Singapore Permanent Resident Application

As an Employment Pass (EP) holder, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme. Here's the complete process:

Requirements, Procedures, and Fees (Applicable to Employment Pass Holders)

  • Eligibility Requirements

    Basic Criteria

    Hold a valid Employment Pass,Be employed in Singapore at the time of application,Minimum 6 months of employment in Singapore (6 months' payslips required).

    Recommended: Wait 1-2 years to establish stronger track record

    Key Factors ICA Evaluates:

    Salary: Minimum range of S$6,000-S$8,000 (up to S$12,000 if including family)

    Age: Preferably under 50 years old

    Education: Degrees from recognized/prestigious institutions

    Employment: Stable job at established, financially stable company

    Duration: Longer residency in Singapore strengthens application

    Industry: Working in strategic growth sectors (fintech, AI, biomedical sciences) is advantageous

    Character: Clean legal record, community involvement

    Family ties: Having family in Singapore boosts chances

  • Step-by-Step Application Process

    Log in to ICA e-Service using your SingPass

    Fill out two forms: one for yourself and one for your employer

    Upload scanned documents (must complete within 7 days/168 hours of starting)

    Government fees: S$100 per applicant

    Step 3: Wait for Processing

     Processing time: 6-12 months (can extend up to a year in some cases)

    Check status online, but avoid frequent checks

    Step 4: Post-Approval Formalities

    If approved, you'll receive an Approval-in-Principle letter.

    You must:

    Complete medical examination for yourself and family members

    Visit ICA to register for Identity Card and Re-Entry Permit

    Pay post-approval fees (~S$120 per applicant):

    Entry Permit: S$20

    5-year Re-Entry Permit: S$50

    Identity Card: S$50

    Overall, the total cost of a PR application for Singapore permanent residents is approximately $2970.

  • Required Documents Checklist

    Personal Documents

    Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

    Birth certificate

    Passport-sized digital photo (recent)

    Marriage certificate (if applicable)

    Deed poll (if any name changes)

    Employment & Professional Documents

    Current employment letter from employer

    Detailed CV

    Payslips for last 6 months

    Educational certificates and professional qualifications

    IRAS consent letter (allows ICA to verify income)

    Family Documents (if including dependents)

    Spouse's documents (passport, birth certificate)

    Children's birth certificates (unmarried children under 21)

    Additional Supporting Documents (to strengthen application)

    Professional awards or accolades

    Proof of community involvement/volunteer work

    Membership certificates from professional associations

    Evidence of family ties in Singapore

How to Strengthen Your Application

  • Showcase Economic Contributions

    Highlight high salary and consistent employment

    Emphasize expertise in key growth industries

    Include professional achievements and awards

  • Demonstrate Social Integration

    Join local professional organizations or associations

    Participate in community service or volunteering

  • Provide Evidence of Local Family Ties

    Signal Long-Term Commitment

    Purchase property in Singapore

    Enroll children in local schools

    Show stable financial status with no bad debt