Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) APPLICATION Guide
A Beginner's Guide for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) Application
Are you looking to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) so that you can move to the most liveable city in all of Asia?
There are so many good reasons to live in Singapore. The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey in 2018 rated Singapore as the best destination to live and work for an ex-pat. It has a strong economy that is referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, the political environment is stable, the crime rate is low, and it’s seen as one of the best places to do business in the world. You may also want to learn more about the Benefits of Singapore PR.
So, what do you need to do to apply for permanent residency in Singapore? Is it a matter of filling out some paperwork or sending in some proof of identification? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as that. If you want to know the best way to apply for PR in Singapore, then here’s what you need to do to prepare for your Singapore PR application and make sure that you get approved. Read further to learn more about applying for Singapore PR under the Professional Technical or Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme.
What is a Singapore Permanent Residence?
The Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) is a permanent visa scheme that allows foreign professionals, a certain type of investors, and family members of Singa pore Permanent Residence or Singapore citizens to work and stay in Singapore Permanently. Aside from the right to stay permanently in Singapore and the freedom of traveling in and out of Singapore, frequently there are also other perks like healthcare and education subsidies, a pension scheme plan for retirement, and eligibility for the purchase of highly-subsidised HDB apartments owned by Government. Singapore has a small population and the immigration authority only allocate a quota of between 25,000 - 30,000 per year for PR approvals. Read further if you are interested in improving your chances of success in securing your Singapore PR.
Source: ICA – Graph of Singapore Citizens and PR Approval Rate from 2008 to 2018
Who can Apply for Singapore PR?
- The Professional Technical or Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS)Foreign Professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners who are currently holding an existing work pass (E.g. Employment Pass, Entrepass, PEP, Tech Pass)
- GLOBAL INVESTOR PROGRAM: This scheme is for established business owner or Investors willing to invest S$2.5 million via different investment options. Learn more about Global Investor Programme (GIP)
- Family Sponsor PR Scheme: Permanent residents who are married and have children are encouraged to apply PR for their spouse and children.
- Singapore PR scheme for Students: Foreign students holding on to a Student Pass who have lived in Singapore for at least 2 years at the time of application, have passed a minimum of 1 national exam or are in the integrated program.
- Foreign Artistic Talent Programme:: Individuals who have talents in music, dance, photography, theatre, film or literature, can apply through the Foreign Artistic Talent scheme
Singapore PR application under the PTS Scheme
If you’re working under the Employment Pass or S-Pass scheme, then the Skilled Migration Scheme is likely the Singapore PR application you want to apply for. It’s also the easiest one to attain.
In order to qualify, you need to be working in the country at the time of your application. You also have to hold either the Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, or S-Pass. While it’s easy to apply for, there’s still some paperwork that needs to be submitted. It’s best to consult with an immigration partner before submitting this Singapore PR application to ensure you have everything you need to be successful.
These are not the only requirements though. There are other additional documents that you will need to include with the Singapore PR application that an immigration agency will be able to provide direction on.
What Do You Need to Prepare for Your Singapore PR Application?
As part of your Singapore PR application for the Skilled Migration Scheme, there are some documents that you should have readily available to ensure the process runs smoothly. Some of the most important ones include:
- Proof of employment documents. For example, contracts, recommendation letters, employer contact information, evaluation reports.
- Proof of education. For example, certificates and diplomas going as far back as high school.
- Documents that provide proof of your financial status. For example, payslips and any other information that details your proof of income.
- Your most up-to-date resume
- Property documentation for any real estate that you currently own in Singapore.
- Documents for your spouse and children if they are going to be on the application with you.
It’s a good idea to provide value-add documents (e.g. testimonials, reference letters, proof of professional achievements) to stand out from the crowd. While this might seem like an extra step, it’s worth having it available to help speed up the process.
Usually, your PR application would take 6 – 12 months to process and in some cases, it can be longer than 12 months due to the high demand in securing approval for PR status.
