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.
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.
- Aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Student studying in Singapore.
- Foreign investor in Singapore.
Apply for Singapore permanent residency in 4 steps
Foreign investors can apply for permanent residency at the Singapore Economic Development Board under the 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 generally takes about six months, and the status can be checked on the ICA website.
Step 4: Pay the fees
Every applicant pays an SGD 100 ($75) processing fee for their online application. If the application is successful, the applicant pays the following fees: SGD 20 ($15) for the Entry Permit, SGD 50 ($37.50) for a 5-year re-entry permit, SGD 50 ($37.50) for an identity card, and SGD 30 ($22.50) per entry visa; this is only applicable for foreigners requiring a visa.
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Get help with permanent residency in Singapore
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 through 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 refer to permanent residency. The permanent residency status in Singapore allows individuals to live and work in Singapore long-term, and it offers several other benefits.
What is the Singapore permanent resident eligibility?
The Singapore permanent resident eligibility differs per 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.
