Singapore is more than just a global hub for business and innovation — it is a vibrant, multicultural city-state offering an unparalleled quality of life. From world-class education and healthcare to a safe and stable environment, becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) opens doors to countless opportunities for you and your family.
Whether you are looking to deepen your roots in Singapore, enjoy greater career prospects, or plan for a secure future, PR status provides you with long-term benefits and a sense of belonging in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. In this blog, we explore the advantages of becoming a Singapore PR and guide you through the application process.
Why Become a Singapore Permanent Resident?
Obtaining a Singapore permanent residency provides plenty of benefits for the holder. These advantages include:
Better Job Opportunities
A Singapore PR can tap into the vast job opportunities available in the city-state without worrying about cancelling their employment pass and re-applying while changing jobs. Pass holders are also subject to the possibility of tightening eligibility rules that may affect their chances to stay and work in Singapore, such as increasing EP salary requirements.
They can enjoy better employment flexibility, paving the way for other career avenues and better choices made based on their skills and preferences. As a result, they may also benefit from improved career and salary progression, or even start a business of their own.
Tax Benefits
Singapore’s personal income tax rates are among the lowest globally. As a PR, you can benefit from its progressive tax system, where rates start at 0% for the first S$20,000 of income and max out at 24% for income above S$1,000,000. PRs are also eligible for various tax reliefs and rebates to reduce their taxable income, such as CPF relief.
World-Class Education
Singapore is famous for its world-class education, such as its universities and institutions of higher learning. In fact, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, Singapore’s 15-year-olds ranked first out of 64 education systems in the test, a testament to its exemplary education success.
PRs with children can enrol them in local schools and save with reduced fees compared to non-PRs. This way, their children can benefit from Singapore’s high education standards without incurring high costs.
Related Read: 6 Benefits of Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)
Applying for Singapore Permanent Residency
Singapore Permanent Resident Eligibility
Foreigners can apply for permanent residence if they fulfil certain conditions:
- Must be a spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)
- Must be an unmarried child aged below 21 and born under a legal marriage or is legally adopted by a Singapore citizen or PR
- Must be an aged parent of a Singapore citizen
- Must be an S-Pass or Employment Pass (EP) holder
- Must be a foreign investor in Singapore
- Must be a student studying in Singapore who has passed at least one national exam such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) or is in the Integrated Programme (IP)
To determine the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore, assimilate into its society, and commitment to settling down, ICA considers factors such as the applicant’s:
- Family ties to Singaporeans
- Economic contributions
- Qualifications
- Age
- Family profile
- Length of residency
Documents Required for PR Application
Different documents are required depending on the applicant. Here is a checklist of the necessary, where relevant:
| Personal | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Applicant | Applicant’s Spouse | Applicant’s Sponsor |
| Passport-sized photo | Y | N | N |
| Passport/travel document for documents not issued by ICA | Y | Y | N |
| Birth certificate/household register | Y | Y | N |
| Adoption papers | Y (only for minors and parent applicants) | N | N |
| Marriage certificate | Y | N | Y |
| Separation deed | Y | N | Y |
| Deed poll or religious certificate for name change | Y | N | Y |
| Family | |||
| Item | Applicant | Applicant’s Spouse | Applicant’s Sponsor |
| Divorce certificate including Making Interim Judgment Final certificate | Y | Y | Y |
| Death certificate of spouse or children from previous marriage(s) for deaths not registered in Singapore | Y | Y | Y |
| Letter of consent from ex-spouse for minor applicants under joint custody | Y | N | Y |
| Custody papers for children from previous marriages | Y | N | Y |
| Education | |||
| Item | Applicant | Applicant’s Spouse | Applicant’s Sponsor |
| Educational certificate(s) and transcripts | Y | Y | Y |
| Skill certificate(s)/professional license(s) | Y | Y | Y |
| Membership certificate(s) | Y | N | Y |
| Employment | |||
| Item | Applicant | Applicant’s Spouse | Applicant’s Sponsor |
| Letter of employment from current employer (must be within 3 months from the date of online application) | Y | Y | Y |
| Payslips from the last 6 months | Y | Y | Y |
| Latest 3 years’ income tax assessment or receipts if working overseas | Y | Y | Y |
For self-employed:
|
Y | Y | Y |
| For Aged Parent Applications Only | |||
| Item | Non-applying Children | ||
| Birth certificate/household register for births not registered in Singapore | Y | ||
| Latest income tax assessment or receipt if working overseas | Y | ||
| Latest 1 month payslip | Y | ||
What is the Processing Time for a Singapore PR Application?
Applications are usually processed within 6 months if the documents required are provided and in order. If multiple products are applied for within a single position, the processing time will be based on the product with a longer processing time. Note that some applications may require a longer time to process.
Applicants can check their PR application status online at MyICA or ICA e-service.
What Happens After Successful PR Application?
If an application is successful, the applicant will receive an In-Principle Approval and be granted permanent resident status after meeting the necessary conditions.
National Service Obligation
All male Singapore citizens and permanent residents, unless exempted, must serve National Service (NS) under the Enlistment Act 1970. After completing full-time NS, they will become Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). This obligation will cease at 50 years of age for officers and 40 years for other ranks.
All male applicants who have been granted Singapore citizenship or Singapore permanent resident status as a foreign student or under their parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS. They must register for NS once they reach 16 years and a half years of age and will be scheduled for enlistment into full-time NS after they reach 18 years of age, at the earliest opportunity.
Let InCorp Help With Your Singapore Permanent Resident Application
Applying for Singapore PR is a significant milestone that can unlock a wealth of opportunities for you and your family. From enjoying long-term stability to accessing top-notch education, healthcare, and career prospects, PR status brings numerous advantages. While the process may seem complex, proper preparation and understanding of the requirements can make all the difference.
At InCorp, we specialise in guiding individuals and families through every step of the PR application process. Let us help you navigate the journey with confidence and ease. Reach out to us today and take your first step toward securing your future in Singapore!
FAQs about Singapore Permanent Resident
- Permanent residency in Singapore is a status provided to foreigners that allows them to reside indefinitely within the country, providing them with significant rights similar to those of Singapore citizens.
- You must fulfil the various eligibility conditions as stipulated. After which, you can engage an experienced specialist to help you in your SPR application.
- There is no expiry date for Singapore permanent residency.
Get your Singapore permanent residency now!
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