Singapore PR can be applied for by six Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) eligibility groups, including spouses, children, aged parents, Employment Pass or S Pass holders, students and foreign investors. ICA assesses each case on family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. Applications are submitted online through the ICA e-Service, and a non-refundable S$100 fee applies at submission for each application.
Who can apply for Singapore PR
The six eligibility groups are set out on the ICA permanent residence page. Each group has a named sponsor or a defined submission route.
The spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore PR applies with the citizen or PR spouse as sponsor. The sponsoring spouse logs in to the ICA e-Service using his or her Singpass to sponsor the application.
An unmarried child aged below 21, born within the context of a legal marriage to, or legally adopted by, a Singapore citizen or PR, applies with a parent as sponsor. The parent logs in to the ICA e-Service using his or her Singpass to sponsor the application.
The aged parent of a Singapore citizen of at least 21 years old applies with the Singapore citizen child as sponsor. The citizen child logs in to the ICA e-Service using his or her Singpass to sponsor the application.
A holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass submits the application personally. The holder logs in to the ICA e-Service using his or her Singpass to submit the application. The Ministry of Manpower confirms that an EP holder can apply to be a Singapore PR through ICA, and that the application is assessed based on ICA’s PR criteria (MOM FAQ on EP holders and PR).
A student studying in Singapore who has passed at least one national exam (PSLE, GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels) or is in the Integrated Programme (IP) may apply. If aged 15 and above, the student submits using Singpass at the ICA e-Service; if aged below 15, submission is via the non-Singpass option at the ICA e-Service.
A foreign investor applies through the Global Investor Programme administered by Contact Singapore, a division of the EDB (EDB Global Investor Programme). The EDB page directs investors to its Global Investor Programme page for the assessment criteria and application process.
The table below summarises who sponsors or submits each route.
| Eligibility group | Who sponsors or submits | Submission route |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse of a Singapore citizen or PR | Sponsoring spouse (citizen or PR) | ICA e-Service, Singpass |
| Unmarried child below 21 of a citizen or PR | Parent (citizen or PR) | ICA e-Service, Singpass |
| Aged parent of a citizen aged at least 21 | Singapore citizen child | ICA e-Service, Singpass |
| Employment Pass or S Pass holder | The pass holder | ICA e-Service, Singpass |
| Student (national exams or IP) | The student (15+ via Singpass; below 15 non-Singpass) | ICA e-Service |
| Foreign investor | The investor | EDB Global Investor Programme |
How ICA assesses a PR application
ICA takes into account family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. These factors inform ICA’s assessment of the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into society. The assessment also considers the applicant’s commitment to sinking roots in Singapore.
A PR is a foreigner granted permanent residence status to reside in Singapore on a permanent basis. PRs aged 15 years and above are issued the Singapore blue Identity Card. A PR must hold a valid Re-Entry Permit to travel out and return to Singapore as a PR.
ICA 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 service providers for Permanent Residence applications.
This article gives general information about the PR process and does not predict any application outcome. The agency page should be checked for the current eligibility and assessment detail before acting.
What documents ICA asks for
The document checklist applies to every applicant, the non-applying spouse and the sponsor. ICA requires certified true copies of original documents and official translations for documents in languages other than English. The full list is on the ICA PR Document Checklist (PDF).
The required documents fall into personal, family, education and employment categories. The table below sets out the main items and the party that must provide each.
| Document | Every applicant | Non-applying spouse | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-sized photo (400 x 514 pixels, white background) | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Passport or travel document (if not issued by ICA) | Required | Required | Not required |
| Birth certificate (births not registered in Singapore) | Required | Required | Not required |
| Educational certificate(s) and transcripts | Required | Required | Required |
| Letter of employment (within 3 months, with occupation, date, basic and gross salary) | Required | Required | Required |
| Pay slips from the last 6 months | Required | Required | Required |
| Latest 3 years’ income tax assessment (if working overseas) | Required | Required | Required |
For births not registered in Singapore, the birth certificate or household register is required. For marriages not registered in Singapore, the marriage certificate is required from the sponsor. Adoption papers are required only for minor and parent applicants. Divorce certificates, death certificates for deaths not registered in Singapore, and custody papers apply where relevant to the applicant’s situation.
Employment evidence requires a letter of employment from the current employer dated no more than 3 months from the date of the online application. The letter must state occupation, date of employment, and basic and gross salary per month. Pay slips from the last 6 months are required, and the latest 3 years’ income tax assessment or receipts are required only if working overseas.
