PR in Singapore - How to Get Permanent Residency in Singapore?

Permanent Residency in Singapore is a legal status that allows a foreign national to live permanently in the country. In addition to this, PR holders enjoy several other benefits similar to those of Singaporean citizens, except for voting rights and holding key positions in the government.

Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in Asia to live in. However, it remains a top choice for many Indian students who want to study at Singaporean universities and settle there after completing their higher education. Apart from its high standard of living, Singapore offers a low crime rate, strong job market, and proximity to India—all of which make it one of the best countries for Indians to settle abroad.

Applying and getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore allows you to live, work, and travel to and from Singapore without visa restrictions. The processing time for PR in Singapore is approximately 3 months. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by mail. In this comprehensive article, we are going to cover every possible query related to Permanent Residency in Singapore.

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What is Singapore PR?

Consider Singapore PR, a legal document or legal status that allows foreign nationals to settle in Singapore permanently. After getting permanent residency, foreign nationals can have many rights and privileges like any other citizen of Singapore, such as working without a visa and accessing a high-tech healthcare system. However, there are some exceptions, such as you can not vote or hold an important position in the government.

Here are some well-known benefits of PR in Singapore:

• Can live in Singapore permanently.
• Flexibility in employment.
• An easy way to get citizenship of Singapore.
• Access to CPF (Central Provident Fund) for retirement.

Related Read:

• Study Guide to Singapore for Indians
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Who Can Apply for PR in Singapore?

Getting PR in any country is not a cakewalk. You need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by the authorities of that country. In Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has clearly announced the eligibility requirements for applying for Permanent Residency. We’ve listed them below, point by point:

1. If You Are a Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
2. Foreign investor in Singapore
3. Unmarried child aged below 21 adopted by a Singapore Citizen
4. Spouse of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident (PR) holder

These are mainly four conditions or eligibility to apply for a PR in Singapore. Other than this, applicants must also be mentally and physically fit, and must not have any criminal record in their home country.

How to Apply for Singapore PR?

If you are eligible, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore by following this step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and create a new application through the ICA e-PR system.
2. Select for whom you are applying for Self, Spouse, Children, or Aged Parents.
3. Fill in the required details accurately.
4. Upload the documents along with your application.
5. Pay a non-refundable processing fee (usually SGD 100 per applicant) via online payment.
6. The processing time for Singapore PR is typically around 3 months.
7. The authorities will notify you of the decision by mail.

List of Documents Required for Singapore PR

To apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore, applicants must have all the required documents ready at the time of application. If any document is missing, the authorities may decline your application. Additionally, government officials may request other documents, so be attentive and respond promptly to calls or emails.

Below, we have listed the documents you should keep handy at the time of application:

• Most Recent Passport Size Photograph (400 x 514 pixels)
• Valid Passport of the Applicant
• Birth Certificate of Applicant
• Marriage Certificate (If the marriage is not registered in Singapore)
• Educational certificate(s) and transcripts
• Professional License
• Membership Certificate
• A letter of Employment from your current employer in Singapore (no older than the last three months). It should mention your job title/occupation, start date of employment, and salary details.
• Payslips (last 6 months)
• Income Tax Report (Last 3 Years)
• Employment Pass of Singapore

How to Get PR After Studying in Singapore?

After completing your higher studies in Singapore, you will get a few months to stay and find a job under the Singapore Post-Study Work Visa. You need to work for a minimum of 2 years to be eligible. A minimum of 2 years of working experience in Singapore is required to apply for Singapore PR. International students can apply for PR under the PTS Scheme, which is designed for professionals, technical personnel, and skilled workers with stable employment in Singapore.

Tips to Get Singapore PR Early

If you are eligible, then there is a high chance that you will get your permanent residency approved by the ICA by the regular deadline. However, we have mentioned a few tips that can improve the chances of getting PR early.

• Study in Singapore: Pursuing higher education in Singapore helps you to be a valuable candidate for the local job market. Also, it shows your long-term intent.
• Get Work Experience in Singapore: Long-term employment in a reputable company shows commitment. Avoid frequent job changes, as this will create a negative image.
• Get a Job in a Demanding Sector: Getting a job in a sector which is in demand can increase the chances of PR approval. Tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering are a few examples.
• Maintain clean legal and tax records: If you are paying your taxes on time and have not broken any rules, then it shows you are a responsible person.

Read: Part-time Work Options in Singapore

That's all from our end. If you are planning to study abroad or are a working professional who wants to settle in Singapore, then understanding permanent residency can be very helpful. With smart planning and the right qualifications, securing PR can open doors to stability, career growth, and a better quality of life.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.