Living permanently in Singapore is a dream for many, as it is one of the safest, most developed, and most economically competitive city-states in the world. Singapore is recognized as a major global metropolis, offering abundant business and employment opportunities, excellent infrastructure, and a high standard of living, making it a world-class city to work, live, and play in.
As Singapore continues to garner more accolades, coupled with its immense development potential, an increasing number of people hope to move here with their families. If you plan to put down roots in Singapore and wish to apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status for your family, but have questions about where, to whom, why, and how to apply for Singapore PR, please read on. We have compiled and will answer 19 common questions.
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Table of Contents
Three Questions About Applying for Singapore PR for Your Spouse
1. What are the benefits of my spouse being a PR?
There are many benefits to applying for Singapore PR for your spouse. If you plan to settle permanently in Singapore, obtaining PR status will pave the way for an easier life, whether your spouse is working in Singapore as a professional or has entered as a visitor. Some of these benefits include access to government subsidies for public housing and healthcare.
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2. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for PR for a spouse?
The spouse of a Singapore Citizen or PR can apply for PR, provided that the Singapore Citizen or PR acts as the sponsor and they are legally married. Depending on the PR application scheme, other conditions may need to be met, and requirements can vary between schemes.
⚠️ It is important to note that a Singapore PR cannot sponsor their spouse for a Dependant Pass (DP). The DP is a policy available to residents holding an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass.
If you and your spouse wish to reside in Singapore long-term, the best option is for both of you to obtain Singapore PR status. Depending on the PR application scheme, other criteria may need to be met, and requirements can vary between schemes.
3. Through which schemes can I apply for PR for my spouse?
There are primarily four pathways:
- Family Scheme – The applicant is a Singapore Citizen or PR and acts as the sponsor for their spouse.
- Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme – The applicant applies for PR together with their spouse, acting as their sponsor.
- Global Investor Programme (GIP) – The applicant applies for PR together with their spouse, with the spouse included as an immediate family member.
- A combination of the PTS or GIP schemes with the spouse’s own merits, such as the spouse holding a valid S Pass, Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, or Entrepreneur Pass.
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Five Questions About Applying for Singapore PR for Your Parents
1. What are the benefits of my parents being PRs?
Once your parents obtain PR status, they will enjoy exclusive PR healthcare benefits, such as MediSave and MediShield, which are the national savings scheme for medical expenses and a basic health insurance plan, respectively. These medical benefits mean your parents will have funds set aside for any medical emergencies. Of course, the greatest benefit of your parents being PRs is that the family can stay together without the risk of a visa renewal being rejected in a few years.
2. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for PR for parents?
The most important condition for applying for PR for your parents is that the sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen. If there is no Singapore Citizen sponsor, the parents must apply for PR based on their own merits through one of the other three schemes (i.e., PTS Scheme, ForArts Scheme, or GIP).
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3. Can only the child of the applicant act as the sponsor for their parents’ PR application?
For an only child or if the applicant is the only Singapore Citizen in the family, yes, the applicant is the only one eligible to be the sponsor. However, if you have siblings who are also Singapore Citizens, they can also act as sponsors.
4. As a PR, how can I have my parents stay in Singapore without PR status?
As a PR, you can have your parents apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable. Later, if you obtain citizenship, you can submit a PR application for your parents and act as their sponsor.
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5. As a Singapore Citizen, am I eligible to sponsor my parents-in-law?
The answer is no; a Singapore Citizen can only sponsor their biological parents or legally adoptive parents. However, there are several other routes available for your parents-in-law. Firstly, your spouse can become a Singapore Citizen and act as their sponsor. Secondly, your parents-in-law can apply for PR based on their own merits under the PTS, ForArts, or GIP schemes.
Three Questions About Applying for Singapore PR for Your Child
1. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for PR for a child?
Under the Family Scheme, the child must be unmarried and under 21 years of age, with a parent acting as the sponsor. Additionally, the child must be the biological or legally adopted child of a Singapore Citizen or PR. Another method is for the child to apply based on their own merits.