For self-employed applicants, the latest Business Registration Certificate from ACRA, the latest 3 years’ balance sheets and the latest 3 years’ profit and loss statements are required. These apply to the applicant, the non-applying spouse and the sponsor as listed in the checklist.
An aged-parent application requires additional documents from the non-applying children. The birth certificate or household register is required only for births not registered in Singapore. The latest income tax assessment or receipt is required only if working overseas. The latest 1 month pay slip is required.
Translation of documents follows a fixed rule. ICA accepts translations provided by the embassy of the country or place that issued the document, translations by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country or place, and privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised by a notary public. ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities.
Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of the application. ICA may contact the main applicant or sponsor for other supporting documents not listed when making an assessment.
How to submit your PR application
Register every eligible person for a Singpass before starting the application. Approval for a Singpass account application may take 2 to 5 working days.
Sponsors and applicants should start the application only after all applicants have successfully registered for a Singpass account where eligible. The sponsor or applicant logs in to the ICA e-Service with Singpass or with unique login credentials provided by ICA for those ineligible for Singpass.
Every person added as an applicant must review the application form before submission. To review, each applicant logs in to the ICA e-Service using Singpass or unique login credentials to provide declarations.
The foreign investor route follows a different submission flow. The investor submits the GIP e-application forms, which take approximately 30 minutes to complete and must use Adobe Acrobat Reader because web browsers do not support XFA-based PDF forms.
Form 4 (Application for an Entry Permit to enter Singapore) is required for every GIP applicant. A separate Excel sheet of family members’ backgrounds, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, must also be submitted with Form 4.
ICA may contact the main applicant or sponsor for other supporting documents not listed. The application is not complete until all required documents are submitted and are in order.
Fees and how long ICA takes
The submission fee is S$100 for each application. At completion of formalities the fees are 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 made online using Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, American Express credit card, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore) or PayNow. Successful applicants are notified of other applicable fees subsequently.
Applications are processed within 6 months provided all required documents are submitted and are in order. Some applications may take longer to process.
The outcome is informed by email or post (for applications submitted before 26 June 2024). Applicants may also check the PR application status online at MyICA or the e-Service.
Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval. They are granted permanent residence status once they have fulfilled the necessary conditions. The GIP route also carries the S$100 non-refundable processing fee per applicant paid directly to ICA, with payment advised after the GIP application is received.
The fee schedule is summarised below.
| Stage | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At submission | S$100 per application | Non-refundable |
| Entry Permit (at completion) | S$20 | Non-refundable |
| 5-year Re-Entry Permit (at completion) | S$50 | Non-refundable |
| Singapore Identity Card (at completion) | S$50 | Non-refundable |
National Service rules for male applicants
Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents, unless exempted, must serve National Service. After full-time NS they become Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). An NSman’s obligation ends at 50 years for officers or 40 years for other ranks.
All male applicants must access www.cmpb.gov.sg for NS information before proceeding (Central Manpower Base — Before NS). All male applicants granted SC or PR as a foreign student or under parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS. They register for NS upon reaching 16 and a half years old and are scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old.
MINDEF allows students to complete up to the ‘A’ Levels, polytechnic diploma or equivalent pre-tertiary qualification before NS. They are enlisted at the earliest opportunity after finishing pre-tertiary education or after turning 18, whichever is later. MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies, and those granted SC or PR mid-degree must disrupt studies to enlist if they cannot finish before enlistment.
Deferment for pre-university studies is available under CMPB rules. Pre-enlistees may be deferred to pursue full-time pre-university studies such as GCE ‘O’, ‘N’ or ‘A’ Level, polytechnic diploma, Higher NITEC or NITEC at government-funded institutions. Deferment is not granted for degree courses even if already begun.
NS-liable males aged 13 and above must comply with Exit Permit requirements. Those aged 13 to 16.5 years going overseas for 2 years or longer must apply for an Exit Permit and provide a bond. The bond amount is S$75,000 or an amount equivalent to 50% of the combined annual gross income of both parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher, and is provided in the form of an instrument issued by a bank.
Renouncing or losing PR status without serving or completing full-time NS has a serious adverse impact on applications to work or study in Singapore and on long-term immigration facilities. It also adversely affects family members’ applications, their ability to sponsor facilities, their REP renewal and their citizenship applications.
A defaulter under the Enlistment Act 1970 is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both. CMPB contact: 1800-3676767 (local) or 65-65676767 (overseas) or email contact@ns.gov.sg.
After approval: the Re-Entry Permit
A PR receives a Re-Entry Permit when permanent residency is granted. A valid REP is necessary whenever a PR travels out of Singapore, as it allows the PR to retain residence status while away.
