Permanent residency in Singapore opens up a wide range of opportunities for foreigners to live, work and do business. Find out who can get PR, what schemes are available in 2025, how to apply correctly, what documents are required, how much it costs and what benefits resident status provides

Singapore attracts professionals and talented people from all over the world, including citizens of Sri Lanka, Ukraine and Haiti, due to its high standard of living and career opportunities. Every year, many foreigners apply for a permanent residence permit (PR), but the selection process is quite complex. You can apply for yourself and your family: spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Obtaining PR is the first step towards further citizenship of Singapore, which gives access to the benefits of the Central Pension Fund, personal tax benefits and subsidies.

Who can get a residence permit in Singapore and what is the procedure for obtaining the document, read in our material.

What is a permanent residence permit in Singapore?

Permanent residence (PR) in Singapore is a status that allows foreigners to reside in the country for an unlimited period of time and provides rights similar to those of citizens. The application process is controlled and monitored by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In total, Singapore has about 540,000 permanent residents with a total population of 5.92 million people. PR status makes life in Singapore more comfortable and opens up a number of advantages.

Main advantages of a Singapore Permanent Residence Permit

- Freedom of movement and residence - the ability to live, enter and leave without additional visas. A Blue Card is issued, which serves as an identity card.

- Family benefits - the ability to include spouses and unmarried children under 21 in the application. Children have high priority in public schools, right after citizens. The ability to obtain long-term visas for parents.

- Work flexibility - the ability to change jobs without having to re-apply for a work visa.

- Central Pension Fund (CPF) - participation in a savings system for retirement, healthcare, housing and family protection. A lump sum payment after reaching the age of 55. Monthly employer and employee contributions increase financial stability.

- Financial and housing preferences - higher priority when applying for housing loans, the ability to buy apartments in secondary sales of public housing projects (HDB), while new ones can only be purchased by citizens.

- The possibility of obtaining citizenship - after a certain period of residence as a PR, you can apply for full Singapore citizenship with a passport and full rights of a citizen.

- Career and business opportunities - access to a stable job market and a wide range of vacancies. The ability to open a business through various structures and receive government grants.

- High-quality medical care - access to public and private hospitals, clinics and clinics.

Who can apply for a residence permit in Singapore?

To apply for PR, you must meet one of the following categories:

- Family ties: spouses, minor children (under 21 years old) and parents of Singapore citizens or residents.

- Employment Pass or S Pass holders: highly skilled professionals who contribute to the country's economy.

- Students: those who have studied in Singapore for more than 3 years and have successfully passed the national examinations.

- Investors: wealthy individuals who participate in the Global Investor Programme.

How are applications for a Singapore residence permit assessed?

The ICA assesses applications based on the following criteria:

- Economic contribution to the development of Singapore.

- Potential for integration into society.

- Education, professional experience and other personal qualities.

Please note: men applying through sponsorship or student programs are subject to national service.

Ways to obtain a residence permit in Singapore

As of 2025, Singapore offers several ways to obtain a residence permit, mainly through the Permanent Residence (PR) schemes. Here is an overview of the main options.

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

This is the most common route for foreign professionals to work in Singapore. To be eligible, you must:

- Hold a valid Employment Permit (EP), S Pass or EntrePass.

- Be employed in Singapore for at least two consecutive years.

- Demonstrate a stable employment history and good conduct.

- Provide supporting documents such as employment records, educational certificates and proof of income.

Applications are made through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s e-PR system.

2. Global Investor Programme (GIP)

Designed for high net worth individuals, the GIP allows investors to obtain a residence permit by:

- Investing at least S$2.5 million in a new or existing business in Singapore, an approved trust or family office.

To obtain the permit, you must demonstrate entrepreneurial or business experience and provide a commitment to reside in Singapore for a minimum period.

Successful applicants are typically granted Permanent Resident (PR) status within 9-12 months.

3. Family Link Scheme

This scheme is for:

- Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs).

- Elderly parents of Singapore citizens.

The application process involves submitting the required documents, including marriage and birth certificates, through the ICA e-PR system.

4. Student Scheme

Foreign students who:

- Have resided in Singapore for at least two years.

- Have passed at least one national examination (e.g. PSLE, GCE 'O' or 'A' levels).

- Have demonstrated good academic performance.

They can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Student Scheme.

5. Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)

This scheme targets internationally recognised artists in the fields of visual arts, performing arts and literature. Applicants must:

- Demonstrate exceptional talent and achievement in their respective fields.

- Make a contribution to Singapore's cultural landscape.

The acceptance rate for applications under this scheme is generally lower and is dependent on the applicant's recognition and contribution.

6. Foreign Sports Talent Scheme (FST)

Aimed at athletes who can contribute to the development of Singapore’s sports, the FST scheme allows foreign-born athletes to apply for permanent residence if they:

- Have represented Singapore in international competitions.

- Meet the performance criteria set by the relevant sports associations.

How do I apply for a Singapore residence permit?

The application is made online through the ICA e-PR electronic system. To do this, you or your sponsor (a relative who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident) needs to log in using Singpass, an official digital ID card that gives access to government and business services.

The only exception is for students under 15 years of age: they can apply directly through the ICA e-service without using Singpass.

What documents are required?

The application package is quite voluminous. It includes:

- passport-sized photos and birth certificate;

- family information (marriage and other relevant certificates);

- diplomas and certificates of education;

- employment records or certificates of employment and income.

All submitted data is analyzed in a complex. ICA takes into account the applicant's family ties with Singaporeans, professional and economic contribution, educational level and readiness to integrate into society. Therefore, even with a correctly completed application, a positive decision is not guaranteed.

Find a detailed list of documents on the government website.

Cost of obtaining a residence permit in Singapore

- 100 SGD (≈77 USD) - application submission;

- 50 SGD - production of a permanent resident ID card;

- 20 SGD - entry/exit permit (Re-Entry Permit), if you plan to travel outside the country.

Residence permit application processing time

Applications usually take around 6 months to process. If you do not already have a Singpass, please allow an additional 2-5 working days for it to be processed.

Important information about national service

Male citizens and permanent residents of Singapore are required to complete compulsory military service (currently two years) unless officially exempted. This is something to consider when deciding whether to move.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Singapore is a complex but promising process that opens the way to a stable life, career development and social guarantees. Each program has its own requirements and selection criteria, so it is important to carefully prepare documents and correctly substantiate your value to the country. Despite the high competition, successfully obtaining PR gives foreigners access to a wide range of opportunities - from participation in the CPF pension system and educational benefits to the right to future citizenship.

Planning to obtain a residence permit in Singapore?

The procedure may seem complicated: you need to collect a significant package of documents, take into account the requirements of various schemes and correctly substantiate your value to the country. Our migration lawyers will help you:

- choose the optimal way to obtain PR;

- prepare and check documents;

- accompany you at all stages of applying;

- increase the chances of a positive decision from the ICA.

Turn to professionals and make your path to life and career in Singapore easier and more secure.

Reminder! Singapore is preparing for significant changes to its work visa and S Pass policies to support workforce stability and address the shortage of skilled professionals. Find out what changes expats in Singapore can expect in 2025.

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