Table of Contents
What is a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)?
Obtaining Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) means you have the right to live, work, and integrate into Singaporean society just like an ordinary Singapore citizen.
You enjoy the freedom to enter and exit Singapore without the need for additional visas or passes.
Compared to foreigners, your children will also receive priority access to Singapore’s public education system.
You will also not need to apply for a new work visa every time you change jobs.
Your employer must contribute to the mandatory social security fund for you each month—the Central Provident Fund (CPF). The CPF is like a pension plan that provides social security as you age. You can use your CPF funds to pay for medical expenses, housing, and even for investments.
What are the housing benefits of becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)?
Lower Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and affordable housing.
If both spouses are permanent residents and have held PR status for more than 3 years, they can purchase a resale HDB flat.
Is it more difficult to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) now?
Since 2008, the Singapore government has tightened its immigration policies, but Singapore continues to welcome individuals who can integrate into its society and contribute to the country.
What is the annual approval quota for Singapore Permanent Residents (PR)?
Data released by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) shows that from 2014 to 2018, the average number of approved permanent residents per year was 31,100. This number increased to an average of 32,600 from 2019 to 2023, indicating a gradual rise in the number of approved permanent residents.
What are the obligations after becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)?
Although the Singapore government offers many benefits to permanent residents, individuals holding PR status also have certain obligations. One of these is Singapore National Service (NS), which is a national duty for male Singapore citizens and some young permanent residents.
According to the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents are obligated to register for National Service upon reaching the age of 16.5. They begin their two-year service upon turning 18, followed by annual service of 40 days until the age of 50 for officers and 40 for other ranks.
Main applicants granted PR status through the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme are exempt from National Service.
If I obtain Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status, do I have to serve National Service?
If you obtain permanent residency through the Professionals, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, you do not need to serve National Service. In simple terms, if you apply for permanent residency using a work pass, you are not required to serve National Service. Men who apply for Singapore PR through other means are required to serve National Service.
If I obtain Singapore PR status, do I still need to apply for a work pass when looking for a job?
As a Singapore Permanent Resident, you do not need a work pass to work in Singapore. However, Singapore PR status does not exempt you from meeting other licensing requirements when practicing in professional occupations (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture, law, etc.) in Singapore.
After my Singapore PR application is approved, what happens to my current work pass?
If you hold an Employment Pass (EP), your EP will be canceled once you acquire Singapore Permanent Resident status (i.e., after completing the PR application formalities).
If your family members hold a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass issued by the MOM, please note that their passes will not be automatically canceled. If they wish to continue residing in Singapore, you will need to apply for the appropriate immigration pass for them. To avoid overstaying, please contact your employer or designated employment agent to handle this before their Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass expires.
What is the EP152 in the PR application for?
The purpose of the EP152 is for the applicant to confirm that they are still employed by the same company declared in their PR application form.
If my first PR application is rejected, how many more times can I apply?
While there is no limit to the number of times you can apply for PR, you should only reapply when there have been significant changes in your circumstances compared to your last application. The ICA carefully reviews each application before making a decision.
If you still wish to try again for PR status, please submit a new application online via the ICA e-Service. Please note that fees paid are non-refundable.
For more information on the eligibility criteria for PR application, please refer to the ICA website.
Is there an age limit for applying for Singapore PR?
There is no age limit for submitting a Singapore Permanent Resident application. You can refer to the ICA website for more information.
If my salary is not high, will this affect my spouse’s success rate in applying for Singapore PR?
Each permanent residency application is carefully assessed and considered based on prevailing guidelines. You can refer to the ICA website for information on eligibility to apply for permanent residence.
How do I renounce my Singapore PR?
Advice on renouncing PR: If the main applicant intends to renounce their Singapore Permanent Residence status, all individuals who obtained permanent residence under their sponsorship must also renounce their Singapore PR through the same procedure.
Permanent residents who are liable for National Service should complete their service. Renouncing PR without completing service will have a serious adverse impact on current or future applications to work or study in Singapore, or to apply for any long-term immigration visas, and will also adversely affect their family members. The renewal of Re-Entry Permits or application for Singapore citizenship for both the sponsor and the sponsored individuals will also be adversely affected.
If you still wish to proceed with renouncing your PR, you can submit your application online.
For documents and requirements regarding the renunciation of PR, please refer to the ICA website.
If you decide to renounce your permanent resident status, we advise you to contact your employer and the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) regarding your CPF matters. You can contact CPFB for more information and assistance.
Related Articles:
For further enquiries, please get in touch:
WeChat: sgleokwek
Telegram: sgleokwek
WhatsApp: Message us
