Who is eligible to apply
Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) is open to foreigners who meet one of six eligibility categories set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Each category has its own submission route through the ICA e-Service.
Spouses of a Singapore citizen or PR may apply; the citizen or PR sponsor logs in with Singpass to submit. Unmarried children below 21, born within a legal marriage to or legally adopted by a citizen or PR, apply with a parent sponsor. Aged parents of a Singapore citizen aged at least 21 may apply, sponsored by their citizen child.
Holders of an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass may apply by logging in with their own Singpass. Students studying in Singapore who have passed at least one national exam (PSLE, GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels) or are in the Integrated Programme (IP) may apply; those 15 and above use Singpass, those below 15 use the non-Singpass option. Foreign investors apply through the Economic Development Board (EDB) Global Investor Programme (GIP).
What ICA considers — and what it does not publish
ICA states that it takes into account family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. These factors are used to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore, integrate into society, and commit to sinking roots here.
ICA has not published the weight, scoring method, or points assigned to any of these factors. Any claim that a specific activity, language level, or community involvement earns a fixed number of PR points is not supported by ICA’s published material. You should treat such claims as unverified.
A PR is a foreigner granted permanent residence to live in Singapore. PRs aged 15 and above receive the blue Identity Card. A PR needs a valid Re-Entry Permit to travel out and return as a PR.
ICA’s position on immigration agencies
ICA states that it has no affiliation with any external migration agency or commercial entity that claims to be a Singapore immigration specialist or consultant. ICA does not support or endorse services by self-proclaimed professional immigration consultancy providers for PR applications. Apply directly through the ICA e-Service.
Documents and official translations
You must upload certified true copies of original documents, with official translations for documents not in English. ICA accepts translations from the issuing country’s embassy, a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country, or privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised by a notary public.
ICA does not endorse any private translation company. Insufficient documentation can lead to non-acceptance of the application, and ICA may ask for further documents. Use the document checklist on the ICA PR page before submitting.
Fees
The application fee is S$100 for each application, paid at submission. At completion of formalities, you pay S$20 for the Entry Permit, S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit, and S$50 for the Singapore Identity Card.
All fees are non-refundable. Payment is online only: Visa or MasterCard credit/debit, American Express, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered), or PayNow. Successful applicants may be told of other applicable fees later.
Processing time
ICA processes PR applications within 6 months, provided all required documents are submitted and in order. Some applications take longer. You are informed of the outcome by email or post (for applications submitted before 26 June 2024). You can also check status at MyICA or the ICA e-Service.
National Service obligations
All male Singapore citizens and PRs, unless exempted, must serve National Service (NS) under the Enlistment Act 1970. Male applicants granted PR as foreign students or under parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS; they register at 16½ and enlist at 18 at the earliest. MINDEF does not defer NS for university studies.
Renouncing or losing PR status without serving or completing full-time NS has a serious adverse impact on future work, study, or long-term immigration applications in Singapore, and can affect family members’ applications as well.
Singpass and how to submit
You submit the PR application through the ICA e-Service. Every person listed as an applicant must review the form before submission, logging in with Singpass or ICA-issued credentials. A Singpass account approval can take 2 to 5 working days, so register all applicants’ accounts before you start.
If you are not yet an EP or S Pass holder
EP and S Pass holders are an eligible PR category, but you must hold a valid pass first. An EP requires meeting the qualifying salary and, unless exempted, passing the COMPASS points framework (40 points). The qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 for most sectors (S$6,200 for financial services) and rises with age.
This is background for the pass you need before a PR application; the PR assessment itself follows the ICA factors listed above.
Practical steps before you apply (our guidance)
These steps follow from the official requirements but are our suggestions, not ICA rules. Check the eligibility category that fits you first. Gather certified true copies and arrange official translations early. Register Singpass for every applicant before drafting the form. Download the ICA document checklist and match each item. Keep your Re-Entry Permit and pass status valid through the process.