With strong economic growth and political stability, Singapore is a desirable city to live in. As an expat, you might consider putting down roots and making this Lion City your permanent home. Well, we don’t blame you for wanting to become a permanent resident of Singapore since it is a beautiful and vibrant country that offers a high standard of living, a stable economy, and a multicultural society. If your mind is made up, you will undoubtedly be considering your Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) application.
Before you consider relocating to Singapore in the long run, you’ll need to determine your eligibility for a permanent resident status. Hence, we’ve written this guide to answer your questions on the benefits of Singapore PR, along with eligibility requirements and application steps.
What is Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?
If you’re planning to apply to become a permanent resident (PR) in Singapore, you probably already know about some of the perks that come with staying in Singapore. Buckle up and get ready to learn more about Singapore Permanent Residency – the coolest status you can get if you want to live and work in the Lion City on a long-term basis!
Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) is a status granted to foreigners who have been approved to live and work in Singapore on a permanent basis. It’s a highly desired status by many foreigners who have plans to stay, live and work in the country for the long-run. As a PR in Singapore, you’re part of the in-crowd. Numerous benefits will be granted to you such as access to government subsidies for healthcare, education and housing. You can also work and study in Singapore without the need for a visa, and have the flexibility to travel in and out of Singapore without visa restrictions.
Of course, becoming a PR isn’t all fun and games. The application process may vary for every individual. Some applications may take several months to process, therefore it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, like having a steady job and a clean record. Other factors that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes into consideration include your educational qualifications, employment history, income level and length of stay in Singapore. Once you’ve obtained Singapore PR, the sky’s the limit! You’re able to fully immerse yourself in the rich and diverse Singapore culture and participate in the many exciting events and activities that this city has to offer.
Singapore Permanent Resident Benefits
Becoming a permanent resident gives you several benefits that an employment pass holder does not have. Yes, you read that right! Essentially, you can reap most of the amazing benefits and rights that come with Singapore citizenship.
Healthcare
First up, healthcare. As a PR, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best healthcare in the world. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for it! You’ll be able to enjoy the medical benefits offered by Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) board at an affordable rate. And who doesn’t love saving money, right?
Education
What about my kids’ education? Well, you’ll be able to enroll your kids in local schools and enjoy subsidized fees. Furthermore, permanent residents also have access to the SkillFuture program, which provides subsidies for training and upgrading courses to enhance their skills and knowledge. How cool is that?
Housing
And let’s not forget about housing. You’ll be eligible to purchase a HDB flat or private property in Singapore. You can enjoy better tax and government-subsidized public housing from the Singapore Housing Board Development (HDB). And with the government’s cooling measures, property prices are stabilizing, so it’s a great time to invest in your own home!
Hassle-Free Travel In and Out of Singapore
Would you be thrilled if we told you, you would be able to work and study without having to worry about visas? Yes, you read that correctly! You’ll be able to travel in and out of Singapore without the need for a visa. Talk about hassle-free! However, don’t forget to check your re-entry permit’s validity before leaving the country.
Experience Singapore’s Vibrant Society
Last but not least, the amazing Singaporean community. You’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive community, where you’ll be able to meet people from all walks of life. Plus, you can participate in the many exciting events and festivals that Singapore has to offer.
Singapore Permanent Resident Eligibility
How do I make sure I am eligible to be a permanent resident? To make Singapore your home, you must meet certain immigration requirements set forth by the government.
Valid Work Pass
Firstly you need a valid work pass. This includes Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or S-Pass. It’s vital that you give something of value locally and ensure that your contribution to Singapore is credible and reliable. For our Malaysian friends out there, if you’re interested to work here, there are a bunch of job agencies in Singapore that specialise in helping Malaysians find work, like Yuanyii Agency. They’ll match you with potential employers and provide some handy tips and tricks to help you ace your job interview.
Live & Work in Singapore for 6 Months
Now, have you been living and working in Singapore for at least six months? If yes, then you’re good to go! This shows your commitment to the country and your ability to adapt to Singaporean diverse culture and lifestyle. If you’re holding a Student pass, you must have been in Singapore for at least 2 years to be eligible for PR.
Good Track Record of Conduct
To prove yourself as a worthy permanent resident, you need to have a good track record of conduct and show that you are a law-abiding citizen. This means that you have to be on your best behavior and steer clear of any legal troubles.
Steady Income & Financial Assets
Lastly, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have a steady income and financial assets to support yourself and any dependents you may have. This could include proof of employment, qualifying salary, bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents. It’s important to consider the cost of living in Singapore, which can be quite high compared to other countries.
Tips to Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)
Now, are you ready to take the plunge and become a Singapore PR? Amazing! Let’s get over the steps for on how to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency and immigration process together.
Prepare Necessary Documents
First things first, before applying for PR, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents, such as your passport, educational certificates and employment records (including your monthly salary, and any work permit or work visa you currently have on hand). Remember, there’s more to it than just filling out forms and sending in documents. A small error can lead to an applicant’s application being rejected. This is where Yuanyii Agency comes to the rescue. Yuanyii Agency is a Singapore manpower agency and immigration specialist that provides assistance in employment, work pass application and relocation or immigration services. We have years of consultancy experience and have helped many to obtain their residency.
Visit ICA Website
Next up, it’s time to hit the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) website and start filling out your application. Here at Yuanyii Agency, we offer immigration services including investment immigration and Singapore PR. Our professional immigration consultants will assist you in your PR application process as we are trained to understand all the requirements and regulations laid by Singapore’s Immigration, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and ICA.
ICA to Process Application
After submitting your application and paying the fee, you’ll need to wait for the ICA to process your application. It may take from six to twelve months for the processing to be completed, so patience is a virtue during this time. The ICA may request additional documents or information to support your application. Make sure to provide any requested information promptly to avoid any delays in the processing time.
Letter of Approval from ICA
Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a letter from the ICA notifying you of the outcome. If your application is approved, congratulations! However, keeping your status as PR and continuing to leave and enter the country will require that you apply for a Re-Entry (REP) every 5 years. Without a valid REP, a PR outside Singapore will lose their PR status.
What if my PR application gets rejected?
Well, apply again. There’s no cap as to how many times you can apply for the permanent residency. Many ideal candidates out there often get rejected so if you got rejected on your first attempt, do not give up.
Engage with a Singapore PR Application Agency today!
Contact us to arrange a complimentary one-on-one consultation either in person or online. Our experienced immigration advisors can provide immigration compliance strategies and guide you through the Singapore immigration system so you can get your Singapore PR application approved.