Singapore is a dynamic global hub with enticing opportunities for foreign migrants. Every year, thousands of foreigners apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status in this country. Today, PR holders make up over 9% of the total population of Singapore, contributing significantly to its growth and development. With assistance from top-notch Singapore immigration consultants, you too can get a visa to this country. PR is one of the most sought-after visa schemes in Singapore, and eligible foreigners can apply for a Blue Card to live and work in this island state. Let’s discuss the eligibility criteria to apply for PR in Singapore.
(Source: https://www.strategygroup.gov.sg/files/media-centre/publications/Population-in-Brief-2022.pdf)
Who Can Apply for Singapore PR?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore establishes the guidelines for PR applications. According to this Ministry, the following categories of foreigners can apply to get an Entry Permit and become permanent residents of Singapore:
- Work Permit Holders: Foreigners in Singapore with a work pass P, Q, or S can apply for PR.
- Family Members of a Citizen: The spouse, unmarried children younger than 21 years, and the aged parents of a Singapore citizen may apply for PR. The spouse and kids of a permanent resident may also apply for Blue Card status.
- Investors or Entrepreneurs: Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) allows investors and entrepreneurs of foreign origin to get PR status. With GIP, business executives, entrepreneurs, and investors can start and run businesses in Singapore. They can get assistance from the Economic Development Board (EDB) for leveraging business networks within the country.
- Foreign Students: Foreign nationals studying in qualified local institutions may be eligible to apply for PR. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore establishes the guidelines for getting PR as a student. To be eligible a person must have studied in Singapore for at least two years, cleared at least one national examination, or must be enrolled in an Integrated Programme.
Submitting Your PR Application: How it Works
All applicants must use the ICA’s e-service to submit their PR applications. They need to submit the necessary documents and furnish the required details to complete the process. Employment pass holders and Singapore PRs, and citizens applying on behalf of their family members can use their SingPass accounts. Eligible students can use their Foreign Identification Number (FIN) to log in to the e-service. Investors applying under the GIP can submit their application through the EDB.
The ICA provides a comprehensive list of documents required for submitting PR applications for different categories of migrants. You can work with experienced Singapore immigration consultants to navigate the intricacies of documentation and streamline your submission. You can submit your application online by paying a non-refundable fee of $100. Once you submit your details, you can wait for the ICA to review and decide the status of your application. Typically, ICA officials take six months or more to process an application.
Although no one can guarantee the approval of your PR application, following expert guidelines during the submission process can improve your chances of success. Contact our Singapore immigration consultants at Strategic Migration Services to learn more about the application process!