EI Article Series
PR Application Requirements
Table of Contents
If you are working in Singapore and plan to apply for permanent residency status (PR), then the first thing you need to understand is the requirements to be a PR. These requirements can be classified broadly into four types;
1) PR application requirements as to the qualification or eligibility
The starting point is whether you are eligible to apply for PR in Singapore. Do you hold the right type of working visa in Singapore, which entitles you for applying the PR?
2) PR application requirements as to the documents
The next point then is about what documents are required. You will need to compile all those documents for submission.
3) PR application requirements as to the completion of the application form
You need to fill up form 4A to file your application. This form is a long one and can take a bit of time. ICA has asked for many details about your employment history and other allied matters.
4) PR application requirements as to the filing or lodgement
And the last set of requirements is about the process of filing the application form with the ICA. In this guide, we will look at all these requirements.
PR application requirements as to the eligibility
Thousands of Singaporeans become permanent residents yearly, but their application routes can differ. Individuals can file Permanent Residence (PR) applications on their own without any employer sponsorship. In addition to the applicant, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for the PR. Thousands of foreigners have obtained Singapore PR in the last few years. They have made Singapore, one of Asia's most stable and developed countries and a key financial hub, their home.
The government stipulates important and strict requirements across the various schemes available to become a Singapore Permanent Resident.
Candidates for Singapore PR must fall into one of the following categories:
PR Application Requirements-Eligibility 1: PTS (Professional, Technical, and Skilled Workers) Scheme
Foreign professionals working in Singapore can apply under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Worker scheme (or the "PTS scheme"). PTS is the most common route for obtaining Singapore PR. Nearly 90% of the people who obtain Singapore PR do so through it.
At the time of application, you must be working in Singapore, which means you must be on a visa known as employment Passes or Entrepreneur Passes, Personalised Employment Passes, or S Passes. It is also possible to include dependent pass holders in the PR application so that the whole family can apply together.
PR Application Requirements- Eligibility 2: Family-Sponsored Scheme
Families that are PRs or citizens of Singapore can apply for the family-sponsored scheme. A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) may be married to a foreigner. A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) can also give birth to a child overseas.
A family sponsor scheme allows such spouses or children to apply for PR under the sponsorship of the main applicant.
PR Eligibility Conditions:
PR Application Requirements- Eligibility 3: Foreign Students Scheme
Students studying in Singapore have the option of applying for Singapore PR. To apply, foreign students must have resided in Singapore for at least two years, have passed at least one national exam (PSLE or N' / O' / A' levels), or are in an integrated program.
PR Application Requirements- Eligibility 4: Foreign Artistic Talent scheme (For Arts)
ICA and NAC jointly administer the Foreign Artistic Talents Scheme (ForArts), which was introduced in 1991. Awarded to notable, culturally significant, or contributing artists who wish to become Singapore, permanent residents, it acknowledges and benefits their contribution to the arts internationally.
By developing deeper engagements with local communities and contributing to the diversity of expertise, the scheme aims to enable committed and talented arts professionals to play a critical role in advancing Singapore's arts and cultural landscape.
To apply for Singapore PR status under the ForArts Scheme, applicants must be 1) Educated/trained in their specific field, 2) Have relevant professional experience in the performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, design, and media fields, with outstanding achievements 3) Contributed significantly to Singapore's arts and culture scene, including leadership roles at the local level and 4) Plan to participate in arts and cultural activities in Singapore in the future.
PR Application Requirements- Eligibility 5: Global Investor Programme Scheme (GIP Scheme)
Singapore's Global Investor Programme (GIP) is the preferred route for investors who wish to obtain permanent residency status for themselves and their families. As Asia's business epicenter, Singapore has received numerous accolades for being one of the best places to live, work, and play.
As a result, many high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) want to get Singapore permanent residency (PR) and settle with their families here. The GIP program is designed exactly for them.
PR Eligibility Conditions:
You are qualified to apply under the GIP program if you meet the following conditions:
GIP Investment Commitment:
Qualifying candidates must undertake a commitment to invest following ;
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PR application requirements as to the documents
Once you are clear that you qualify for the PR Application, the next logical step is to compile all the required documents. We already have a detailed article on this topic. So we will not go into significant details here. But in general, the documents (Scan copies) that you need to compile for the PR application are given below. Since most people file applications under the PR-PTS scheme, the focus hereinafter is on the documents required for the PTS scheme.
