Guide to Singapore Citizenship and Permanent Residence - 2024 Update
Singapore is one of the best countries in the world to live in. It has great health care, a low crime rate, good schools, and many jobs and business opportunities. People are drawn to Singapore because it has so many benefits compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.
It is not surprising that foreigners want to apply for a PR (Permanent Resident) status so they can enjoy the benefits it offers. The PR status also puts you in a good position to apply for Singapore citizenship if everything works out well.
What does it take to become a Singapore PR?
What are the things you need to apply for Singapore citizenship?
How much money will be needed?
We’ll answer these questions and more in this complete guide.
Inside the article...
- Being a Singapore Permanent Resident - An Introduction
- What are the Five Schemes Available for Singapore Permanent Residency?
- What is the Singapore Permanent Residence Application Process?
- What are the SPR Application Fees?
- Processing Time for SPR Application
- Singapore Citizenship
- National Service Liability
Being a Singapore Permanent Resident - An Introduction
Lots of individuals are taking up permanent residence in Singapore annually. However, not all of them have to go through similar application procedures. The permanent residence application is applicable for the whole family, the applicant, the spouse, and children under 21 who are not married. The fascination to attain Singapore PR through several schemes has prompted many foreigners from diverse backgrounds to make this island state their home. This is because this city is one of Asia's most developed and stable places. Moreover, it also serves as a vital financial hub in the area.
By getting the Singapore PR, you would be able to enjoy lots of rights and benefits that are available only to the citizens. The range of benefits includes:
Your children get high priority public schooling.
You have the right to stay in the city without any visa restrictions.
Can take part in retirement funds schemes.
Lots of freedom to engage in purchasing property and so on.
You may check out this article about the benefits of Singapore Permanent Resident for more detail.
Simultaneously, you have to make a few commitments. This includes enlisting your sons for two years of mandatory military service as soon as they reach 18 years of age.
Majority of the foreigners get a PR after working in the city for a certain number of years. However, there are other ways in which you can gain Singapore PR status.
Exploring the Permanent Residence Schemes and Requirements for Singapore PR Status
Let's take a look at the five different permanent resident schemes that Singapore provides. Based on your individual circumstances and requirements, choose the one that is most suited to help you settle in this country.
Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS)
Sponsored Scheme for your Foreign Spouse and Unmarried Children
Global Investor Program (GIP)
Foreign Artistic Talent Programme (ForArts)
Foreign Student Option
PTS Scheme - Singapore PR Application for EP/S Pass/PEP Holders/EntrePass
The PTS scheme is the easiest and most common scheme made available to foreigners working in Singapore.
To qualify for the scheme, you need to be a holder of one of these visas:
Employment Pass (EP)
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
S Pass
You also need to submit a payslip with at least six months worth of salary and that you have to be currently employed at the time of permanent residency application.
Sponsored Scheme for Foreign Spouse and Unmarried Children
Another way to obtain permanent residence status in Singapore is through the Sponsored Scheme, which is mainly for those whose spouse is either a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR), or whose unmarried children aged 21 and below were born in legal marriages or legally adopted.
Global Investor Program (GIP)
Investors who need a Singapore PR can apply for the same through an investment scheme called the GIP scheme (Global Investor Programme). In this scheme, by starting a business, you can apply for permanent residence for yourself and your close family members. However, the minimum investment for starting the business should be SGD 2.5 million, or you have to invest a similar amount in any established businesses in Singapore.
As of 2024, the applicant must meet one of three investment options to qualify for the GIP Scheme:
Investing at least S$2.5 million (US$1.8 million) in a new business entity or an expanding existing entity in Singapore;
Invest S$2.5 million (US$1.8 million) in an EDB-registered GIP fund that invests in Singaporean businesses; or
Invest S$2.5 million (US$1.8 million) in a new or existing Singapore-based family office having assets under management of at least S$200 million (US$148 million).
Foreign investors who want to go the investment route must comply with one of the three options:
Option A now requires a minimum investment of S$10 million in a new or existing business. The old requirement of S$2 million total business expenditure has been removed, focusing solely on creating high-value jobs for Singaporeans.
Option B requires investors to make a minimum investment of S$25 million in a select group of GIP-approved funds. These funds are chosen based on their track record and industry focus, strongly emphasizing established venture capital funds in Singapore.
