Singapore Permanent Residence

1. Professionals, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme

This is the most common route for foreign professionals holding a valid Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass. You must be currently employed in Singapore.

2. Spouse or Unmarried Child of a Singapore Citizen or PR

You can be sponsored by your Singapore Citizen or PR spouse, or by your parent if you are an unmarried child under 21 years of age.

3. Aged Parent of a Singapore Citizen

A Singapore Citizen can sponsor their aged parents for PR status. This scheme allows elderly parents to reunite with their children in Singapore.

4. Foreign Students

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Resided in Singapore for at least 2 years
• Passed at least one national examination (PSLE, GCE 'N', 'O', or 'A' Levels), OR currently enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP)

Note: Male students granted PR are required to serve National Service.

5. Global Investor Programme (GIP)

High-net-worth individuals can apply by meeting one of the following investment requirements:

• Invest a minimum of S$10 million in a new or existing Singapore business
• Invest a minimum of S$25 million in an approved GIP fund
• Establish a Singapore-based Single Family Office with ≥ S$200 million AUM and invest ≥ S$50 million into equities listed on Singapore approved exchanges

Verify current requirements on the EDB website →

6. Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme

Individuals with notable contributions in arts and culture may qualify under this scheme administered by the National Arts Council (NAC).

Step 1: Online Submission

All PR applications must be submitted online through the ICA e-PR System using a valid SingPass account.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You will need a comprehensive set of documents, including but not limited to:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Valid work pass (EP or S Pass)
• Payslips for the last 6 months
• Latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) from IRAS
• Educational certificates and academic transcripts
• Employment contract and company details (ACRA BizFile profile)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs

Step 3: Pay Application Fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of S$100 for each applicant.

If your application is approved, additional fees apply:

• Entry Permit: S$20
• Re-Entry Permit (REP): S$50 (5-year REP)
• Singapore Identity Card: S$50

For online REP applications, there is no processing fee. Upon approval of a REP application, a fee of S$10 is payable for every year (or part thereof), capped at S$50 for a five-year REP. (ICA official FAQ)

Step 4: Wait for Processing

The official processing time is approximately 6 months. However, some applications may take longer depending on complexity and verification requirements. You can check your application status online via the ICA e-PR system.

National Service (NS)

Male PRs who are granted status as a foreign student or under a parent's sponsorship are required to:

• Register for National Service when they turn 16.5 years old
• Serve 2 years of full-time NS upon reaching 18 years old
• Fulfill annual reservist obligations until age 40–50

Failure to fulfill NS obligations can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Re-Entry Permit (REP)

You must maintain a valid REP to re-enter Singapore after traveling abroad. REP is typically valid for 5 years. Renewal depends on demonstrating continued employment and residence in Singapore. If your REP expires while overseas, your PR status will be revoked. Apply for REP renewal via the ICA e-Service before it expires.

CPF Contributions

Both you and your employer are required to make monthly contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Contribution rates vary based on age and salary, and PRs follow a graduated contribution schedule during their first two years.