Singapore has continuously been regarded as one of the best countries in the world for living standards.
Healthcare, crime rates, educational institutions, infrastructure, housing quality, business prospects, and unemployment rates are all examples of tangibles. Or intangibles like racial peace, a multi-cultural and multi-national society, and access to some of Asia’s most beautiful tourist destinations. Singapore stands out from the crowd!
The city-state has been rightfully dubbed Asia’s business capital and the continent’s best destination to live, work, and play.
As a result, gaining a permanent resident (PR) status in Singapore, which may serve as a bridge to Singapore citizenship, makes sense. Even more so when this PR status comes with Central Provident Fund benefits as well as a variety of personal tax exemptions.
In this article, we’ve included all the information you’ll need when applying for Permanent Resident (PR) status in Singapore:
Permanent Resident (PR) Application
PR Application Requirements
As a foreigner, you may be eligible to apply PR if you are a/an:
- Spouse of a Singapore citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (PR)
- Unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by, a SC or PR
- Aged parent of a SC
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Student studying in Singapore
- Foreign investor in Singapore
Note: Factors such as the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency, to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into our society, as well as his or her commitment to sinking roots.
Here’s a guide on how you can start applying for Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), Click here.
Required Documents (Important)
You must read the explanatory remarks below and submit the appropriate supporting documents stated below via the e-Service if you are a/an:
Spouse of a Singapore citizen or PR, or unmarried child of a Singapore citizen or PR under the age of 21:
Explanatory Notes/Document List for Spouse with/without accompanying child(ren)
Explanatory Notes/Document List for Child(ren) Only
Explanatory Notes/Document List for an Aging Parent of a SC
Explanatory Notes/Document List for Employment Pass or S Pass Holders
Explanatory Notes/Document List for students studying in Singapore.
If you are a foreign investor in Singapore, Go Global Gem can assist you to apply for permanent residence under the Global Investor Programme (GIP). GIP is administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Procedure
The e-Service must be used to submit all permanent residence applications. Applicants have the option of entering their information online or downloading and filling out the PR application form before submitting it online.
You can submit a PR application online if you have a valid Singpass account and you are a:
- If you are a Singapore citizen or PR filing for PR for your spouse or unmarried kid under the age of 21,
- You are a Singapore citizen who is applying for permanent residency for your elderly father.
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass who is filing for PR for themselves, their spouse, or an unmarried kid under the age of 21.
If you are a student studying in Singapore, you can use your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and the issuance date of your valid immigration pass to access the e-Service.
If you are a foreign investor in Singapore, you can apply for permanent residency under the Global Investor Programme at the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Submission of PR fees
Each applicant must pay a non-refundable processing cost of S$100 when submitting a PR application.
Payment options include:
Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, American Express (AMEX) credit card, Internet Direct Debit (Internet Banking accounts in Singapore), or PayNow.
PR Approval
If your application is accepted, you will be required to fulfill PR requirements in our ICA office. Each candidate is responsible for the following fees:
S$20 for Entry Permit
S$50 for 5-Year Re-Entry Permit costs
S$50 for Identity Card
S$30 for each Entry Visa (foreigners requiring a visa).
The fees shown above can be paid using NETS, a credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or a mobile payment.
PR Application Processing Time
ICA thoroughly considers and reviews all applications for PR. PR applications typically take six months to process, if all relevant paperwork is presented. Some applications may take more than six months to process, depending on the complexity of the situation.
The outcome will be sent to you via mail or email. Meanwhile, you or your sponsor can use MyICA or the e-Service to check the status of your PR application.
While the application is being processed, there is no need to contact ICA.
(Important) While the current application is being processed, new or repeated applications for the same person(s) will not be allowed.
How to Appeal a Rejection of a Singapore PR Application
If your Singapore Permanent Residency application was been rejected, you should file an appeal with the ICA within 30 days of the rejection date (despite the appeal window period being up to 6 months).
It is usually best to complement your appeal letter with relevant supporting documents backing up your appeal claims when submitting an appeal to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to request a reconsideration of your Permanent Residency application.
It’s best to avoid expressing that you’d like to stay in Singapore because of its cleanliness, decent economy, or other reasons why you appreciate being there. Instead, to make a strong appeal and boost your chances of being reconsidered, you should concentrate your appeal letter on:
1. Activities that demonstrate your integration into Singaporean society
2. Singaporean family relationships (if any)
3. Personal achievements of note
4. Extraordinary contributions to your work
5. Your goals for the future if your application is approved
6. Other aspects that you believe will highlight your assimilation into Singapore
Singapore PR Renewal
Request/Renew for Re-Entry Permit
Renewal Application Eligibility
To apply or renew a Re-Entry Permit, you must be a permanent resident and have a valid travel document that is valid for at least three months.
Required Documents & Procedure (Important)
Within three months of its expiration date, you must renew your REP online through e-Service. Unless ICA requests it, you are not needed to submit any documentation.
You can refer to our email on the documents required for your Re-Entry Permit application, as well as instructions on how to upload documents if ICA asks them.
If you are outside of Singapore and do not have a Singpass account, you can apply at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission. It must be submitted at least two months before the expiration of your current Re-Entry Permit.
Renewal Fees
For each year or part of a year, of your granted Re-Entry Permit, you must pay a cost of S$10 (REP).
Each REP given is subject to a separate cost.
If you apply online, you must pay the cost within 14 days of receiving approval, otherwise, your application will be withdrawn. The Re-Entry Permit fee can be paid in these ways:
Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, American Express (AMEX) credit card, Internet direct debit (Internet banking accounts in Singapore: DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered Bank), PayNow
Payment can also be made over the counter at ICA using the following methods:
NETS, Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, mobile payment (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
Renewal Processing Time
The average processing period for a Re-Entry Permit (REP) application is one week (excluding the day of submission). Some applications may take longer to process than others.
If you applied for a REP online, you can use e-Service to monitor the status of your application. You will be notified of the outcome through email if you provided an email address during the application process.
For enquires please reach out to us:
Email: info@goglobalgem.com
Credits:
ICA: https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/PR/apply