Singapore permanent resident (PR) applications are handled by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and are open mainly to six categories: spouses of Singapore citizens or PRs; unmarried children under 21; aged parents of Singapore citizens aged 21 and above; Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders; students studying in Singapore who have passed a national examination; and foreign investors. The standard processing time is six months, provided all documents are complete and correct; some applications take longer. All applications are submitted through the ICA e-Service, using Singpass (Singapore’s digital identity) or the dedicated login credentials that ICA provides to those without Singpass eligibility. ICA assesses each application on factors such as family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence.
Who can apply for permanent resident (PR): six eligibility categories
ICA lists six categories of foreigners who may apply for permanent resident (PR) status on its official PR page. The submitter and method differ for each category, as set out below.
| Eligibility category | Who logs in to ICA e-Service to submit |
|---|---|
| Spouse of a Singapore citizen or PR | Spouse sponsors using their own Singpass |
| Unmarried child under 21 (biological or legally adopted) | Parent sponsors using their own Singpass |
| Aged parent of a Singapore citizen aged 21 and above | Singapore citizen child sponsors using their own Singpass |
| Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder | Applicant submits using their own Singpass |
| Student studying in Singapore who has passed at least one national examination, or is in the Integrated Programme (IP) | Aged 15 and above uses Singpass; under 15 uses the non-Singpass channel |
| Foreign investor | Refer to the Global Investor Programme (GIP) page of the Economic Development Board (EDB) |
Students must have passed at least one national examination, including the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels, or be enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP). Students under 15 submit through the non-Singpass option on the ICA e-Service. The application and assessment criteria for the foreign investor category are published separately by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and are not part of the ICA PR pages.
Employment Pass (EP) holders may apply directly to ICA for PR. This is stated clearly by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on its EP frequently-asked-questions page. MOM explains that an EP holder who wishes to become a Singapore permanent resident may apply through ICA, and will be assessed against ICA’s PR criteria. S Pass holders are also within the six eligibility categories listed by ICA.
What to do before applying: Singpass and sponsor
Most applicants need a Singpass (Singapore’s digital identity) before they can log in to the ICA e-Service. Those without Singpass eligibility are provided with dedicated login credentials by ICA.
ICA states that Singpass account approval may take two to five working days. ICA advises that, where eligible, both the sponsor and the applicant should successfully register for Singpass before starting the application.
The application process requires every person listed as an applicant to review the application form before it can be submitted. During review, the applicant must log in to the ICA e-Service and declare using Singpass or the dedicated login credentials provided by ICA.
Parts submitted by the sponsor — for example, spouse, parent or child categories — must be handled by the corresponding Singapore citizen or PR using their own Singpass. For any other login method not set out in the information pack, refer to the ICA page.
PR application document checklist: applicant, spouse and sponsor
The ICA PR document checklist (pr-document-checklist.pdf) sets out the documents each person must prepare. The common requirements are described below under three headings: individual, spouse and sponsor.
Every applicant must prepare a passport-sized photograph: a recent colour digital photo, 400 x 514 pixels, full-face with no head covering (except for religious or ethnic custom, provided facial features are not obscured), on a white background. Also required are a passport or travel document, a birth certificate or household register (for those born outside Singapore), educational certificates and transcripts, skills certificates or professional licences, and membership certificates.
Employed applicants must prepare an employment letter from their current employer, dated no more than three months before the online application, stating the position, date of employment, monthly basic salary and total salary; and payslips for the last six months. Those working overseas must also provide income tax assessments or tax payment evidence for the last three years.
Self-employed applicants must prepare the latest business registration certificate from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), balance sheets for the last three years, and profit and loss statements for the last three years. The aged parent category also requires the non-applying child to prepare a birth certificate or household register, and a payslip for the last one month; overseas workers add income tax assessments for the last three years. ICA may require additional documents beyond the checklist.
Non-English documents require a certified true copy of the original and an official translation. Translations accepted by ICA include those provided by the embassy of the issuing country, by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country, or a private translation certified by an embassy or notarised by a notary public. ICA does not recognise any private translation company.
Application fees and processing time: ICA’s published standards
PR application fees are charged in two stages, both published by ICA on the PR page, and are non-refundable. They are listed below.
Submission stage: S$100 per application. Completion stage: Entry Permit S$20, five-year Re-Entry Permit (REP) S$50, and Singapore NRIC S$50.
Payment is limited to online methods: Visa or MasterCard credit/debit cards, American Express (AMEX) credit cards, internet direct debit (Singapore DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered internet banking accounts), and PayNow. The information pack does not set out any cash or counter payment method for PR application fees.
Processing time: where all required documents are complete and correct, applications are processed within six months. ICA states that some applications may take longer. Results are notified by email or post (applications submitted before 26 June 2024 are notified by post).
Approved applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA). Permanent resident status is granted only after the necessary conditions are met. Application status can be checked online via MyICA or the ICA e-Service.
Re-Entry Permit (REP): a mandatory requirement after obtaining PR
A PR requires a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) when leaving Singapore, or the PR status will be lost. The REP is issued together with the PR.
ICA states that, from 1 December 2025, under the Immigration Act 1959, PR status will be lost in the following cases: leaving Singapore without a valid REP and not applying for a REP within 180 days from the date of departure; or the REP lapses overseas and is not applied for within 180 days from the REP expiry date; or an application is made within 180 days but is rejected (even if the person has by then returned to Singapore).
