Frequently Asked Questions About
Singapore PR
1. What Is A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR?)
A Permanent Resident of Singapore is not a citizen of Singapore. Being a PR means you can purchase property, work and live in Singapore. You are considered as part of the Singapore community and eligible to travelling in and out of the nation as often as you wish unlike foreigners who have restricted movement and require a visa. If you have a child, you can choose to enroll them into a public education school of your choice just like any ordinary Singaporeans. Regarding work, your employer has to complied to Singaporean law and make it a must to make monthly contributions to your Central Provident Fund (CPF) account. For job switching, you no longer need to reapply for a new working visa each time you want to switch jobs.
There’s a lot of benefits for a Singapore PR holder. However, the downside is that your male kids (if they are also PR’s) must enter the national service or known as the “military service” once they have reached the age of 18. You cannot opt out of this national program if you want to stay as a PR.
2. Is Singapore PR Considered As A Citizen Of Singapore?
No, they are not the same although Singapore PR and Singapore Citizen share certain similarities.
A PR of Singapore is NOT a citizen of Singapore. A Singapore PR may apply for citizenship of Singapore if certain conditions can be fulfilled.
3. Only Certain Nationality Can Apply For A Singapore PR?
No. Application for PR is open to any nationality as long as the minimum requirements can be met by the applicants. Any individual of any nationality who can meet the necessary criteria may become a permanent resident of Singapore.
4. I Don’t Have A Spouse Or Children. Can I Still Apply For PR Status?
Yes, you can apply for Singapore PR because marital status does not play a factor when it comes to application for PR status. In addition, there is no rules stated that the applicant is required to have any children before he or she can attempt to apply as PR of Singapore.
5. Should My Spouse And I Apply Separately Or Together?
We highly recommend you and your spouse to apply together even if your spouse holds a valid work pass. The reason is we want to show to the Singapore government that both of you are committed to live in Singapore long term and become one of their potential citizens in the future.
6. How Do I Qualify To Apply For PR Of Singapore?
In order to qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Employment Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass & S-Pass holders
- Spouse of a Singapore citizen or holder of Singapore PR.
- Unmarried children of a Singapore citizen or Singapore PR.
- Aged parents of a Singapore citizen
- Student Pass holders who have been living in Singapore for a minimum of 2 years. They are required to pass at least 1 national exam (Example: GCE N/O/A Levels or PSLE) or are enrolled into the Integrated Programme.
7. Do I Need To Serve The National Service (Aka. Military Service) If My Singapore PR Is Approved?
Permanent Residents under the Professional/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme or Investor Scheme (GIP) are exempted from the National Service. However, male children (PR holder) are compulsory to sign up for National Service (NS).
8. Can I Defer My Son From Performing The NS If He’s No Longer In Singapore In The Future Once He Turns 18?
Most of the qualified male children (aged 18 years) are expected to complete the NS before they pursue their tertiary education. Please feel free to write a letter of deferment to the Ministry of Defence but the acceptance is subject to the discretion of Ministry of Defence.
9. Why Is It Getting Difficult For My PR Approved Nowadays?
This is to prevent the problem of qualified individuals from abusing their PR for personal gains. Back in year 2009, permanent residence can be approved easily and many people exploited this opportunity to make money for themselves. The riches bought houses for cheap and flipped them for massive profits while some individuals regard Singapore as their holiday home and never really bothered to return, work or contribute to the country – both economically or socially.
In addition, the easy PR approval meant increased in the number of foreigners and thus causing overpopulation in this country. Therefore, the Singapore government changes its stance and make PR application becoming stricter with various regulations and conditions. The entire process has become more selective nowadays and only the best applicants who are considered truly worthy will be granted with a permanent residence.
10. What Can I Expect During The Singapore PR Application Interview With ICA Officials?
There is no interview questions involved but the appointment session with one of the ICA staff is considered as the time when you meet the ICA officer face-to-face for document submission and submitting your PR application. The officer will review your documents right on the place, so you can be asked questions concerning your documentation.
You stand zero chance to voice your arguments at all during the session and all your arguments must be in documents you provide. That is why you need to appoint a professional consultant like us to ensure your documents contain strong argumentation on why you are a good fit for Singapore’s society and economy.
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