Option C has also been updated. To qualify, investors must establish a Singapore-based family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management. A minimum of S$50 million must be allocated to specific investment categories, such as Singapore-qualifying debt securities, private equity in non-listed Singapore-based businesses, companies listed on licensed exchanges, and funds distributed by licensed Singapore fund managers.
Option A will need a minimum investment of S$10 million in
A new Singapore business entity or
An expansion of an existing business
Investors going for Option A must provide a 5-year business or investment plan for the future.
Option B will need a minimum investment of S$25 million in a GIP fund investing in Singapore companies. You can refer to the list of approved GIP Funds.
Option C requires a minimum investment of S$2.5 million in a new or existing Singapore-based Single family office with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million.
Foreign Artistic Talent Programme
The artistic scenes in Singapore have witnessed massive growth in recent years. This is in line with the nation's goal to turn into a regional arts club. Do you have any talents that lie in the form of music, dance, photography, arts, literature, film, or theatre?
If you answered yes, you can apply for Singapore permanent residency via the Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts).
Applicants going through the ForArts scheme will need to meet all of the following minimum criteria:
Relevant training and education in their field of practice
Relevant professional experience with outstanding achievements in any of the following fields:
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Literary Arts
Design
Media
Made significant contributions to Singapore’s art and culture scene, including a strong track record of local engagements at a leadership level
Have concrete plans for continued involvement in Singapore’s art and culture sector.
If an applicant does not meet the minimum criteria, he or she can still make a direct application for PR via Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. ICA has different assessment criteria and considerations.
Foreign Student Option
Singapore’s education system is globally competitive and graduating from any of their educational institutions can put you ahead of everyone else.
Students who are holders of Student Pass are eligible to apply for PR as long as they are studying in the country at the time of application.
Foreigh students can apply for PR at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority for consideration.
They need to meet the minimum criteria:
Have resided in Singapore for more than two years at the time of application
Have passed at least one national exam (GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ levels or PSLE) or are in Integrated Programme (IP).
Male applicants who are granted PR status or were sponsored by their parents’ for PR application are required to register for the National Service once they reach 16 ½ years of age and enlist by the time they reach 18 years old.
Want to find out whether you qualify for any of these Singapore PR schemes?
We’ll be more than happy to assist you. Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss your immigration options!
What is the Singapore Permanent Residence Application Process?
Singapore PR applications can be submitted quickly and easily through ICA e-Service. All you need is a valid SingPass account, and you're all set to file your PR application online. It doesn't matter if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident applying for spouse or child (unmarried and under 21), an aged parent, or an EP/S Pass holder applying for yourself - the process remains the same.
In terms of the documents required, each case is unique and the documents you need to submit depend on the type of PR application. To help, ICA has provided an explanatory note and document list for each category of application.
Students currently studying in Singapore may access e-Service via their FIN or Foreign Identification Number together with the issuance date of their immigration pass.
Foreign investors and business owners looking to secure a PR through the GIP scheme will need to go through the Singapore Economic Development Board under the Global Investor Programme.
For applicants going through the GIP scheme, the process is a bit different.
Applicants will go through the EDB website to submit the completed application forms. They will then be invited for an interview by the EDB.
When an applicant meets the assessment criteria, the ICA will issue an Approval-In-Principle (AIP) which is valid for six months and allows the investors to come into singapore to make the necessary investments for their selected investment options (A or B).
Once the investment has been made, the applicant will provide documents of the investments made to the EDB. These documents include bank statements and true copies of share certificates among others. They will also need to submit the Investment Undertaking on the Terms and Conditions of investments made.
Once these investment documents are verified by the EDB, ICA will issue the final approval letter. The applicant will then need to formalize his or her PR status within twelve months from the date of the approval letter.
Foreign artists and creative professionals securing a PR through the ForArts scheme will go through the National Arts Council (NAC) for their application.
Applicants going through the ForArts scheme also have a different process.
Applicants will need to go to the website and complete the downloadable application form along with a copy of their CV to the NAC managers.
Suitable applicants are contacted by the NAC to submit additional documents for assessment. Applicants will be informed of the outcome within three months after NAC receives all the requested documents.
Successful applicants chosen for the ForArts Scheme will need to complete ICA’s PR Application Form and provide the necessary documents. This will be submitted together with NAC’s recommendation for the ForArts scheme.
