What Singapore PR gives you
A Singapore Permanent Resident can live in Singapore indefinitely, change jobs freely without a work pass, and sponsor family members. PRs contribute to and benefit from the Central Provident Fund (CPF), can buy resale HDB flats with conditions, and get lower school fees and healthcare subsidies than foreigners.
PR is also the step before citizenship. Most clients who want a permanent future in Singapore start here, and many choose to remain PRs for life.
- Live and work in Singapore without employer sponsorship
- Join CPF for retirement, housing and healthcare savings
- Buy resale HDB flats (with conditions) and private property
- Priority over foreigners for school places and lower fees
- Sponsor your spouse and children for long-term passes
- Become eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship
Who can apply for Singapore PR
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) accepts PR applications under several schemes. Choosing the right one, and presenting your case correctly, is the first step.
| Scheme | Who it is for | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) | Employment Pass, S Pass and Personalised Employment Pass holders working in Singapore | PR for professionals |
| Spouse and children | Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Singapore Citizens or PRs | PR for spouses and children |
| Aged parents | Parents of Singapore Citizens | PR for aged parents |
| Foreign students | Students who have studied in Singapore and meet ICA conditions | PR for students |
| Foreign Artistic Talent | Accomplished artists with a track record in Singapore | Ask a consultant |
How ICA assesses PR applications
ICA does not publish a points system or minimum salary for PR. It looks at the whole profile, and has said it considers factors such as family ties to Singaporeans, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. It also considers how well the applicant is likely to integrate and their commitment to settling in Singapore.
This is why two applicants with similar salaries can get different results. The way your application explains your contribution, your ties and your plans matters.
- Economic contribution: salary, job level, industry and employment stability
- Time in Singapore: how long you have lived and worked here
- Family ties: Singaporean or PR spouse, children in local schools
- Qualifications: education and professional certifications
- Integration: community involvement, volunteering, local networks
- Age and family profile: stage of career and family composition
Our PR application process
Profile assessment
We review your pass history, income, family situation and documents, and tell you honestly whether to apply now or wait.
Profile strengthening plan
If needed, we give you a 6 to 12 month plan covering salary records, community involvement and supporting evidence.
Document compilation
We collect every mandatory document to ICA standards, including certified translations of Chinese and Thai documents.
Cover letter and financial profile
We write a personal cover letter and a financial profile report that present your contribution and commitment clearly.
e-PR submission
We prepare the e-PR form with you and check every field before submission through ICA.
Follow-up and outcome
We respond to any ICA request for more documents. If the result is negative, we review it and plan your appeal or reapplication.
Documents you will usually need
The exact list depends on your scheme and family. Typical documents include:
- Passport and current Singapore pass for every applicant
- Birth certificates, and marriage certificate if applicable
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Employment letter, recent payslips and IRAS tax assessments
- Household registration (户口本 for Chinese citizens, ทะเบียนบ้าน for Thai citizens) where relevant
- Certified English translations of every document not in English
Missing or badly translated documents are one of the most common reasons for delays. We check every page before submission.
After you become a PR
Approval is in-principle at first. You then complete formalities with ICA, including a medical examination where required, and receive your PR card and Re-Entry Permit (REP).
Your REP lets you keep PR status while travelling. Without a valid REP, PR status can be lost when you leave Singapore. Male PRs and their sons who become PRs have National Service obligations. We help with REP renewals and, later, the move to citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Singapore PR application take?
ICA indicates that most applications take around 6 months, although some take longer. Preparing your documents well beforehand usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.
What is the minimum salary for Singapore PR?
There is no published minimum salary for PR. Salary is one important factor among many, which is why we assess your whole profile.
Can I include my family in my PR application?
Yes. You can usually include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same application.
What happens if my PR application is rejected?
ICA does not give detailed reasons. You can submit an appeal or reapply later with a stronger profile. See our PR appeal service.
Do I have to give up my Chinese or Thai citizenship to become a PR?
No. PR does not require you to renounce your nationality. Renunciation only applies if you later become a Singapore citizen.
Do my sons have to do National Service?
Male PRs who obtained PR through their parents (second-generation PRs) are liable for National Service. We explain the obligations before you apply so your family can decide with full information.