Benefits of Singapore Permanent Residency
Living as a permanent resident in Singapore offers numerous advantages, providing you with the same freedoms and benefits enjoyed by its citizens. By becoming a permanent resident, you gain the freedom to engage in business or employment of your choice, access to the Central Provident Fund, better educational opportunities for your children, and healthcare benefits for your family.
To enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residency, it is advantageous to possess qualifications that exceed the basic eligibility requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to consider how your acquisition of PR status will benefit Singapore.
Eligibility Criteria for PR Application
Foreign individuals are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Singapore if they 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 that Singapore offers the ideal environment for your personal and professional growth, you can pursue permanent residency through one of the following schemes:
- Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS scheme)
- Global Investor Program Scheme (GIP Scheme)
- Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)
Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS scheme)
This scheme is suitable for individuals who are already employed in Singapore. Statistical data indicates that approximately 95% of professionals acquire their PR status through the PTS scheme. The grant of residency depends on factors such as age, duration of stay in Singapore, employment profile, and salary. Eligible candidates include holders of Employment Pass or S Pass, including Personalised Employment Pass or Entrepreneur Pass.
Global Investor Program Scheme (GIP Scheme)
Designed for investors and their families seeking permanent residency, the GIP scheme requires approval from the Singapore Economic Development Board. The decision to grant PR status depends on your entrepreneurial and business track record, as well as your business proposal or investment plan. Under the GIP scheme, you must be willing to invest in an existing Singapore business or establish a new one. There are two options available: registering a new start-up in Singapore with a minimum capital of S$2.5 million or investing the equivalent amount in GIP-approved funds.
Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)
Artists proficient in arts, photography, dance, music, theatre, literature, or filmmaking can utilize the ForArts scheme to relocate to Singapore and apply for permanent residency. The grant of PR status is contingent upon your contributions to the arts and cultural scene in Singapore, as well as your role in improving local art-related activities. Additionally, you should have concrete plans for the growth of the Singaporean arts and cultural sector. Eligibility requires recognition as an accomplished and renowned artist in your home country, preferably with an international reputation.
Eligibility of Family Members for Singapore Permanent Residency
Family members can also apply for permanent residency along with the primary applicant, provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Spouse and unmarried children below 21 years of age of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
- Aged parents of a Singapore citizen
- Students intending to study in Singapore can apply for permanent residency under the PTS scheme.
Obligations of Singapore Permanent Residents
According to the Enlistment Act, male citizens and permanent residents must register for national service when they reach 16½ years of age and serve for two years after turning 18. Additionally, they must devote 40 days each year to Operationally Ready National Service until the age of 50 (for officers) or 40 (for other ranks). However, as an individual already employed, you will be exempted from national service. Moreover, permanent residents are only allowed to purchase second-hand HDB flats.
Processing a Singapore PR Application
Singapore grants PR status to approximately 30,000 eligible individuals annually, with the majority being pass holders. Wondering when to submit your PR application? While in theory, as an Employment Pass holder, you can apply on your first day of work, you must technically wait for a minimum of six months. This waiting period ensures that you can submit six months’ worth of payslips from your Singaporean employer along with your application.
The Role of the Singapore Employer
Part of the PR application requires your employer to complete a section that assesses their perception of you, your company’s credibility, your employment background, salary, job stability, financial status, contributions to charitable causes, moral character, and family ties in Singapore.
Processing Time for Singapore PR Application
Typically, it takes the authorities 6-12 months to process a Singapore PR application. It is important to note that only individuals below the age of 50 can apply for PR status. You must also have been working in Singapore for at least six months. The waiting period depends on the type of Singapore work visa or pass you hold:
- P1 (Employment) Pass holders need to wait 1-2 years.
- P2 pass holders are advised to wait at least 2-3 years.
- S or Q1 Pass holders should wait for at least 4 years.
Can I Submit My PR Application Online?
If you are eligible for Singapore PR and wish to proceed with the application, you can visit the ICA website. As a work pass holder, you can log in using your SingPass. Foreign students will need to provide their Foreign Identification Number (FIN), the issuance date of their immigration pass, and answer a few questions to determine their eligibility. The application consists of two parts: the PR Application Form and Annex A (Form EP4). You must complete the PR Application Form, providing details about yourself, your family, and your educational and professional history. Your employer completes the Annex A section, which includes information about the nature of the business.
Required Documents for Singapore PR Application
The application form provides information on the necessary documents you need to submit. Upload copies of these documents in PDF and JPG formats, and later verify them by presenting the originals in English. Additionally, you may submit appointment letters from previous employers, performance evaluation reports, and recommendation letters to strengthen your application. It is essential to provide accurate details in chronological order to avoid delays. If you are unable to provide a certificate or diploma, it is advisable not to mention it.
Processing Time for a Singapore PR Application
After completing the application, submit it within seven days of starting the online application process using the “Upload Completed Form” option. ICA officials typically take 3-6 months to process PR applications. You will receive a letter notifying you of the approval or rejection of your application, and you may be required to present the original documents. A non-refundable processing fee of S$100 per applicant must be paid. Remember to save and print the acknowledgement page and your application for future reference. Successful applicants are required to pay fees for an Entry Permit (SGD20), a 5-year Re-Entry Permit (SGD50), an Identity Card (SGD50), and Entry Visa (SGD30 for foreigners requiring a visa).
When to Apply for Singapore PR Renewal
Renewing your Singapore PR requires a processing time of 3-6 weeks. Therefore, it is recommended to fill and submit Form 6 at least two months in advance. Failure to renew your Re-Entry Permit will result in the loss of your Singapore Permanent Resident status. To initiate the renewal process, visit the website of the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. Singapore Permanent Residents can renew their Re-Entry Permit online by accessing the e-REP service with their SingPass Account. Alternatively, you can submit the application in person through the Embassy, accompanied by the necessary supporting documents.
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected
There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for Singapore PR status. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority processes and approves or rejects thousands of PR applications annually. Therefore, if your application is rejected, you can reapply after a waiting period of six months.
Benefits of Singapore Permanent Residency
Obtaining permanent residency in Singapore offers numerous benefits, including:
- Establishing stable residence: Singapore permanent residency provides a stable immigration status, granting access to rights and freedoms enjoyed by locals. Family members can obtain Long Term Visit Passes, ensuring immigration stability.
- Easy travel: Permanent residents benefit from hassle-free and simplified visa procedures when traveling to other countries.
- PR for family members: Adult PRs can sponsor family members for Long Term Visit Passes or permanent residency status.
- Employment rewards: PRs can opt for Singapore company incorporation and act as local or resident directors for their businesses, without requiring work permits or sanction letters for new jobs.
- Medical care: As residents of Singapore, PRs have access to subsidized public medical care.
- Retiring in Singapore: Permanent residents can live in Singapore after retirement.
- Childcare: PRs can access subsidized infant care facilities for their children.
- Government-run schools: PRs enjoy priority enrollment for their children in government-run schools, with lower school fees.
- Real estate and housing: PRs are eligible to purchase resale HDB leaseholds or executive condominiums and pay lower stamp duty or taxes on these purchases.
If you, as a foreigner, aspire to live and work in Singapore for the rest of your life, obtaining Singaporean citizenship would be beneficial. To achieve this, you must prove yourself as a worthy Permanent Resident, which will significantly contribute to your goal.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
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Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd is a licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower with license number 19C9790.