PR in Singapore - How to Get Permanent Residency in Singapore?
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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, a strong job market, and proximity to India. All of these make Singapore one of the best countries for Indians to settle abroad.
Applying and getting a PR in Singapore allows you to live, work, and travel to and from Singapore without any visa restrictions. The processing time for PR in Singapore is approximately 3 months. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by mail. You need to apply for Permanent Residency in Singapore online via ICA.
It will assess your economic contribution and the needed passport, income proof, and other documents. In this comprehensive article, we are going to cover every possible query related to Permanent Residency in Singapore.
Related Blog:
- What is Singapore PR?
- Who Can Apply for PR in Singapore?
- How to Apply for Singapore PR?
- List of Documents Required for Singapore PR
- How to Get PR After Studying in Singapore?
- Tips to Get Singapore PR Early
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.
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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:
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:
- If You Are a Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Foreign investor in Singapore
- Unmarried child aged below 21 adopted by a Singapore Citizen
- 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:
- Visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and create a new application through the ICA e-PR system.
- Select for whom you are applying for Self, Spouse, Children, or Aged Parents.
- Fill in the required details accurately.
- Upload the documents along with your application.
- Pay a non-refundable processing fee (usually SGD 100 per applicant) via online payment.
- The processing time for Singapore PR is typically around 3 months.
- The authorities will notify you of the decision by mail.
List of Documents Required for Singapore PR
To apply for PR in Singapore, applicants must have all required documents ready at the time of application. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses applications based on documentation integrity. If any document is missing, then authorities may decline your application.
One more thing you need to know, if you any document is in a non-English language, translate it into English. Also, verify it from the Embassy here in India.
Identity and Personal Documents
| Document | ICA Requirement | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport-Sized Photograph | Coloured digital photo, size 400 x 514 pixels, taken recently against a white background. | This is a mandatory digital upload in the e-PR system. |
| Valid Passport | Clear scan of the biodata page(s). | Must be valid for at least six months. |
| Current Singapore Pass | Copy of your Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Entrepreneur Pass. | Must be valid at the time of application. |
| Birth Certificate | Copy of the original birth certificate. | Required for all applicants and non-applying dependents. |
| Deed Poll / Name Change Certificate | Copy, if you have officially changed your name. | Required if your name differs across documents. |
2. Employment & Financial Documents
| Document | ICA Requirement | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of Employment | Must be dated no more than 3 months before the date of online application. | Must clearly state your occupation/job title, date of employment, and basic and gross salary per month. |
| Payslips | Copies of your payslips for the last 6 months. | Helps ICA assess employment and financial stability. |
| Income Tax Notices | Latest 3 years' Income Tax Assessment (Notice of Assessment from IRAS). | If you were working overseas for a portion of this period, provide equivalent overseas tax records. |
| Self-Employed Applicants ONLY | Business Registration Certificate (ACRA) and latest 3 years’ Balance Sheets & Profit/Loss Statements. | Only required for business owners/self-employed applicants. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume | A detailed document outlining your entire education and work experience. | While not always explicitly listed, it helps create a clear professional profile. |
3. Education and Professional Qualifications
| Document | ICA Requirement | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Certificates | Highest academic qualification certificate(s) and relevant transcripts. | Certificates and transcripts from tertiary level (Degree, Diploma, etc.) onwards. |
| Professional Licence/Membership | Copy of any professional licenses, vocational trade certificates, or membership certificates (e.g., medical, legal, engineering). | These demonstrate in-demand skills and enhance your profile. |
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.
Check out list of documents, you need at the time of PR application:
- Most Recent passport size photograph
- Valid Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (If the marriage is not registered in Singapore)
- Educational marksheet
- Professional License
Singapore PR lets you live and work there freely. You do not need to carry or worry about constant visa renewals. You can switch jobs easily and buy affordable public homes. Also, you get low cost healthcare.
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Secure a job in Singapore on an Employment Pass or S Pass. After working there for at least six months, you can apply for PR in Singapore online. Approval totally depends on your salary, education, and age.