PR Application Requirements: Documents for Main Applicant
Type of document |
Additional information |
|---|---|
| Scan copy of valid Passport | |
| Scanned Copy of National Identity Cards (If applicable) | From your Home Country – Eg Aadhar Card for India, or Malaysian Id card for Malaysia. In case your home country has this then please provide. |
| Scanned copy of the Employment Pass or S Pass | |
| Scanned copy of the Birth Certificate / Household Registration of Applicant | Must show both parents' names and child's name (i.e. Main applicant's name) |
| Scanned copy of Deed Poll or Change of name certificate (If applicable) | Applicable only if you have ever changed your name. |
| Official Marriage Certificate | For married applicants only. Required even if spouse is not applying for PR. |
| Death / Divorce Certificate & Custody / Adoption Paper for Child(ren) | Applicable in case you are applying for PR for children from previous marriage, or you had previous marriages. |
| Scanned Copy of Educational Certificates & Transcripts of Applicant | Including professional license/membership certificates |
| If you own a business - Valid Business Registration Certificate (ACRA BizFile) | Include if you hold any licenses. Applicable for business owners only. |
| One digital Passport-sized colour Photograph in white background, for Each Applicant (Soft Copy) File Format: JPG or JPE | Best to get it done at the professional booth. Tell the photographer you need it for ICA purposes. |
| IRAS Consent Form – Appendix 1 (PR-PTS) | |
| Current Employer's letter | stating the date of employment, position held, salary per month for the past 6 months, breakdown into basic, overtime and allowance per month. The letter, addressed to the Controller of Immigration, should be dated within 1 month from the submission date. |
| Payslips in the last 6 Months | 6 months prior to e-Submission date |
| Annex A to Form 4A – filled-up from your company's HR | To be completed by your company not more than 1 month prior to e-Submission date |
| Form submission declaration form | (If applying with spouse then signature of both required) |
Optional Documents for main applicant
You should provide if you can. It will help your application. But in case these are not available then its not an issue.
Type of document |
Additional information |
|---|---|
| Testimonial from Previous Employer(s) Stating Nature & Duration of Employment, Last Drawn Basic Salary | If you have obtain letters while resigning your previous job, please provide the same. |
| Testimonials from Current or Past Employers / Business Associates / Clients / Friends / Colleagues | Recommended Max 2 |
| Social contribution Letters Such as voluntary service, donations etc | If Any |
| Awards Letters / Certificates if any | If Any |
| Professional Membership Certificates | If Any |
PR Application Requirements: Documents for Spouse
Type of document |
Additional information |
|---|---|
| Scan copy of valid Passport | |
| Scanned Copy of National Identity Cards (If applicable) | From your Home Country – Eg Aadhar Card for India, or Malaysian Id card for Malaysia. In case your home country has this then please provide. |
| Scanned copy of Employment Pass or S Pass | |
| Letter of Consent (LOC) For DP holders working in Singapore | If spouse is working in Singapore |
| Scanned copy of the Birth Certificate / Household Registration of Applicant | Must show both parents' names and child's name (i.e. Main applicant's name) |
| Scanned copy of Deed Poll or Change of name certificate (If applicable) | Applicable only if you have ever changed your name. |
| If you own a business - Valid Business Registration Certificate (ACRA BizFile) | Include if you hold any licenses. Applicable for business owners only. |
| Scanned Copy of Educational Certificates & Transcripts of Applicant | Including professional license/membership certificates |
| Official Marriage Certificate | For married applicants only. Required even if spouse is not applying for PR. |
| Death / Divorce Certificate in case of any of your previous marriages | If applicable |
| Custody papers for the child(ren) in respect of your previous marriage(s) | If applicable |
PR Application Requirements: Documents for Child
Type of document |
Additional information |
|---|---|
| Child's valid Passport | |
| Child's birth certificate | Must be showing both the child's and the parents' names |
| Child's adoption papers | If Applicable (i.e. the child is adopted) |
| Child's deed poll or change of name certificate | If Applicable (i.e. If the child has changed name anytime) |
PR application requirements as to the completion of the application form & filing process
Once you have compiled all the necessary documents, the next step will be to fill out the application form and lodge the application with ICA.
To access the Singapore PR Application form, you first need to log in to the ICA website Pass holder Apply PR section. After logging in, you will be then presented with an option which is as shown in this image.
PDF Option vs. Direct Entry
You can download the Singapore PR Application Form 4A in PDF format, fill up all the details in that PDF form and then upload it for further processing. The other option is to fill in the details directly in the ICA system. The recommended way by ICA themselves is to follow the PDF method.
The details required for the Singapore PR application are quite extensive. If you are applying with family and have an extensive work history, you will be preparing details that may span over 10-12 pages. This is a lot of material. Therefore it is not recommended to enter this directly in the system. It is better to fill up these details in the PDF and upload them.
What you need to do after completing of PDF
Once you have entered all the details in the PDF and are ready to start the lodgement process, you must log in to the e-PR system again and upload the completed file using the "Upload form" option. Once you upload the form, the ICA e-PR system will extract all the details from the form and will present it to you for confirmation.
What happens next?
Once you upload the completed form 4A the ICA system will offer you to confirm all the details. Here you will go through the details of each person one by one and confirm whether those are ok or not. These details are extracted from the PDF form which you have uploaded.
Uploading the document copies
In the next stage, you will upload the required document copies one by one. Based on the information given in your PR application form, ICA e-PR system will decide which documents are required to be uploaded. Typically a family of 4 will be uploading approximately 50 document scan copies.
Payment
After the uploading of documents is completed, the last step will be payment of the required fees. You have to pay 100 SGD per person included in your application.
PR Application Requirements: Summary
We hope the requirements for the PR application are clear to you now. The process is long and involves a lot of paperwork. Since 2018, ICA has made this process completely online. As a result, if you have questions about any step, there is nobody to turn to.
It is, therefore, best to engage a professional consultancy company like Epica to assist you in your PR application. Get in touch with us today to start the process.