Permanent Residence Application

A Permanent Resident (PR) is a foreigner granted permanent residence status, allowing them to reside in Singapore permanently. PRs aged 15 and above will receive a blue Singapore Identity Card (IC). As a PR, you must hold a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) to travel overseas and return to Singapore as a PR.

If you are eligible, you can use this e-Service to submit and track your PR application online.

You are eligible to apply for permanent residence if you fall under any of the categories below. Check the table to see if you require a local sponsor. 

ICA considers factors such as the individual's family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile, and length of residency, to assess the applicant's ability to contribute to Singapore, integrate into our society, and their commitment to sinking roots.

ICA has no affiliation with any other external migration agency/commercial entity that claims to be a Singapore immigration specialist/consultant or partner. ICA does not support or endorse services by self-proclaimed professional immigration consultancy service providers for permanent residence applications.

Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents, must serve National Service (NS) unless exempted. This includes all male applicants who are granted Singapore citizenship or Singapore permanent residence status as a foreign student or under their parents’ sponsorship.

All male applicants must access www.cmpb.gov.sg for information on NS before proceeding with this application.

Enlistment and Deferment Conditions for Male Applicants

If you are required to serve NS:

• Registration and Enlistment: You must register for NS upon reaching 16½ years old. You will be scheduled for enlistment into full-time NS at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old.
• Pre-Tertiary Studies: MINDEF allows students to attain educational qualifications up to the ‘A’ Levels, polytechnic diploma, or an equivalent pre-tertiary qualification before serving NS. You will be enlisted at the earliest opportunity after finishing pre-tertiary education, or after turning 18, whichever is later.
• University Studies: MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies, regardless of whether such studies have begun. If you are granted citizenship while in university, you must disrupt your studies to enlist if you cannot complete them before your enlistment date.
• Operationally Ready NS: Following the completion of full-time NS, you will become an Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman). Your obligation will end at age 50 (for Officers) or 40 (for other ranks).

Consequences of Defaulting      

Failing to discharge your NS liabilities carries severe legal and immigration consequences:

 For further enquiries, please contact the Central Manpower Base at 1800-3676767 (local) or 65-65676767 (overseas) or email [email protected].

Refer to the checklist on the documents required(PDF, 84KB) for your application. 

All applicants and sponsors must log in with Singpass. If you are ineligible for Singpass, use the unique login credentials provided by ICA. If you do not have a Singpass account, apply for one before starting your permanent residence application. 

All fees are non-refundable. 

Successful applicants will be notified of other applicable fees subsequently.

ICA generally processes the application within 6 months, provided you submit all the required documents. Some applications may take longer to process.

You will receive your application outcome via email. You can also check your permanent residence application status online or via MyICA portal. 

Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and must complete the formalities for the issuance of your IC.