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 their unmarried children under the age of 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.
With a population of about 5.6 million people, Singapore had about 502,600 PRs in Singapore in June 2022. Most foreigners indeed apply for Singapore PR after working in Singapore for a few years.
As a permanent resident of Singapore, you will have access to most of the benefits and rights similar to the ones afforded to citizens. This guide provides an overview of the different PR Eligibility schemes available in Singapore. After obtaining PR, you will be able to live in the country without visa restrictions, your child will receive a higher priority of public education, you will have more freedom to buy property, and you will be able to participate in the retirement fund scheme. The law also requires you to fulfill a number of commitments, such as having your son(s) serve in the military for two years once they turn 18.
To become a Singapore Permanent Resident, the government stipulates important and strict requirements across the various schemes available.
Candidates for Singapore PR must fall into one of the following categories:
Foreign professionals who are working in Singapore can apply under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Worker scheme (or simply 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 which is known as Employment Passes or Entrepreneur Passes, Personalised Employment Passes, or S Passes.
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.
Students studying in Singapore have the option of applying for Singapore PR. In order to apply, foreign students must have resided in Singapore for at least two years, have passed at least one national exam, or are in an integrated program.
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 meet all of the following criteria:
ForArts is an extremely selective program. If you wish to be considered favourably for NAC support in your PR application, you will need to show that you are committed and capable of contributing to the development of the local arts scene, demonstrating your professional experience and achievements are relevant and extensive.
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.
You are qualified to apply under the GIP program if you meet the following conditions:
As you can see, the above are five different schemes that allow people satisfying the stated criteria to apply for Singapore PR easily. You should check your particular case and act on it as soon as possible before the deadline. In case you need help from a professional, please get in touch with Epica Immigration today.
Work permit holders cannot apply for Singapore PR. Any pass below S pass in terms of salary ceiling is not eligible.
Yes, that is qualified to apply for PR.
Unfortunately, there is no scheme under which you are eligible to apply. So the only route left for you is to get a job in Singapore and then apply under the PR-PTS scheme.