ICA is the final authority on all PR applications.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the entire process, you can always get in touch with us. Get in touch with us today and we’ll get your questions sorted.
What are the Singapore PR Application Fees?
You'll need to pay a processing fee of S$100, which is non-refundable per PR applicant at the time of submission. You will not get refunded this application fee if your application is rejected.
If the Singapore PR application is successful, you'll need to pay the following fees per PR applicant:
S$100 for Entry Permit for applications submitted before Dec 18 2017
S$20 for Entry Permit for PR applications submitted from Dec 18 2017, onwards
S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit
S$50 for Identity Card
S$30 per Entry Visa (foreigners requiring a visa)
Singapore PR Application Processing Time
It usually takes 6-12 months for ICA to review and process each PR application, assuming that all documents are properly filed and submitted. Some applications may take longer than twelve months if the case is complex.
There are five steps to the application process:
Data Verification
Document Verification
Processing
Outcome Finalization
Notification of Outcome
You will know whether or not your PR application is approved through post or email but you can check the status of the application via MyICA or e-Service. You don't need to contact ICA during the time they are processing your application.
Repeated or new applications for the same person are not accepted while there is an ongoing application in queue.
Singapore Citizenship Application Procedures
Like other countries, there are pros and cons to becoming a Singapore Citizen. But the most significant disadvantage here is Singapore does not honour dual citizenship. Foreigners looking to apply for citizenship will need to renounce their current citizenship if their application is approved. If you are unsure about renouncing your current citizenship, you might as well apply for a Singapore PR status.
But that is a minor setback compared to what you are getting. The Singapore passport is considered one of the most powerful passports globally as passport holders enjoy visa-free access to more than 180 countries and territories. Citizens also enjoy subsidies on education, housing, employment, and healthcare.
There are six steps to applying for Singapore citizenship, but they're not as straightforward as applying for a Singapore permanent residency.
Step 1: Reviewing Your Eligibility
The first step to the Singapore citizenship journey is reviewing your eligibility.
These are the people who're eligible for applying for a Singaporean citizenship
An individual at least 21 years of age and has been a holder of permanent residence status for at least two years before the application
Spouse of Singapore citizen who's been a permanent resident for at least two years before the application.
Child born outside Singapore but parents are Singapore citizens, and must be below 21 years of age and unmarried
Students granted a PR status while applying for citizenship and have resided in Singapore for at least three years (at least one of which should be a PR) and passed at least one National Exam (PSLE, GCE N/O/A levels, etc) or in the Integrated Programme (IP).
A PR and an aged parent of a Singapore Citizen
Other than the above mentioned criteria, the following aspects play a crucial role in deciding the result of the citizenship application. These include:
Your track record while living in Singapore during your time as a Singapore PR holder
Your ability to abide by the law
Your social and financial investment in Singapore, which will indicate your intention to stay in the country long-term
Your capability of being resourceful for the nation and not turning into a liability. That is your potential to produce wealth for yourself and your loved ones, whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee and your entire financial capacity.
Step 2: Preparing Citizenship Application and Supporting Documents
You can apply for Singapore citizenship online through ICA e-Service. But beforehand, you need to prepare the following required documents for your application.
Make sure that you have the original copies and photocopies of these documents:
Existing passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate; Divorce Certificate; Separation Deed
Singapore PR card and PR certificate
Educational certificates (high school and above)
Death Certificate of an ex-spouse or proof of children's custody from the previous marriage
Deed Poll or change of name (religious certificate) if applicable
Foreign citizenship certificate
Certificate of employment or letter of employment from employer
Income tax notice of assessment for the last three years
For employed, your payslips for the last six months and CPF contributions for 12 months
For business owners, the latest ACRA business profile together with the balance sheet or profit and loss account of your business
You can also file for your spouse's and children's citizenship application together with yours as long as they are permanent residents and have met the eligibility criteria listed above.
Your spouse will need the same documents above. Your children will require a birth certificate, passport, and PR certificate. Take note that your family application is approved or rejected at the same time.
Although not required, these documents will significantly help in your citizenship application:
A cover letter goes well with your application. This should summarize the critical points of your application (i.e. why you decided to want to become a citizen, what your financial strengths are, and so on).
If you purchased any property in Singapore during your stay, you might include the proof of purchases as supporting documents.
Along with proof of purchases, it would help if you could prove any significant financial assets if any.
