Singapore
Singapore Permanent Residency

An applicant may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if he or she is:

  • Spouse of a Singapore citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (PR).
  • Child of a SC or PR who is unmarried and aged under 21.
  • Aged parent of a SC.
  • Student studying in Singapore.
  • Holder of an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass.

    • There are 3 other options for a foreigner to obtain Singapore PR status. These are schemes to encourage successful professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and artists to relocate permanently to Singapore:

    Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme

    A holder of an Employment Pass, PEP or EntrePass who is already working in Singapore can apply for PR under this scheme. When to apply for PR depends on the type of pass an applicant is holding and their monthly salary. Those who are highly skilled and earning a very high salary do not have to wait too long to apply for PR. ICA does not publish the time period one needs to spend working in Singapore, but EP P1 holders may apply after a year and SP holders will have to work more years in Singapore before applying for PR.

    Please note that ICA will consider many factors before granting a PR visa to an applicant, such as qualifications, working experience, salary, time spent in Singapore, etc.

    Foreign Artistic Talent (ForArts) Scheme

    This scheme is for individuals have exceptional talent in the arts or cultural fields and who can make a positive contribution to Singapore’s arts and culture scene. The National Arts Council together with ICA manages this scheme and applicants have to fulfil certain criteria before they are eligible to apply for a PR visa. It will certainly be advantageous if they have an international reputation and record of excellence in their field.

    Global Investor Programme (GIP) Scheme

    This scheme is for high net worth individuals who are interested in becoming PRs for themselves and their families. To qualify for GIP scheme, they will have to make a minimum investment of $2 million SGD and meet other conditions laid down by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore. Please see Global Investor Programme).

    Other Key Facts

    An applicant can apply for Singapore Citizenship after holding a PR visa for 2 years. To be eligible the applicant has to be of good character and meet other requirements for Singapore Citizenship.

    A Singapore PR will be able to enjoy a host of benefits such as subsidised public housing, health care services, education for themselves and their children, public pension and medical scheme (CPF), etc.

    The general processing time for PR applications submitted with the correct documentation is 4 to 6 months. Some applications may take longer to process.

    Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted, are liable to register for National Service (NS). Following the completion of full-time NS, they will be required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) per year for the duration of their ORNS training cycle, till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).

    Main applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.