Singapore PR Application: The Guide To Becoming A Permanent Resident
With its iconic skyscrapers, “garden city” moniker and all-round stability and safety, it’s little wonder that Singapore is often considered as a country for immigration. Unlike many other choice destinations though, Singapore has a fairly open policy to receiving new permanent residents and it all starts with your PR application.
As of June 2021, there are 488,000 Singaporean permanent residents – one-eighth of the total resident population of almost 4 million (source: population.gov.sg). When you become a Singapore Permanent Resident, you are accorded much of the rights as a full citizen. Some of these include:
- Able to live, enter and leave the country without the need for additional visa applications.
- Be able to apply for long-stay visas for parents.
- Gain access to better loans by institutions.
- Permitted to buy resale public housing units (or HDB flats) from citizens.
- Gain access to healthcare and work opportunities similar to citizens.
- Be able to apply for full citizenship after committing a number of years as PR.
Sounds good? Then here’s how you start.
It all begins at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), where you can submit a PR application online as your first step.
But as with most immigration policies, some groups will have a smoother process. If you belong to these groups, it’s extremely advantageous to you securing that PR. Here are the schemes:
1. Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers scheme (PTS) Scheme
Available to those working in Singapore with an Employment Pass (EP) or Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), S-Pass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) work permit.
This is usually the preferred route made available to foreigners working in Singapore. As candidates have lived and worked in the country for some time, it goes to reason that they will find it easy to integrate.
You’ll need: A relevant work permit, at least 6 months’ worth of documented payslips and be fully employed during the application process. To find out more about these work permits in Singapore, click here.
2. Sponsored Scheme
Available to a foreign spouse or unmarried children of the main sponsor who’s a citizen or PR.
Singapore understands how important family units are and so existing PR and citizens can file for their foreign spouse or single children to become PRs. This applies to those with a Dependent Pass (DP) as well, whether they are in Singapore or elsewhere during the PR application process.
You’ll need: Identification for the main sponsor who must be a Singapore citizen or PR, official documentation such as a marriage certificate for the spouse or birth certificates or legal adoption papers for the children.
3. Global Investor Programme (GIP)
Available to select foreign investors.
Unlike the other schemes which require a period of residence in Singapore, the GIP is a direct PR application that omits this requirement. As a country with few natural resources, Singapore’s economy leverages on attracting foreign investments as part of its strategy. If you have a credible business track record or rich entrepreneurial legacies, you can submit your PR application through the Economic Development Board (EDB) website instead.
The qualifiers are more complex given the nature of the scheme, but some credentials you’ll need include: A 3-year track record with audited financial statements, having a minimum investment amount of S$2.5 million that goes into a local company, and having a turnover of at least S$200 million for three years before the application. More details – including those for investors – can be found here.
4. Foreign Artistic Talent Programme (ForArts)
Available to select artists.
While Singapore is globally-established as a financial hub, it’s not yet seen as an arts and cultural leader even though the scene has grown considerably in the last decade. This is why the government is looking to induct foreign artistic talent under this scheme. If you have shown promise and talent in creative skills such as those in dance, music, photography, fine arts, literature, film, or theatre, you’re in luck.
PR applications are assessed by the ICA but screened by the National Arts Council (NAC). You’ll need: Official documents showing relevant training and education in fields such as performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, design, media etc, proven professional experience in related fields, proven contributions to the local scene, and demonstrate an established wish to continue contributing to Singapore’s art scene.
5. Student Scheme
Available to foreign students.
Many education institutions have found Singapore a good base to receive regional and global students, and so Singapore has also made it easier for those studying here to become a PR and become part of the society.
You’ll need: Your active Student Pass, official documentation from the school, prove that you’ve been in Singapore for 2 years, and papers to show you have passed a national exam or in an Integrated Programme (IP).
These schemes greatly improve your chances to become a Singapore PR, and all you’ll need to do is to fill up the form online at the ICA website. For Singapore citizens or PR who are applying on behalf of the applicants, they can also do so via their assigned Singpass account. This is also available to Employment Pass or S Pass holders. Foreign students can opt for the online PR application using their Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and the issuance date of their valid immigration pass. An administrative fee of S$100 is required during the PR application.
Upon approval, you’ll need to formalise the papers in person at ICA, and also pay an additional S$150 (S$20 for Entry Permit; S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit; S$50 for Identity Card; S$30 per Entry Visa).
That said, the approval process is a holistic and considered one, and there are advantages in submitting supplementary documents or being aware of certain conditions which can have an impact on your plans when living in Singapore.
For example, Singapore has compulsory military enlistment for all male citizens. So male children who come in under the Sponsored Scheme must conscript into National Service when they become of age.
A specialised agency like Go Global Gem can become a consultative partner for your Singapore PR application, to ensure that no aspect is overlooked when planning for your immigration. Additionally, because the ICA considers organic factors such as family profiles, length of residency and other soft factors like one’s interest in building their lives in Singapore, an agency can tease out these helpful supporting facts during interviews.
Did you know that for artists, having a portfolio that includes local engagements at a leadership level is a great factor to add to your application? Or that special commendations or awards can also expedite the approval?
An experienced agency will not only provide the best solutions for faster approval and seamless PR application but also ensure that your immigration as a Singapore PR will be a fulfilling and rewarding one.
Eager to become a Singapore PR? Let Go Global Gem increase your chances and take care of your PR application for you.