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As a work pass holder, you must be wondering, how to apply for permanent residency in Singapore and when to submit your Singapore PR application. Dreaming of becoming a permanent resident or citizen of Singapore is not a bad dream. However, it is a waiting game that tests your professionalism and qualifications.
Being a permanent resident of Singapore means enjoying freedoms and benefits akin to those of its citizens. You will be free to do business, take up employment of your choice, benefit from the Central Provident Fund, and secure better education and healthcare for your family.
Maximizing your chances involves having qualifications that surpass the basic eligibility criterion. So, ask yourself, “How will Singapore benefit if you get the PR status?”
Eligibility to Apply for PR
You, as a foreigner, are eligible to apply for PR status if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Spouse of a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
- Unmarried legal child below 21 years of age
- Aged parent of a Singapore Citizen
- Employment Pass or S Pass holder
- Student studying in Singapore
- Foreigner interested in investing in Singapore
Singapore Permanent Resident Schemes
If you believe Singapore is where you can prosper fully, relocating and acquiring permanent resident status, and eventually citizenship, will be beneficial. Foreigners use one of the following three schemes to acquire PR status:
- Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme
- Global Investor Program Scheme
- Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme
Singapore Permanent Resident Schemes
If you believe Singapore is where you can prosper fully, relocating and acquiring permanent resident status, and eventually citizenship, will be beneficial. Foreigners use one of the following three schemes to acquire PR status:
Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS Scheme)
Who Can Apply: Use this scheme if you are already working in Singapore. According to statistical data, 95% of professionals use the PTS scheme to acquire their PR status.
Factors for Grant: The grant of your residency status depends on factors like your age, duration of stay in Singapore, employment profile, and salary.
Eligibility: Holders of an Employment Pass or S Pass, such as the Personalised Employment Pass or Entrepreneur Pass.
Global Investor Program Scheme (GIP Scheme)
Who Can Apply: The GIP scheme is designed for investors and their families who want to become permanent residents of Singapore.
Factors for Grant: The approval of your PR status depends on your entrepreneurial and business track record, and your business proposal or investment plan. You need to apply to the Singapore Economic Development Board for your PR.
Eligibility: Under the GIP scheme, you should be prepared to invest in an existing Singapore business or set up a new one.
Options:
- Register a new start-up in Singapore with at least S$2.5 million as capital or use the equivalent amount to fund the expansion or diversification of an existing business.
- Invest a minimum of S$2.5 million in funds approved by GIP authorities.
Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)
Who Can Apply: Artists can use the ForArts scheme to relocate to Singapore. Apply for permanent residency if you are proficient in arts, photography, dance, music, theatre, literature, or filmmaking.
Factors for Grant: The grant of your PR status also depends on your contributions to the arts and cultural scene in Singapore. You should have played a leading role in enhancing local art-related activities and have concrete plans for the growth of Singaporean arts and culture.
Eligibility: You need to be an accomplished and renowned artist in your native place. Having an international reputation as an artist is an added advantage.
Can Your Family Members Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency?
Eligibility for Family Members:
- Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Aged parents of a Singapore citizen.
Who Else Can Apply:
- Students intending to study in Singapore can apply under the PTS scheme for permanent residency.
What are the Obligations of Singapore Permanent Residents?
According to the Enlistment Act:
- All male citizens and PRs must register for national service at 16½ years old and serve 2 years after turning 18.
- Annually, they must dedicate 40 days to Operationally Ready National Service until they are 50 years old (officers) or 40 for other ranks.
- If you are already working, you will be exempt from national service.
- PRs can only buy second-hand HDB flats.
Processing of a SG PR Application
Every year, Singapore grants PR status to approximately 30,000 qualified individuals, mostly pass holders. You might wonder, "When is the right time to send my PR application?"
Timing:
- As an EP holder, theoretically, you can apply on the first day of your employment in Singapore. However, you need to wait at least 6 months to provide six months of payslips with your application.
What is the Role of a Singapore Employer?
A section of the PR application must be completed by your employer. Their assessment of your professional background, job stability, and company credibility is crucial. Other factors considered include your financial status, contributions to charity, moral character, and family ties in Singapore.
How Much Time Does a Singapore PR Application Take?
Typically, it takes 6-12 months to process a Singapore PR application. Note that only individuals under 50 years of age can apply for the status.
Work Visa or Pass Waiting Periods:
- P1 (Employment) Pass holders: 1-2 years
- P2 Pass holders: 2-3 years
- S or Q1 Pass holders: 4 years
Can I Submit My PR Application Online?
Yes, if you are eligible for SG PR:
- Work Pass Holders: Log in using your SingPass.
- Foreign Students: Use your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and immigration pass issuance date to check eligibility.
PR Application Form (Form 4A):
- Complete the PR Application Form with personal and family details, educational, and professional history.
- Employer completes Annex A with business details.
SG PR Application Documents
Form EP4 outlines required documents, which should be uploaded in PDF and JPG format. Originals in English will be verified later. Additional documents like appointment letters, performance evaluations, and recommendation letters can strengthen your application.
Processing Time for an SG PR Application
Submit the application within 7 days of starting the online process. ICA officials will take 3-6 months to process it. A letter will be sent to notify you of approval or rejection. A non-refundable processing fee of S$100 per applicant is required.
Fees for Successful Applications:
- SGD20 for Entry Permit
- SGD50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit
- SGD50 for Identity Card
- SGD30 per Entry Visa (for those requiring a visa)
When to Apply to Renew Singapore PR?
The renewal process takes 3-6 weeks. Submit Form 6 at least 2 months in advance. If your Re-Entry Permit expires, you will lose your PR status.
SG PR Renewal Process:
- Visit the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website.
- As a Singapore Permanent Resident, renew your Re-Entry Permit online using your SingPass Account.
- Alternatively, submit the application through the Embassy in person with supporting documents.
What If Your Application Gets Rejected?
You can reapply for SG PR status as often as you like. If your application gets rejected, wait six months before reapplying. ICA processes thousands of PR applications each year.
Benefits of Being a Permanent Resident (PR) in Singapore
A PR in Singapore enjoys several benefits:
- Stable Residence: Access rights and freedoms similar to citizens. Family members can get Long Term Visit Passes.
- Easy Travel: Simplified visa procedures for international travel.
- Family Sponsorship: Adult PRs can sponsor family members for Long Term Visit Passes or PR status.
- Employment: PRs can incorporate companies and act as local directors without work permits.
- Medical Care: Access to subsidized public medical care.
- Retirement: PRs can live in Singapore post-retirement.
- Childcare: Access to subsidized infant care facilities.
- Education: Priority enrollment in government-run schools and lower school fees.
- Real Estate: Eligible to buy resale HDB leaseholds or executive condominiums, with lower stamp duty or taxes.
If you, as a foreigner, want to live and work in Singapore for the rest of your life, acquiring its citizenship will be beneficial. Proving yourself as a worthy Permanent Resident will help you achieve this goal.