An Employment Pass or S Pass holder is one of the categories eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses each application on a range of factors and does not publish approval rates, nationality-specific statistics, or a points breakdown for PR.
Who Can Apply
You may apply for PR if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore PR
- Unmarried child aged below 21 born within a legal marriage to, or legally adopted by, a Singapore citizen or PR
- Aged parent of a Singapore citizen aged at least 21
- Student studying in Singapore who has passed at least one national exam (PSLE, GCE N/O/A-Levels) or is in the Integrated Programme
- Foreign investor under the Global Investor Programme (see EDB website)
An employer or appointed employment agent applies for the EP or S Pass on behalf of the candidate. For PR, the EP/S Pass holder submits the application personally via the ICA e-Service using Singpass.
Factors ICA Considers
ICA states it takes into account the following when assessing an applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into society, as well as commitment to sinking roots:
- Family ties to Singaporeans
- Economic contributions
- Qualifications
- Age
- Family profile
- Length of residency
ICA does not publish the weight given to each factor, nor does it release a scoring rubric, approval rates by nationality, or median time-to-PR figures.
Application Process and Fees
All applications are submitted online through the ICA e-Service. Each applicant added to the form must review and declare using Singpass (or unique login credentials provided by ICA for those ineligible for Singpass). Singpass registration may take 2–5 working days.
Fees (non-refundable)
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| At submission | S$100 per application |
| At completion of formalities | S$20 for Entry Permit, S$50 for 5-year Re-Entry Permit, S$50 for Singapore Identity Card |
Payment is made online via Visa/MasterCard, American Express, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered), or PayNow. Successful applicants will be notified of any other applicable fees.
Processing Time
Applications are processed within 6 months provided all required documents are submitted and in order. Some applications may take longer. Outcomes are communicated via email or post (for applications submitted before 26 June 2024). Status can be checked on MyICA or the e-Service.
Documents Required
You must provide certified true copies of original documents and official translations for documents not in English. ICA accepts translations from:
- The embassy of the issuing country
- A notary public in Singapore or the issuing country
- Privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised by a notary public
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance; additional documents may be requested. Refer to the ICA PR document checklist for the full list.
National Service Obligation
Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and PRs (unless exempted) are required to serve National Service (NS).
- Male applicants granted PR as a foreign student or under parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS.
- They must register for NS at 16½ years old and are scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity after turning 18.
- MINDEF allows attainment of up to A-Levels, polytechnic diploma, or equivalent pre-tertiary qualification before enlistment. No deferment is granted for university studies.
- Renouncing or losing PR without serving or completing full-time NS has serious adverse consequences for future work, study, or long-term immigration facilities in Singapore, and also affects family members’ applications.
For NS enquiries, contact the Central Manpower Base at 1800-3676767 (local) or +65-65676767 (overseas), or email contact@ns.gov.sg.
After Approval
Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA). PR status is granted once the necessary conditions are fulfilled. PRs aged 15 and above are issued a blue Identity Card. A valid Re-Entry Permit is required to travel out of and return to Singapore as a PR.
EP Eligibility Context (for Current Pass Holders)
If you are on an EP or S Pass, your continued eligibility depends on meeting the EP qualifying salary and, unless exempted, passing the points-based COMPASS framework (40 points required). The EP qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 (S$6,200 for financial services) and rises progressively with age, with increases scheduled from 1 January 2027. COMPASS evaluates salary benchmark, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment, skills bonuses (Shortage Occupation List), and strategic economic priorities bonuses. Exemptions from COMPASS apply if fixed monthly salary is at least S$22,500, for overseas intra-corporate transferees, or for roles of one month or less.
Employers must also meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement before submitting new EP applications.
