensive services cover all expat immigration needs from Singapore PR and Citizenship applications to Work Pass solutions like Employment Pass (EP), S-Pass, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) guidance. The company also provides support to overseas businesses wanting to relocate to Singapore.
The team at TIP says it believes in maintaining high moral standards while simplifying the complexities of Singapore’s immigration landscape for their clients. It’s an approach that has lead them to winning ‘Best Start-up in 2020’ at The SME 100 Awards and ‘The Fast Enterprise Award Category 2021’ at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA).
If you want to embark on your journey to Singapore’s thriving future, eligible applicatns can reach out for a free first-time consultation.
Epica Immigration Agency – for affordable PR and citizenship
Epica Immigration is a highly acclaimed consultancy based in Singapore, known for its specialist immigration services. It offers a wide range of comprehensive immigration solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of both individuals and businesses seeking to establish long-term residence in Singapore. The company’s services encompass Singapore Permanent Residency (PR), Citizenship, work pass applications, business incorporation, and assistance with Global Investor Programme (GIP) applications.
Epica Immigration says it defines itself by remarkably affordable rates. PR application packages typically cost less than $1500, while citizenship application services are available for under $1800.
The company has a solid track record, having successfully assisted clients from more than 42 different countries including India, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Korea, the UK, and Japan. The team’s expertise spans various industries, with a strong focus on sectors like financial services, information technology, communications, engineering and consumer services.
6950 1000 | epicaimmigration.com.sg
White Glove – all types of employment applications for small businesses
Hiring foreign talent in Singapore can be difficult to navigate as there is a multitude of options and ever-changing rules to understand. Whether you have an employee on an expiring LOC and need help keeping your employee on board, or you’re hiring foreign talent and need a trusted partner to provide the best available options, White Glove has you covered. Jennifer Yarbrough, the owner of White Glove, has previously worked in Silicon Valley and understands the unique needs of technology and fintech companies.
White Glove understands the needs of small business owners and can help recommend the best available options to help make your business a success. They’ll manage the entire application process with the MOM, and can recommend the most appropriate pass for your particular situation. You find the talent, and White Glove will guide you through the entire MOM work pass process.
White Glove is fully licensed with the Ministry of Manpower (EA #19C9581).
9758 4585 | wg.sg
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.