2. How can a child apply for PR on their own?
If the child has been a student in Singapore for two years and has passed at least one national examination—such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), GCE N-Level, O-Level, or A-Level—or has participated in the Integrated Programme, they can apply for PR under the Foreign Student Scheme without a sponsor.
3. Can boys choose not to serve National Service?
Males who are second-generation Singapore PRs and Citizens are required to serve mandatory National Service (NS) upon turning 18. There will be serious consequences for evading NS by renouncing PR status.
Eight Questions About the Singapore PR Application Process
1. Should I apply for PR together with my family?
It is recommended to apply together with your family. This can increase the chances of your PR application being approved, as it signals to the ICA that your family’s core wishes to put down permanent roots in Singapore. It demonstrates the entire family’s commitment to relocating to Singapore, rather than just coveting the benefits of PR status. Applying as a family can increase the odds of approval, especially since the children in the family are potential future contributors to Singapore’s society and economy. However, the final decision still depends on the strict evaluation by ICA officers.
2. How do I apply for PR on the ICA website?
The e-PR system on the ICA website is the only way to submit a PR application. Since December 18, 2017, the ICA no longer accepts physical submissions; all documents must be scanned and uploaded to the system. The first step of the online application process is to go to the ICA website and log in to the e-PR system via SingPass. You will then need to fill out three forms and upload all necessary documents in the correct format. When filling out the online forms, be sure to enter “NA” in fields that are not applicable; otherwise, the system will consider the form incomplete. Finally, pay the application fee to complete the process. Note that the application fee is non-refundable and can be paid by credit card, debit card, or direct debit through internet banking.
3. How do I get a SingPass?
Singapore Citizens, PRs, Employment Pass holders, or eligible Work Permit holders aged 15 and above are eligible to apply for a SingPass account. If you meet these criteria, you can apply for an account on the SingPass website or app. The website also provides detailed step-by-step e-guides with images for reference.
4. Can I submit non-English documents to the e-PR system?
Although Singapore’s national language is Malay, the ICA only accepts supporting documents in English. If your submitted documents are not in English, you must include a translated copy of the original, which must be translated and stamped by an approved institution. In this case, before submitting both the original and the translation, you need to have the original document officially translated by one of the following:
- The embassy of the country that issued the document
- A private translation company certified by the embassy of the country that issued the document
- A notary public in Singapore or in the country that issued the document
- A private translation company notarized by a notary public in Singapore or in the country that issued the document
5. How long does it take to apply for Singapore PR?
As of June 26, 2024, provided all documents are complete, the ICA will send the processing results within six months. Some more complex cases may take longer than six months. To expedite your application, it is best to ensure that all necessary documents are clear, legible, and correct.
6. How will I know if my PR application is successful?
Applicants will receive a letter by post from the ICA. If the application is successful, the ICA will send you a notification to schedule an appointment to complete the final procedures. All successful applicants must attend the appointment in person to collect their Identity Cards, Entry Permit, or Re-Entry Permit (REP).
7. If I apply for PR while residing overseas, can my application be approved?
The answer is yes, but you will need to apply for a REP from the ICA. The REP is a document that allows you to easily pass through Singapore customs when re-entering the country after traveling abroad. You must renew your REP to remain a PR in Singapore. The REP is valid for up to five years, depending on the ICA’s decision.
8. Is there a best time to apply for Singapore PR?
Now is the best time. Although there is no PR quota, according to published population reports, approximately 30,000 people have been granted PR status annually in recent years. As the number of applicants, including skilled professionals, increases each year, competition will intensify, and the chances of approval will decrease. Furthermore, since 2009, the ICA’s review process has become increasingly stringent. It is wise to apply as early as possible to avoid facing stricter standards in the years to come. However, it is important to note that you should only apply when you are eligible for PR status. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please check with us first to weigh your chances of approval.
Conclusion
For many, the process of applying for Singapore PR status can be a daunting and tedious task. From the extensive paperwork to the many to-do items before submission, getting professional help can streamline the application process. Through our self-service immigration assessment page, you can find the most suitable immigration solution based on your circumstances.
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