To stay in Singapore permanently, you must be a Singapore permanent resident (PR). PRs enjoy many benefits such as lower housing fees and taxes, eligibility to purchase homes, government-backed infant care facilities, etc.
There are several ways to get a Singapore PR. However, applying through the Professional, Technical, and Skilled Workers scheme is the most popular option.
What are the requirements?
If you want Singapore permanent residency, you should meet a few requirements. These include being eligible through a work visa and having financial means to support yourself in the country.
One of the most important things you must do is submit your application online through the ICA’s Electronic PR (e-PR) portal. You must fill out an application form and submit it along with the following documents.
Your application should accompany a passport-sized digital photo that meets the ICA’s photograph requirements. It must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, without any borders or other elements, and in digital image file format.
You must also upload copies of your highest level of education certificates. If you are married, a marriage certificate is also required.
Another important requirement is to have lived in Singapore for at least two years when applying. If you are a student, you must have passed at least one national exam or be in an integrated program.
The other major requirement is to have significant money to live in Singapore. It is especially true if you plan to bring your spouse or children to the city. The cost of living is relatively high in the region, so you will have to ensure that you can support yourself financially if you want to obtain PR status here.
How do I apply?
There are several ways to apply for Singapore permanent residency, depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Firstly, you should decide on the PR scheme that suits your needs and financial resources. It will help you select the best route to apply for Singapore PR. There are several options available to choose from, including the GIP and the PTS schemes.
Once you have the PR status, you will have access to various perks and benefits, such as employment freedom and the Central Provident Fund (CPF). You’ll also be able to receive cheaper medical care and schooling for your children and buy affordable property in Singapore.
Moreover, you’ll have more flexibility in obtaining loans and other debts. You can also use your PR to apply for citizenship, giving you more benefits, such as better tax rates and voting rights.
Lastly, you can also include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in your application for PR. You’ll also be able to enroll your children in the public schools of your choice. These are some of the most important perks of Singapore permanent residency, making it a popular choice among foreigners.
How long will it take?
The application process for Singapore permanent residency can take about nine to twelve months, depending on how much paperwork you need to provide and how well your case is reviewed.
It is because the government has strict policies on immigration to balance the low citizen birth rate and aging population, which helps the country maintain a stable population and economic growth.
Applicants must submit a completed PR application form and supporting documents such as proof of employment tax returns and salary payslips. They also need to provide a photo that meets technical requirements.
It is important to understand that Singapore has several different schemes for permanent residency. These include the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, the Family Ties scheme, and the Global Investor Programme (GIP).
You need to be employed for at least six months before applying for Singapore PR. It will help demonstrate that you have the financial ability to support yourself in the country.
Another benefit of being a Singapore permanent resident is that you can sponsor your children for long-term visit passes. It can greatly help families who want to spend extended periods in Singapore together.
What if my application is rejected?
Many people apply for Singapore permanent residency for a variety of reasons. These include having access to world-class healthcare, financial stability through CPF, and priority for their children’s education.
The ICA also considers your current salary and how this compares to the average income in Singapore. It is because it considers income a direct indicator of your ability to contribute to the country.
Therefore, submitting a high-quality and error-free application that adheres to the ICA’s guidelines is crucial. For this reason, it is recommended to engage a professional immigration consultant with years of experience handling paperwork for a wide range of candidates.
A good immigration consultant will be able to help you identify the reasons why your application was rejected and advise on whether or not to appeal or reapply. They will also explain how to improve your application to be more likely to be approved in the future.
Preparing a strong appeal letter is essential if you want to reverse the ICA’s decision on your application. It is particularly useful if you believe your rejection was based on an incorrect or unjustified basis.
Alternatively, you can submit a new application again after waiting at least 6 months. This method can be more beneficial if you have significant changes in your background, but it can also be time-consuming and costly.