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Becoming a Permanent Resident
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As a foreigner, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if you are a/an:

  • Spouse of a Singapore citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (PR)
  • Unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by, a SC or PR
  • Aged parent of a SC
  • Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
  • Student studying in Singapore
  • Foreign investor in Singapore.

NOTE: ICA takes into account 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 and integrate into our society, as well as his or her commitment to sinking roots.


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ICA accepts:

  • Translations provided by the embassy of the country that issued the document
  • Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country that issued the document
  • Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country that issued the document.

ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.


You will need to read through the following explanatory notes and submit the required supporting documents (please refer to notes and list below) when applying for permanent residence using the e-Service if you are a/an:

If you are a foreign investor in Singapore, you can apply for permanent residence at the Singapore Economic Development Board under the Global Investor Programme.


Procedure

All permanent residence applications must be submitted online using the e-Service.

You may submit a PR application online with a valid Singpass account if you are a/an:
  • SC or PR applying PR for your spouse or for your child who is unmarried and aged under 21
  • SC applying PR for your aged parent
  • Employment Pass or S Pass holder applying PR for self.

If you are a student currently studying in Singapore, you may access the e-Service using your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and the issuance date of your valid immigration pass.

If you are a foreign investor in Singapore, you can apply for permanent residence at the Singapore Economic Development Board under the Global Investor Programme.

For more information on e-Service accessibility, you may refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Step-by-Step guide available in the e-Service.


Fees

A S$100 non-refundable processing fee is payable for each applicant at the point of submission of PR application.

Payment can be made using

  • Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card or,
  • American Express (AMEX) credit card or,
  • Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore) or,
  • PayNow.

Approval

If your application is successful, you will need to pay the following fees for each applicant:

  • S$100 for Entry Permit (for PR applications submitted before 18 December 2017)
  • S$20 for Entry Permit (for PR applications submitted from 18 December 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).

The above fees are payable via NETS or CashCard.


Processing Time

All applications for PR are carefully considered and reviewed by ICA. Generally, PR applications take about four to six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. Depending on the complexity of the case, some applications may take more than six months to process.

The application process includes:
Step 1: Data Verification
Step 2: Document Verification
Step 3: Processing
Step 4: Outcome finalisation
Step 5: Notification of outcome

You will be informed of the outcome via post. Meanwhile, you or your sponsor may check the status of your PR application online through MyICA or the e-Service.

There is no need to contact ICA during this time.

New or repeated applications, for the same person(s), will not be accepted while the current application is still in process.


Additional Information

National Service Liability

Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted1, are required to serve National Service (NS). Following the completion of full-time NS, they will be required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) per year for the duration of their ORNS training cycle, till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).

Main applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.

Male applicants who are granted PR status as a Foreign Student or under their parents’ sponsorship are required to register for NS upon reaching 16½ years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old. Deferment from NS for university studies, regardless of whether such studies have begun, will not be granted. Those who are pursuing full-time GCE ’A’ Level or Polytechnic Diploma studies (or equivalent) may be granted deferment if they meet the deferment conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Defence. All male applicants are required to access www.cmpb.gov.sg for information on NS deferment, pre-enlistment process and Exit Permit requirements, before proceeding with the application.

Males who are granted Singapore PR, and who were previously Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, are liable to be called up for NS regardless of the scheme under which their PR status was granted.

Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS would have an adverse impact on any immediate or future applications to work, study or live in Singapore, or for Singapore citizenship or PR status. Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS may also adversely affect any immediate or future applications for renewal of Re-entry Permits made by one’s family members or sponsors.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Central Manpower Base
Email: contact@ns.sg
Contact No(s):
1800-3676767 (local)
65-65676767 (overseas)

1Main applicants who are granted PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.