To apply for or renew a REP, the applicant must be a PR and hold a travel document valid for at least three months. Online renewal must be done within three months before the current REP expires, through the e-Service using Singpass, with no documents required (unless ICA requires otherwise).
Those overseas without Singpass must submit through the nearest Singapore overseas mission, and must do so at least two months before the current REP expires. The REP fee is S$10 per approved year (or part thereof counted as a year), with an additional fee per REP issued; the new REP is valid from the date of successful payment and issuance, and does not continue from the old permit.
Online REP applications must be paid within 14 days from the approval date, or the application is cancelled. REP processing generally takes within one week (excluding the submission day); some applications take longer. Results are checked online via the e-Service, and those who provided an email receive email notification.
When a new passport of the same nationality is issued, passport details must be updated promptly using the REP transfer function. ICA explains that, if REP details are not updated on entry, the person may be cleared only as a foreign visitor; the electronic transfer should therefore be done in advance at ica.gov.sg.
National Service (NS) obligations for male applicants
Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and PRs (unless exempted) must serve National Service (NS). After completing full-time NS, they become Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).
NSmen obligations end at age 50 (officers) or 40 (other ranks). All male applicants must visit www.cmpb.gov.sg to learn about NS before proceeding with their application.
Male persons who obtain SC or PR as foreign students or under a parent’s sponsorship must serve NS. They must register for NS at age 16 and a half, and enlist as soon as possible at age 18. MINDEF allows students to complete up to ‘A’ levels, a polytechnic diploma or an equivalent pre-tertiary qualification before serving; the enlistment date is the later of completing pre-tertiary education or turning 18.
MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies. Those who obtain SC or PR while already at university and cannot complete their studies before enlistment must interrupt their studies to enlist. A male Singapore citizen who has not been discharged from NS obligations may have their application to renounce citizenship put on hold by the government.
Those who fail to fulfil NS obligations may, on conviction under the Enlistment Act 1970, be fined not more than S$10,000, or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. Renouncing or losing PR without serving or completing NS will seriously affect future work, study or any long-term immigration arrangements in Singapore, and will also affect family members’ long-term immigration applications, sponsorship, REP renewal and citizenship applications.
Conduct and permit conditions: when PR status may be revoked
A PR must comply with Singapore law and the conditions of the Entry Permit (EP) and REP. ICA lists the good-conduct requirements.
A PR must not engage in misconduct, such as interfering in Singapore’s internal politics, introducing foreign politics, undertaking activities that undermine social harmony, or committing a criminal offence (including unauthorised use of controlled drugs). ICA will review the PR’s status for any breach, which may lead to cancellation of the EP and REP and revocation of PR status.
From 1 December 2025, all EPs and REPs will have conditions added or varied: under the Immigration Act 1959, if the holder breaches any condition of the permit, is found by a court or competent authority to have broken the law, or the Controller of Immigration considers the holder’s conduct improper (including conduct prejudicial to the state or public interest, threatening to public order, or adverse to public peace or welfare), the permit may be cancelled.
The REP is issued based on the information provided in the application. A PR should check that details such as name and UIN are correct, and carry a copy of the REP when leaving. The REP allows one or multiple returns to Singapore during its validity.
Agents and commercial entities: ICA’s position
ICA states clearly that it has no association with any external immigration agency or commercial entity that claims to be a Singapore immigration expert, consultant or partner. ICA does not support or recognise any self-described professional immigration advisory service providing PR application services.
ICA is aware that commercial entities or consultants claim they can help applicants more readily obtain Singapore long-term immigration facilities (such as citizenship, PR and long-term immigration passes). ICA does not recognise these services, and assesses every application carefully.
For applicants who choose to engage a commercial entity or consultant, ICA advises caution. ICA is not responsible for any loss arising from this. ICA does not regulate the advertising or immigration consultancy industries; companies that publish false or misleading advertisements are referred to the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS) for action under the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice.
What to read next
- Does Singapore have a green card — Learn what permanent resident (PR) status and the blue NRIC are
- The complete guide to Singapore immigration — See the routes to immigrate to Singapore and what each requires
- Singapore immigration conditions 2026 — Conditions for 2026 by the four routes of work, family, investment and study
- Singapore investment immigration conditions — Compare the Global Investor Programme (GIP) and family office
- Singapore citizenship conditions and passport — Learn the citizenship conditions and the effect of renouncing original nationality
- Guide to ICA and MOM official portals — Understand what ICA and MOM each handle and where the official portals are
Official sources
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Becoming a permanent resident — The six PR eligibility categories, assessment factors, fees, processing time and NS notes
- ICA — PR document checklist (PDF) — Detailed list of required application documents
- ICA — Check status / make appointment — Check PR and other application status via MyICA
- ICA — Apply for / renew Re-Entry Permit (REP) — REP fees, deadlines and loss-of-status rules
- ICA — Entry Permit and REP conditions — PR conduct conditions and the new rules from 1 December 2025
- ICA — Applying for long-term immigration facilities through commercial entities — ICA’s position on agents and consultants
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — Can an EP holder apply for PR — The route for EP holders to apply for PR
The information pack was captured on 7 October 2026. The rules above may change; before applying, refer to the latest content on each agency’s official page.
This site is not an immigration agency, does not process applications on behalf of anyone, does not represent anyone, and does not constitute immigration or legal advice; it provides only general information.