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EI Article Series

Singapore PR Eligibility Requirements

Singapore PR Eligibility: Introduction

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:

Singapore PR Eligibility: Introduction

Singapore PR Eligibility 1: PTS (Professional, Technical, and Skilled Workers) Scheme

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.

PR Eligibility Conditions:

  • You have an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, Entrepass, or any other new pass of higher status.
  • It is also possible to include dependent pass holders in the PR application so that the whole family can apply together.
Singapore PR Eligibility  1: PTS (Professional, Technical, and Skilled Workers) Scheme

Why Take Risks?

Engage us to assist you with your application. Our prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-class. Our packages cover everything.

  • Hassle-Free – Guidance at All Stages
  • Error Free – Professionally Vetted
  • Impressive Document pack
  • Complete Document Check
  • Detailed Form Check
  • Impressive Cover Letter
  • Improved Score
  • Improved Chances of Approval
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Singapore PR 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:

  • You are a legally married to a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (In either of the cases, you can only apply for a PR first).
  • You are an unmarried child of a Singapore PR, under 21 years of age, born within the context of a legal marriage (Can only apply for PR).
  • You are an unmarried child of a Singapore Citizen, under 21 years of age, born within the context of a legal marriage, and your parent was a citizen at the time of your birth (You can apply either for PR or for Citizenship).
  • You are an aged parent of a Singapore Citizen.
Singapore PR Eligibility 2: Family-Sponsored Scheme

Singapore PR Eligibility 3: Foreign Students Scheme

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.

Eligibility:

  • At the time of application you are residing in Singapore for more than two years while on student pass
  • You must have successfully passed at least one Singapore national exam (PSLE or N' / O' / A' levels), or you are enrolled in IP.
Singapore PR Eligibility 3: Foreign Students Scheme

Singapore PR 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.

PR Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Singapore PR status under the ForArts Scheme, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Educated/trained in their specific field
  • Have relevant professional experience in the performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, design, and media fields, with outstanding achievements
  • Contributed significantly to Singapore's arts and culture scene, including leadership roles at the local level
  • Plan to participate in arts and cultural activities in Singapore in the future

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 PR Eligibility 4: Foreign Artistic Talent scheme (For Arts)

Why Take Risks?

Engage us to assist you with your application. Our prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-class. Our packages cover everything.

  • Hassle-Free – Guidance at All Stages
  • Error Free – Professionally Vetted
  • Impressive Document pack
  • Complete Document Check
  • Detailed Form Check
  • Impressive Cover Letter
  • Improved Score
  • Improved Chances of Approval
Epica_Pricing.png

Singapore PR 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:

  • Applicants must provide evidence of at least 3-years of entrepreneurial and business track records. (The last three years' financial statements must be audited.)
  • For Business Owners: The applicant must be currently running a company that had a turnover averaging at least S$200 million per year over the three years immediately preceding the application;
  • For Next Generation Business Owners: In the year immediately preceding the application, the company's annual turnover must have been at least S$500 million, and it must have averaged at least S$500 million per year for the three preceding years;
  • For Founder of Fast Growth Company: A founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a company valued at at least S$500 million
  • For Family Offices: Investable assets of at least S$200 million. These include bank deposits, capital market products, collective investment schemes, premiums paid on life insurance policies, and other investment products, excluding real estate.

GIP Investment Commitment:

Option A

  • Investing in a new business entity or expanding an existing business operation. Must invest S$2.5 million to qualify for this option.
  • You must submit a detailed five-year business or investment plan with projected Employment, expenditure, and financial projections. The business plan will be evaluated based on its feasibility, your role in growing the option A company, the business activities, and the creation of local jobs.
  • Ideally, you should hold 30% or more shares in Option A and be involved in the company's management (e.g., C-suite, Board).

Option B

  • Investing S$2.5 million, in a GIP-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies qualifies you for this option.
  • An assessment of your application will be based on your future business or investment plans in Singapore, which may include details on the proposed business activities, the amount of investment, and the creation of local Employment.

Option C

  • To qualify for this option, you must invest S$2.5 million in a Singapore-based single-family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management.
  • A detailed five-year business plan with Employment and financial projections will be required. The business plan will be assessed based on your role in the single-family office, your family office functions, your proposed investment sectors, asset types, and geographical focus.
Singapore PR Eligibility 5: Global Investor Programme Scheme (GIP Scheme)

Singapore PR Eligibility: Summary

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.

Singapore PR Eligibility: Some FAQs

Answers to some common questions
Is the work Permit Holder eligible to apply for Singapore PR?

Work permit holders cannot apply for Singapore PR. Any pass below S pass in terms of salary ceiling is not eligible.

In 2023, the government is issuing a new pass for high-salaried employment pass holders. Is that eligible to apply for PR?

Yes, that is qualified to apply for PR.

I am 40 years old and the son of a Singapore Citizen; under which scheme am I eligible 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.