How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) Singapore?

When it comes to providing a quality life to a citizen, Singapore has ranked constantly as one of the top countries to live in. Thus, foreigners look for permanent residence visas to stay in Singapore indefinitely and enjoy the benefits that every other citizen enjoys. However, these individuals should know how to get PR in Singapore and carry out the correct application procedure. For the purpose we have mentioned every details here!

You can apply for residency if you meet the eligibility criteria for Singapore PR mentioned below. They are:

• The applicants have valid passes, including personalised employment pass, employment pass, S pass, EntrePass.
• Applicants have worked in the country for a minimum of six months before they apply for residency.
• The individual is below 21 years of age and a child of permanent citizens of Singapore. Also, they must be unmarried and born or adopted in a legal marriage.
• He or she is the spouse of a permanent resident of Singapore.
• The applicant is a holder of a Singapore citizen.
• He or she is an aged parent of a resident of Singapore.
• The applicant is a foreign investor having an investment of at least $2.5 million in a start-up or a renowned company in Singapore.
• He or she is a student who has already resided in the country for two years when filling out the application form. Also, the individual has passed at least one national exam or is in an integrated program.

Now that you know all about the eligibility criteria, here are the steps on how to get PR in Singapore.

Step 1: Sign in to the ICA's eServices page for Singapore permanent residence.

Step 2: Select the category you are applying for, i.e. as a student, employer, family member, etc.

Step 3: You can also select the status of the application on the site. For example, choose whether you are applying for yourself, your aged parents, spouse or children.

Step 4: Next, the site will require you to upload the necessary documents and download the application form.

Step 5: Fill in the form and upload it after you complete it. For uploading the documents, you get seven days, so do it before that.

Step 6: Lastly, make the payment as mentioned on the eServices site.

After completing your part of the process, the ICA building sets an appointment with you. The officials will take your interview and verify your documents on a particular date. Then you have to wait for 4 to 6 months to get your permanent resident visa in hand. Remember to complete your documentation carefully, or it can delay the process.

One of the most important things to keep in mind while learning how to get PR in Singapore is what documents are necessary for applicants while filing. To avoid any confusion, they are listed down in bullets.

• Identification proof
• Immigration pass
• Passport with a validity of six months 
• Name changing certificate and deed poll, if required
• Two passport-sized photos
• Certificate of the highest degree of education
• Proof of the individual’s date of birth
• Current employment letter with every detail of your employment
• Registration certificate showing details of shareholders and owner in case of self-employed business
• Signed consent issued by the Tax department to obtain financial documents

Once an individual fulfils the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in Singapore, there are several ways to apply for the PR process. They are as follows:

• Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Worker Scheme (PTS Scheme)
• Foreign Student Scheme
• Sponsored Scheme
• Global Investor program Scheme (GIP Scheme)
• Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (For Arts)

The eligibility criteria and other details related to each scheme are discussed below. Choose the pathway best suited for you depending on the category you fall into.

1. Professional, Technicians, and Skilled Worker Scheme (PTS Scheme)

This scheme is for those working in Singapore for a certain period. Remember, the longer an applicant works in the country, the greater is his or her chances of getting PR in Singapore. This means the ICA officials primarily will judge you for your candidacy based on the merits and skills you have built.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be legally employed in the country using an Employment pass, S-pass, EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass.
• The spouses of the work permit holder must be permanent citizens of Singapore. 

2. Foreign Student Scheme

Applicants who are studying in Singapore fall under this category. Therefore, their eligibility for the Singapore PR process depends on their merit list. However, the requirements that they need to fulfil are listed below.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have stayed in the country for at least two years when filing the form.
• Possess a pass certificate of any national exams, including GCE N/O/A or PLSE level. Or you are a part of an integrated program. 

3. Sponsored Scheme

If you are a spouse or child/legally adopted child/step-child of a permanent citizen of Singapore and have met all the eligibility criteria, then this scheme is for you. The officials will access your file based on the merits of your sponsor. So, it indicates that your sponsor can support your stay in Singapore.

Moreover, you get extra credit if you can prove you have a good background relating to education, clean record, employability, etc. However, make sure you fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are an unmarried child with age below 21 whose birth is in the context of a legal marriage. In contrast, they can also be legally adopted by a citizen of Singapore.
• You are the spouse of a permanent citizen of Singapore.

4. Global Investor Program Scheme (GIP Scheme)

The GIP scheme is best suited for a foreign investor who wants to invest at least $2.5 million in either an existing business, start-up from Singapore, or a GIP-approved fund. However, such applicants must have an excellent entrepreneurial background, pre-planned investment, and a good business record.

Eligibility Criteria

• You have an impressive business track record.
• Possess a considerable business background.

5. Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (For Arts)

To gain a competitive edge over other applicants, you can also mention your special talents and skills on the form. As a result, the officials will access your file based on your abilities and skills, thus improving your chances of approval. Some examples of unique talents are art and sports. However, there are some eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfil to use this scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have received recognition in literary arts, performing arts, design, media, visual arts, etc.
• The applicant has a strong leadership background carried out at a local arrangement.
• Outstanding contribution made to the cultural scene and arts of Singapore.
• Complete plan on being involved in Singapore's art and culture sector.

The fee for Singapore PR for Indians is S$150 (Singapore Dollars) which mean ₹ 8414.18 in Indian rupee as of writing. Apart from this, some additional fee is paid to the authorised agents as a service charge that amounts to ₹ 300 (S$5.35) . Remember, this amount is non-refundable even if the application gets rejected.

Now, for those who are looking for the processing time, Singapore authorities take about four to six months to process your application form. However, some applications can take longer. It will depend on the category you have opted for and whether you have submitted all the documents correctly.

There is also an eService available where you can track the status of your application online. Finally, you will receive a letter stating what the officials have decided and further steps to carry on approval.

After you have carried all the steps under how to apply for Singapore PR, you can track the status of your application form. Just follow the below process:

• Visit the official site of ICA.
• Select the option that mentions 'Enquire Application Status’.
• Next, fill in your visa application number along with your travel document details.
• Click on the Submit button, and the site will show you details within seconds.

Following it, it becomes easy to get permanent visa which not only gives you the freedom to stay indefinitely but also enjoy other benefits like:

• Individuals can travel in and out of Singapore without any restrictions.
• They do not need to acquire a new work visa.
• Individuals are eligible for a Central Provident Fund contribution or CPF from your employer.
• They can acquire Singapore citizenship in the future if required. In other words, it is the way to acquire a Singapore passport which is one of the most important passports in the world.
• A permanent resident can also purchase resold public HDB housing in Singapore.
• You will have a better chance of getting loans.