Something many expats consider while they are living in Singapore is becoming a permanent resident (PR). It has many benefits including taxation, the right to live and enter Singapore without visa restrictions and many of the rights and benefits that are given to full citizens. But with only around 30,000 applications to become a permanent resident in Singapore approved each year, the process can be long and difficult. An experienced immigration services provider can make the process smoother and significantly help strengthen your application.
For the last nine years, Hawksford Singapore has been helping expats navigate Singapore’s stringent regulatory framework. Their professional services include tax and accounting, immigration, incorporating and managing businesses in Singapore. Their extensive online portal GuideMeSingapore has hundreds of articles to lead you through many of Singapore’s rules and policies for work, life and business.
Jacqueline Low, Chief Operating Officer in Asia, told Expat Living, “Recently, we have seen the approval of Employment Pass (EP) applications for foreigners getting harder, and the process more rigorous. This has opened up more demand for PR, as it gives increased career flexibility and stability. The tighter the regulations become, the more expats are looking to us for assistance in securing their future in Singapore.
“If you’re looking to gain PR in Singapore, using an experienced immigration service provider can alleviate some of the headache and stress of applying on your own and help strengthen your application,” says Jacqueline.
“Every application is different and we can help to identify the relevant documents for each individual case, assess each applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, provide advice on supplementary and supporting documents to help your application stand out, ensure accuracy and provide templates to simplify the process. All of which can save you many hours, hassle and costs.”
As a Singapore resident, you (and your immediate family included on the application) can come and go as you please, and also work for whomever you like without having to apply (and wait) for visa approval. You also have access to the public school system and can apply for long-stay visas for your parents.
The benefits are also financial, with PRs being given access to Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme, helping you to grow your assets and plan for retirement. With PR status, you also have more access to property purchase: better home loan options, lower stamp duty, access to second-hand HDB properties as well as it being easier to get a loan to start your own business. There are also healthcare benefits including government subsidies. PR is also the first step to gaining Singaporean citizenship.
With the benefits of PR, there come obligations. If you have sons (and you include them in your PR application), they will need to serve a mandatory two years of national service.
Hawksford Singapore’s vast experience in all matters business and immigration can guide you through the application process and help strengthen your PR application.
Get in touch with Hawksford Singapore for a consultation to get started on your PR application.
Written in collaboration with:
Hawksford Singapore
16 Raffles Quay #33-02, Hong Leong Building
6222 7445 | info@hawksford.sg
For more helpful tips head to our living in Singapore section.
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