Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore PR Application
How To Apply For PR In Singapore Successfully?
While different factors may affect your chances of success and PR eligibility in Singapore, you can rest assured that we are fully committed to guiding you through the application requirements and procedure.
Other additional documents may aid in a better approval rate for your permanent residency applications. These can be past or present economic or social contributions you have made, recommendation letters from your employers, existing business networks in Singapore and more.
For more information on the required document and what to include in your application form, check out our article on the checklist of additional documents on how to apply for Singapore PR.
Alternatively, you may contact us today for a complimentary consultation so that we can better advise you on increasing your chances of approval for Singapore permanent residency based on your specific needs.
How Long Does Singapore PR Application Take?
After submitting the required documents for your application for Singapore PR, the entire PR application process generally takes about six months. However, the outcome of an individual application status may also take longer than six months (or shorter) as each case might be different.
Can Foreigners Get PR In Singapore?
There are several paths to apply for PR in Singapore, each with different eligibility criteria.
Generally, you may be eligible to apply for a PR in Singapore:
- Holding on to a work pass in Singapore like S Pass or Employment Pass
- Students already studying in Singapore
- Foreign investors in Singapore
- Spouse of A Singapore citizen or PR
- Unmarried child aged below 21 years old of Singapore Citizen or PR
Can PR Stay In Singapore Without A Job?
Yes, a PR can stay in Singapore without a job. As a Singapore PR, you are not mandated to work to continue living in Singapore.
However, you may not get the entire 5-year REP renewal duration when the time comes for you to renew the REP. (The Singapore Government will conduct a minor reassessment of your profile and part of the renewal criteria depends on the type of scheme you have gotten your PR through.)
For instance, if you have received your Singapore PR through the Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, it is vital to ensure that you are working in a Singapore-registered entity and are physically residing in Singapore during your REP renewal to ensure higher chances of your renewal going through.
In the unfortunate circ*mstance of the main applicant passing away or divorcing the spouse or any such situation, the spouse can continue to stay in Singapore as long as their REP is valid. However, if the renewal is due, please get in touch with us while there is still time to understand your options.
What Happens Once I Am Granted Singapore PR?
Once your Singapore permanent residency application has been approved, you will receive an approval letter or otherwise known as an in-principle approval letter (IPA letter). The IPA letter consists of steps to complete your PR formalities.
To find out more, check out our article on what to do after you have been granted PR status.
Do I have To Serve National Service (NS) If I Apply For PR?
If you are acquiring PR status through the PTS scheme, you are not needed to serve full-time National Service. As a first-generation Singaporean citizen, you won't be required to enlist for NS.
However, it is vital to note that under the Singapore Enlistment Act, conscription into military service is compulsory. Unless exempted, all healthy males (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) must complete two years of compulsory military service.
After completing full-time National Service, NSmen will be officially called Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).
Are you able to contribute CPF at higher rates in the first two years after you obtained your Singapore Permanent Resident status?
Yes, you can.
Both you and your employer shall come to a consensus and mail the completed Form JAP/94 to the CPF Board.
The employer and employee can choose either:
- The full contribution rate for both employer and employee, or
- The full contribution rate for employer and graduated (or partial) rate for employee.