Criteria of Evaluation for Singapore PR Applicants
- ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION : Your employment history is also applicable to you in this situation. These include companies you work for and positions you hold at. You should show a consistent growth pattern throughout your life. You have a good job. You need a stable job. It’s vital that you give something of value locally – it also counts if you work in Singapore as a local business instead of an international company. You must ensure that your contribution to Singapore is credible and reliable.
- SOCIAL INTEGRATION: This aspect of your Singapore permanent residency will often get little attention from applicants. This is also critical because it is important that Singaporeans receive PR status and add value to local communities. You have to show that you understand Singapore culture. The community knows how much you contribute to the community. Volunteering is very important. Be careful about volunteering to ensure it is honest.
- YOUR EDUCATION/OCCUPATION/EXPERIENCE: Permanent residents who are married and have children are encouraged to apply PR for their spouse and children.
- LENGTH OF STAY IN SINGAPORE: The longer you stay in Singapore, the better it is for your PR as it shows your stability and your commitment to stay in Singapore for long.
- FAMILY PROFILE/AGE: Age and family profile is one of the crucial factors for SPR. The old you are the less number of years you can contribute to the economy. Also, if you have children, it will be beneficial as they will build the next generation of Singaporeans.
What to do if Your Singapore PR Application is Rejected or Unsuccessful?
After waiting patiently for 6 – 9 months on your Singapore PR application status and you received a letter from the ICA that your application PR status has been rejected! What should you do now?
There’s no reason to be disheartened if your application is rejected. Only 15,000 applications get approved in a year, and there are over 180,000 foreign workers who meet the eligibility requirements. Over 50% of the applications that are submitted get rejected.
Fortunately, there is no limit on how many times you can apply to become a permanent resident of Singapore. If your situation changes significantly during the time your application is getting processed, such as starting a new job or having a baby, then you should re-apply. However, it’s a good idea to seek a Professional PR Advisory firm for help as they can advise you on how to improve your Singapore PR approval by highlighting the contribution you bring to Singapore. Learn more about how to overcome SPR reject with our Singapore PR Appeal Guide.
When can you Apply for Singapore Citizenship?
Based on the Immigration checkpoints authority, to become a Singapore Citizen, you have to be holding the Singapore Permanent Residency for a minimum of 2 years. However, this is not always the case as the quota for Singapore Citizenship approval is limited.
How to Maintain your Singapore PR?
Once you have collected your Singapore PR, you are given a Re-Entry Permit (REP) for 5 years. To travel out of Singapore on a PR status, you are required to hold a valid REP.
A Singapore PR who does not hold a valid REP while outside Singapore will lose their Permanent Residence Status. Therefore, it is important to always ensure you have a valid REP before you travel out of Singapore.
For those Singapore PRs who have been present and working in Singapore for the past 5 years, they usually do not have an issue getting an extension for the REP. However, if you have been absent from Singapore for too long, then you are required to justify your absence and why your REP should be granted. You can check out Our Ultimate Guide for Singapore PR renewal (Re-entry Permit).
How Can One Visa Help in your Singapore PR Application?
Looking for assistance with your Singapore PR application? Look no further than One Visa, the leading immigration consultancy with over 10 years of experience helping business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and executives to make Singapore their home.
With over 10,000 successful cases under our belt, we specialize in customizing solutions for your PR application by advising and preparing value-add documents that highlight your unique contributions and profile. By showcasing your strengths and qualifications, we can substantially increase your chances of success.
Don’t navigate the Singapore immigration system alone. Let One Visa guide you through the process and help you achieve your PR goals. Contact One Visa today to learn more about our services and how we can help you secure your future in Singapore.
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6 – 12 months
Unless you have something substantial to support your SPR application, it is better to wait for over a year before you reapply again. It is best to seek to One Visa Team to understand on how to prepare a better SPR application.
5 years and you need to renew every 5 years;
32,710 (source from ICA)
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