The bottom line here is that you need to convince the Singapore government that you are good enough to be approved.
Step 3: Completing the Application Procedure
Assuming you have the necessary application and supporting documents, it's time to proceed with the application.
All Singapore citizenship applications need to be submitted online using the ICA e-Service. Individual file sizes of documents should not exceed 2MB.
There is a non-refundable processing fee of S$100, which is payable upfront for every application.
If the application is successful, you'll need to pay S$70 for the Singapore Citizenship Certificate. New citizens aged 15 years old and above must obtain the pink National Registration Identity Card for a fee of S$10.
Step 4: Waiting for the Outcome and Singapore Citizenship Application Processing Time
After submitting your citizenship application, you can expect to wait anywhere from six months to up to one year for the outcome.
As the main applicant or sponsor, you can check the Singapore citizenship application status via MyICA. Keep in mind that any updates or clarifications will be sent to the main applicant or sponsor, so make sure a valid email address is provided during your application.
Step 5: The Oath Taking Event and Officially Becoming a Singapore Citizen
After approval of your Singapore citizenship, you will receive a letter via regular postal. You must then visit an ICA office to take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL). Note that Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, which is why the renunciation oath is necessary.
Your approval letter will contain the appointment date and time for your oath-taking event. You'll need to prepare the following documents:
Original and photocopy of the Renunciation Letter of Foreign Citizenship.
Your PR Card or Blue Identity Card
Other documents listed in the approval letter
For the Renunciation Letter of Foreign Citizenship, you'll have to visit your country's embassy and give up your citizenship after receiving the citizenship approval letter. Remember that you can't become a dual citizen in Singapore.
The embassy will submit the sworn statement of renouncement and send it to the concerned authorities back in your home country for processing. This may take anywhere between one months and up to a year. You'll receive a notification from your embassy that they've processed your application. Once they finish processing, you'll get an official certificate that you lost your nationality.
Don't worry since between the time it takes to wait for the renunciation certificate, your country's embassy will provide you with a letter that states they're currently working on the application, which you can submit to the ICA. This letter will be a temporary substitute for the Loss of Citizenship certificate.
Once you are finished meeting with the officer, you can apply for a Singapore passport on the spot when you complete an application for the issuance of a passport. This shouldn't take you less than 5 minutes to complete because it's still filed in the ICA office.
You'll need to pay S$70 for each passport application via NETS. Your passport will be mailed to you between three and five days via registered post.
Step 6: Singapore Citizenship Ceremony
Three to four months after taking your oath, you'll be asked to attend another event. This time, it's for the Citizenship Ceremony. This is held at your nearest local community centre near your residential area.
Your attendance at this ceremony is compulsory, except for infants, aged adults, or disabled adults.
All new citizens in the area will be attending the ceremony together, so you'll need to bring in the following documents:
Letters you received from ICA
Your temporary identity card
This program lasts for about two hours and is attended by a state minister and your local MP. The programme will consist of:
Guest of honor speech
Singing of national anthem
Reciting the pledge
Presentation of pink Identity Cards (NRIC) and Citizenship certificates
Group photo
Reception
And once that's all said and done, congratulations! You are officially a Singaporean citizen, with perks and all.
Singapore Citizenship Application Fees
This table will show you the associated fees for the Singapore citizenship application.
National Service Liability for Singapore PR and Citizens
Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to go through military training called National Service. Your male children will go through this service by the time they’re 18, even if they were sponsored for SPR.
The National Service was first introduced in 1967 to augment the military defence of Singapore, instill discipline, and develop strong leadership skills into male Singaporeans. This is the equivalent of the mandatory 2-year military service in South Korea for all male citizens.
Under the Enlistment Act, male Singapore Citizens and PRs are required to register for NS by the time they’re 16 ½ years of age. They will commence their service full-time by the time they reach 18 years old.
Their service constitutes 40 days of Operationally Ready NS (ORNS) every year until they reach the age of 50 for officers and 40 for other ranks.
There are instances of deferment and exemptions for the National Service, which you can read up on CMFB’s website.
Not completing your NS or not applying for NS will greatly affect your PR renewal and possibly citizenship application.
Closing
Singapore government is open to the arrival of professionals who can contribute to the country's development. If you have any questions on becoming a Singapore PR or on becoming a Singapore citizen, we would be more than happy to assist you.