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How can foreigners get permanent residency in Singapore?

Becoming a permanent resident in Singapore offers several advantages: they are allowed to travel freely, have more flexibility in the job market, PRs have access to subsided education and healthcare, and have access to the Central Provident Plan (CPF). Foreigners can apply for Singapore permanent residency through different PR schemes; this article covers if you can apply for residency and which general steps are involved.

Singapore permanent residency

Can I apply for Singapore permanent residency as a foreigner?

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreigners can apply for permanent residency in Singapore if they are:

  • A spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident.
  • An aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
  • A holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass.
  • A student studying in Singapore.
  • A foreign investor in Singapore.

Apply for Singapore permanent residency in 4 steps

Foreign investors can apply for permanent residency through the Singapore Economic Development Board’s Global Investor Program (GIP). If foreigners do not apply for the GIP, the following four steps are generally followed for a Singapore PR application:

Step 1: Check eligibility

Every PR scheme has different eligibility criteria and requirements. Generally, foreigners can apply for Singapore permanent residency if they are a spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident, an aged parent of a Singapore citizen, a holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass, a student studying in Singapore, or a foreign investor in Singapore.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

The second step is to gather the required documents for the application; the documents for applying for Singapore permanent residency generally include:

  • A passport-sized digital photograph of the applicant.
  • Identification documents.
  • Travel documents and immigration passes.
  • Educational certificates and qualifications.
  • Employment history and income documents.

Step 3: Submit online application

Applicants must apply online on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website using the e-PR system. This includes filling out the online application form and uploading the required documents. The processing time typically takes about six months, and you can check the status on the ICA website.

Step 4: Pay the fees

Every applicant pays an SGD 100 ($75.10) processing fee for their online application. If the application is successful, the applicant pays the following costs: SGD 20 ($15.02) for the Entry Permit, SGD 50 ($37.55) for a 5-year re-entry permit, SGD 50 ($37.55) for an identity card, and SGD 30 ($22.53) per entry visa; this is only applicable for foreigners requiring a visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to become a permanent resident (PR) of Singapore? 

To become a Singapore permanent resident, individuals can apply through different PR schemes. They can apply on the ICA website if they meet the eligibility criteria. 

What is a Singapore green card? 

Singapore does not have a green card like the United States. However, the term “green card” can also refer to permanent residency. Permanent residency status in Singapore allows individuals to live and work in the country long-term, and it offers several other benefits.

What are the eligibility requirements for Singapore permanent residency?

The eligibility for Singapore permanent residence differs depending on the PR scheme. Generally, foreigners can apply for Singapore permanent residency if they are a spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident, an aged parent of a Singapore citizen, a holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass, a student studying in Singapore, or a foreign investor in Singapore.

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Your complete guide to buying property in Singapore.

Valuable insights and practical advice, distilled from years of expertise and real-world experience.

property investment guide Singapore cover