If you hold an Employment Pass (EP), you may apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR). The ICA official page sets out who can apply and what factors it considers. It does not publish a points table or a PR salary cutoff. This article separates those two things.
Who can apply as an EP holder
A holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass is one of the eligibility categories for PR. You log in to ICA e-Service with Singpass to submit the application. Every person added as an applicant must review the form before submission. They need Singpass or unique login credentials. If Singpass registration is needed, approval may take 2 to 5 working days. ICA recommends starting an application only after all applicants have successfully registered.
The same ICA page lists other eligibility categories, but for an EP holder, the relevant category is the EP or S Pass holder route.
ICA states it has no affiliation with external migration agencies or commercial entities claiming to be Singapore immigration specialists or partners. It does not support or endorse services by self-proclaimed professional immigration consultancy providers for PR applications.
What ICA says it assesses
ICA takes into account factors such as family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. It uses these to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into society, as well as commitment to sinking roots in Singapore.
That is the published framework. It is not a scorecard. The official ICA page does not publish weights, points, approval rates, nationality quotas, or a minimum salary for PR. If you see a number for PR approval odds or a PR salary threshold, it is not on the ICA page.
What ICA does not publish
The official ICA page does not publish a PR points system comparable to COMPASS. COMPASS is for EP applications, not PR. There is no published list of PR quotas by nationality. There is no published statement that a particular salary, sector, or length of stay guarantees approval. The official page lists factors and eligibility categories, not a formula.
This matters for preparation. You can document the factors ICA names. You cannot verify an unpublished score. Any advice that asks you to hit a hidden PR salary number or a nationality quota is not based on the official page.
Documents, fees, and processing time
When uploading documents, 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 or place, from a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country or place, or privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised by a notary public. ICA does not endorse private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance. You may be asked for additional documents. The ICA PR document checklist sets out the required documents.
Fees are split into two stages. At submission: S$100 for each application. At completion of formalities: S$20 for 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 by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, American Express credit card, Internet Direct Debit with DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB or Standard Chartered Bank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore, or PayNow.
Processing time is within 6 months, provided all required documents are submitted and in order. Some applications may take longer. You may check the PR application status online at MyICA or the e-Service. Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval. PR status is granted once they fulfil the necessary conditions.
EP rules still matter while you apply
PR eligibility is separate from EP eligibility. If you are working on an EP, you still need to meet EP rules for your pass. The EP eligibility framework has two stages. Stage 1 is the EP qualifying salary. Stage 2 is COMPASS, unless you are exempted. A candidate who does not meet Stage 1 is not eligible for an EP, regardless of COMPASS points.
For new EP applications and renewals, the current minimum qualifying salary for all sectors except financial services is $5,600. It increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $10,700 at age 45 and above. For financial services, the current minimum is $6,200, up to $11,800 at age 45 and above. From 1 January 2027, for new applications, and for renewal of passes expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum for all sectors except financial services becomes $6,000, up to $11,500 at age 45 and above. For financial services, it becomes $6,600, up to $12,700 at age 45 and above.
COMPASS requires 40 points to pass. It includes criteria on salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment, a skills bonus for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, and a Strategic Economic Priorities bonus. Exemptions from COMPASS include a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500, applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee, or filling the role for 1 month or less. Employers must also meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement before submitting new EP applications.
These EP numbers are not PR approval criteria. They are pass eligibility rules. Keep them separate when you plan.
National Service and Re-Entry Permit points
All male applicants must access the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) website for National Service (NS) information before proceeding with a PR application. Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and PRs, unless exempted, must serve NS. Male applicants granted PR as a foreign student or under their parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS. Renouncing or losing PR without serving or completing full-time NS can have serious adverse effects on future work, study, or long-term immigration applications in Singapore, and on family members’ applications.
A PR aged 15 and above will be issued the Singapore blue Identity Card. A PR needs a valid Re-Entry Permit to travel out of and return to Singapore as a PR.
Practical sequence for an EP holder
- Check the ICA PR eligibility page and confirm you fall under the EP or S Pass holder category.
- Register for Singpass if you do not have it.
- Complete the ICA PR document checklist and prepare certified true copies and official translations.
- Submit the application online through ICA e-Service.
- Pay the S$100 submission fee per application.
- Wait for the outcome. Processing is within 6 months if documents are complete, but some applications take longer.
- If approved, complete formalities and pay the completion fees.
- If male, access the CMPB website for NS information before proceeding with the application.
This sequence is procedural guidance, not a guarantee. It follows the official steps published by ICA.
