Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) Schemes
From marriage to a Singapore citizen to investing in the Lion City and beyond, there are many ways to become a permanent resident in Singapore. And it’s not difficult to see why these schemes are popular with applicants. After all, Singapore has a lot to offer.
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A thriving economy, a great infrastructure, and a safe environment are just some of the reasons why Singapore consistently ranks as one of the top destinations for expats around the world (including Americans) and attracts scores of foreigners each year.
While it’s possible for US citizens to live in Singapore on a temporary visa, a PR brings with it a number of benefits and is a much better option for those looking to stay long-term. If you like the sound of applying for a PR, this article tells you what schemes you might be able to apply under.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For Permanent Residence (PR) In Singapore?
Most countries are selective about who can apply for PR, and Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is no different. Fortunately, the list of who is eligible is fairly clear and includes spouses of Singapore citizens, investors in the city-state, and more.
It should be noted that PR can be applied for not just by the main applicant, but also for spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Aged parents can also apply. Eligibility for applying also doesn’t guarantee that the application will be successful.
With that said, here are the most common eligibility criteria for PR in Singapore:
Working In Singapore
Applying for a Singaporean PR on the basis of working in the city-state is one of the easiest and most straightforward routes. You’ll have to apply under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Worker (PTS) scheme and, at the time of application, be working in Singapore on a work visa.
The work visas you’ll need to hold include:
- Employment Pass
- Entrepreneur Pass
- Personalized Employment Pass
- S Pass
Studying In Singapore
If you’re studying in Singapore, you’ll be glad to know that foreign students who are being educated in the Lion City can also apply for PR. This category of applicants, however, is only reserved for students in the local educational system and excludes those studying at international schools.
The full list of criteria for students is as follows:
- Resided in Singapore for more than 2 years at the point of application
- Passed at least one national exams (i.e. PSLE or GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ levels) or are in the Integrated Programme (IP)
Investing In Singapore
Do you have funds to invest in Singapore? You and your immediate family can apply for PR under the Global Investor Programme (GIP). The minimum investment threshold is set at SGD $2.5 million. You can either start your own business or invest in an established business in the city-state.
Pick from one of two investment options under the GIP scheme:
Option 1: Invest a minimum of SGD $2.5 million in a new business start-up or use the funds to expand an existing business
Option 2: Invest a minimum of SGD $2.5 million in a GIP-approved fund.
But it’s not enough to simply have the funds to invest in the Lion City. You’ll also need to prove that you have an excellent business track record and/or entrepreneurial background, and a business proposal or investment plan in order to qualify for Singaporean PR via the investment route.
Talented Foreign Artist
If you’re a talented individual in arts, photography, dance, music, theater, literature, or film industry, you can apply for Singaporean PR via the Foreign Artistic Talent scheme. As Singapore is keen to become a regional arts hub, you have a reasonable chance of securing PR via this scheme.
You’ll need to tick the following boxes:
- Be a well-recognized artist in your own country (Bonus points if you have a global reputation)
- Have relevant training in your field of practice
- Contributed to Singapore’s arts and cultural scene, including local engagements at the leadership level
- Plan to be involved in the Singapore arts and cultural scene moving forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy or hard to obtain permanent residence (PR) in Singapore?
Singapore’s immigration policy tends to be obscure and selective, which often makes it hard to obtain permanent residence (PR). This is unlike many other countries that have a clear, point-based system when it comes to PR applications.
How long is a Singapore permanent residence (PR) status valid for?
A Singapore permanent residence (PR) status is valid indefinitely as it doesn’t expire. With that said, the PR status can be revoked if the PR holder leaves the country without a valid re-entry permit (REP).
What happens if a Singapore permanent resident has an expired passport?
If the passport of a Singapore permanent residence (PR) holder expires, he or she can still live in Singapore. The only difference is that he or she won’t be able to travel. As such, it’s advisable to get a new passport and either renew one’s re-entry permit or transfer one’s valid REP online.
Can a Singaporean permanent resident (PR) apply for citizenship?
A Singaporean permanent resident (PR) can apply for citizenship as long as he or she is above the age of 21 and has at least two years of permanent residence in the city-state. Applications for citizenship can be made electronically to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Conclusion
If you’re eligible for and decide to apply for a Singapore PR, then congratulations and good luck! There are so many benefits of having a PR and living in the Lion City. That said, there are downsides – chief of them being the city-state’s sky-high cost of medical care.
Although you will be eligible for government subsidies like Medishield Life as a PR, it may also be worth enhancing your coverage through Integrated Shield plans offered by one of the many private health insurers in the city-state.
Not sure where to begin in your hunt for health insurance? With over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime can help you find and compare the best plan for your needs and budget. We also provide many value-added services to support you throughout your insurance journey.
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Comments
1 Comment
How can I maintain my Permanent Resident (PR) status in Singapore if I need to frequently travel or live abroad for extended periods? Are there specific conditions or renewals required to keep my PR active?
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