Leaving or remaining overseas without a valid REP causes loss of PR status. Under the Immigration Act 1959, from 1 December 2025, PR status is lost if the PR leaves without a valid REP and does not apply within 180 days of departure, or applies within 180 days and is rejected. The same 180-day rule applies if the REP becomes invalid while outside Singapore, measured from its expiry.
To apply or renew a REP, the person must be a PR and hold a valid travel document with at least three months’ validity. Renewal is done online through the e-Service within three months prior to expiry; no documents are required unless ICA requests them (ICA Apply for/Renew Re-Entry Permit).
A S$10 fee applies for every year, or part thereof, of the approved REP. A separate fee is chargeable for each REP issued, and the new REP is not an extension of the previous permit; validity begins from the date of issuance after successful payment.
Online REP payment must be made within 14 days of the approval date or the application is withdrawn. Payment methods are Visa or MasterCard, AMEX, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank) or PayNow. Over-the-counter payment at ICA accepts NETS, Visa or MasterCard, and mobile payment such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
The general REP processing time is within one week, excluding the day of submission; some applications take longer. If overseas without Singpass, the application goes through the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission and must be submitted at least two months before the current REP expires.
If you change to a new passport of the same nationality, update the new passport details in your REP promptly using the transfer of REP function. ICA may only accord you clearance as a PR if you have a valid REP with the updated passport details at the point of entry.
How to check your PR application status
Applicants can check status through the ICA Check Status or Make Appointment page (ICA Check Status / Make Appointment). Logging in with MyICA lets applicants check Citizenship, PR and LTVP applications submitted from 26 Jun 2024 onwards, and PMLA applications from 27 Oct 2025 onwards.
Applications not submitted via e-Services can also be checked by logging in to MyICA or enquiring through the status page. A mandatory Singpass login applies to selected services such as passport, identity card and Re-Entry Permit.
For REP outcomes, the e-Service shows the result if applied online, and an email is sent if an address was provided. This is the same e-Service used for the PR application status check.
ICA and commercial immigration consultants
ICA is aware of commercial entities or consultants who claim they can help applicants improve their success in obtaining long-term immigration facilities such as PR. ICA does not support or endorse the services offered by these commercial entities or consultants.
ICA carefully assesses all applications for long-term immigration facilities. Applicants who choose to engage such services are advised to exercise caution, and ICA is not responsible or held accountable for any loss arising from the engagement.
ICA does not regulate the advertising industry or the immigration consultancy industry. Companies that publish false or misleading advertisements about their services are referred to the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore, which investigates and acts on advertisements that breach the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice.
What to read next
- Singapore PR Eligibility: Who Can Apply Under Each ICA Category and Who Sponsors — which ICA category fits your situation and who must sponsor the form.
- Singapore PR Requirements: The Application Routes, Documents, Fees and National Service Rules — routes, documents, fees and NS rules gathered on one page.
- 2026 Singapore PR Application Document Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for EP and S Pass Holders — the full document list with the order of steps.
- ICA PR Processing Times 2026: How Long Does It Really Take? — what ICA says about the 6-month window and longer cases.
- Singapore PR Re-Entry Permit (REP): How to Apply, Renew and Avoid Losing PR Status — REP rules, the 1 Dec 2025 loss-of-PR trigger and renewal steps.
- Singapore PR Benefits and Obligations: CPF, Housing, Schooling, Travel and National Service — what PR status brings and what it requires of holders.
Official sources
- ICA — Becoming a Permanent Resident — eligibility groups, assessment factors, fees, processing time and NS liability.
- ICA — PR Document Checklist (PDF) — required documents for every applicant, non-applying spouse and sponsor.
- ICA — Apply for/Renew Re-Entry Permit — REP rules, fees and the 1 Dec 2025 loss-of-PR provision.
- ICA — Check Status / Make Appointment — how to check PR and REP status via MyICA.
- ICA — Long-Term Immigration Facilities Through Commercial Entities — ICA’s stance on consultants and advertising.
- MOM — EP holder PR question — an EP holder may apply through ICA.
- EDB — Global Investor Programme — the GIP route for foreign investors.
- CMPB — Before NS and its pre-enlistment pages on registration, Exit Permit and bond, and deferment for studies.
Pass & Permit Desk is not an immigration agent; the site does not file applications, does not represent anyone, and gives general information only, not immigration or legal advice. The packet was retrieved on 2026-10-07; ICA, MOM, EDB and CMPB rules change, so confirm the current requirements on the agency page before acting.