Singapore, renowned for its dynamic business landscape and exceptional high quality of life, attracts a diverse pool of talent from around the world. Obtaining Permanent Resident (PR) status is a significant milestone for many aspiring to make Singapore their long-term home. However, with a large influx of applicants and limited quotas, the journey to securing PR can be competitive.
According to recent statistics, approximately 150,000 individuals apply for Singapore PR annually. Given the high demand, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) carefully evaluates each application, and roughly 34,000 applicants are granted PR status annually.
So, to navigate this competitive landscape, let’s first understand the different schemes that are available to become a PR in Singapore, each with its own eligibility criteria.
How to Become a Permanent Resident in Singapore
1. Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS)
The Professionals, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme is the most common pathway for foreign professionals seeking Singapore PR. If you currently hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, Personalized Employment Pass (PEP), or EntrePass and are working in professional, managerial, executive or skilled roles, this scheme is likely applicable to you. Industry estimates suggest that over 95% of professionals successfully obtaining PR status utilise this route.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a valid Employment Pass, S Pass, Personalized Employment Pass (PEP), or EntrePass
- Be currently employed in Singapore
- Have held your current work pass for a minimum of six months (documentation of the past six months’ salary is typically required)
2. Global Investor Programme
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is designed to attract high-net-worth foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers who are interested in starting a business, investing or participating in government-approved investment funds in Singapore.
To qualify, applicants must select one of the following investment options:
Option A: Business Investment
- Invest a minimum of SGD 10 million in a new or existing Singapore-based business.
- Employ at least 30 staff members, with at least half being Singaporean citizens. For existing businesses, at least 10 new hires must be Singaporean.
Option B: Fund Investment
- Invest at least SGD 25 million focused on Singapore-based companies.
Option C: Family Office
- Establish a Singapore-based single-family office with at least SGD 200 million in assets under management.
- Deploy and maintain a minimum of SGD 50 million in Singapore investments across various asset classes.
- Employ at least five additional family office professionals, with at least three being Singaporean citizens.
3. Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme
The Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme is specifically designed for internationally recognised artists in fields like photography, dance, music, theatre, literature, or filmmaking with exceptional talents. The scheme aims to attract and retain world-class artistic talent to enrich Singapore’s cultural landscape.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be accepted for this scheme:
- Possess relevant academic qualifications or professional training in their artistic field.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of accomplishments in their respective art form (literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, design, or media).
- Have made substantial contributions to Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape.
- Demonstrate a clear intention to continue contributing to Singapore’s arts scene.
4. Foreign Spouse and Children Scheme
The Foreign Spouse and Children Scheme is for foreign spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of Singapore Citizens or PRs. For the PR application, the Singaporean citizen or PR must provide the following documents:
- Official marriage certificate
- Birth certificates for all children, clearly indicating both parents’ names and the child’s name (adoption papers required for adopted children)
- Divorce certificate and child custody papers for children from previous marriages (if applicable).
5. Foreign Student Scheme
Foreign students who seek quality education and would like to make this city-state their permanent home can apply for a PR under the Foreign Student Scheme.
To be entitled for this scheme, applicants must:
- Have resided in Singapore for a minimum of two years.
- Completed one of the following national examinations:
- Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
- General Certificate of Education ‘N’ Level (GCE ‘N’ Level)
- General Certificate of Education ‘O’ Level (GCE ‘O’ Level)
- General Certificate of Education ‘A’ Level (GCE ‘A’ Level)
While the process of obtaining a PR can be complex and competitive, understanding the various pathways available is crucial to increasing your chances of success. At Prime Immigration, we understand Singapore’s immigration requirements and will do our best to guide you through the Singapore PR application and Singapore citizenship registration process. Our team of professionals will ensure that your application is meticulously prepared to maximise your chances of approval.
Contact our immigration consultancy today to know more.