Employment Pass (EP) holders are eligible to apply for Singapore permanent residence (PR). The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) lists EP or S Pass holders as one of the categories that may apply.
Eligibility Category
An EP holder may submit a PR application in their own right. No sponsor is required. The applicant logs in to the ICA e-Service using their Singpass to file the application.
Factors ICA Considers
ICA states it takes into account the following factors when assessing an applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore, integrate into society, and commit 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 publish a minimum salary threshold, a points grid, or a quota for PR approvals.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide certified true copies of original documents. Documents not in English require official translations. ICA accepts translations from:
- The embassy of the country that issued the document
- A notary public in Singapore or the document’s country of origin
- Privately translated documents attested by the issuing country’s embassy or notarised by a notary public
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies. A document checklist is available on the ICA website. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of the application.
Fees
Fees are non-refundable and payable online via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered), or PayNow.
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| At submission | S$100 per application |
| At completion of formalities | S$20 for Entry Permit + S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit + S$50 for Singapore Identity Card |
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. Applicants are informed of the outcome via email or post (for applications submitted before 26 June 2024). Status can be checked online at MyICA or the ICA e-Service.
Application Process
- Ensure all applicants have a Singpass account. Singpass approval may take 2 to 5 working days.
- Log in to the ICA e-Service for PR application.
- Submit the application with all required documents and pay the S$100 fee.
- Wait for the outcome. If approved, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued.
- Complete the formalities specified in the IPA to be granted PR status.
National Service Liability
All male Singapore citizens and PRs are liable for National Service (NS) under the Enlistment Act 1970, unless exempted. Male applicants granted PR as a foreign student or under parents’ sponsorship are required to register for NS at 16 and a half years old and enlist at the earliest opportunity after turning 18 or completing pre-tertiary education, whichever is later. MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies.
Renouncing or losing PR status without serving or completing full-time NS has serious adverse consequences for future work, study, or long-term immigration applications in Singapore, and also affects family members’ applications.
Male applicants must access the Central Manpower Base website for NS information before proceeding with the PR application.
After Approval
Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval. PR status is granted once the necessary conditions are fulfilled. PRs aged 15 years and above are issued a blue Identity Card (IC). A valid Re-Entry Permit is required for a PR who wishes to travel out of and return to Singapore as a PR.
EP Qualifying Salary Context
While the EP qualifying salary is not a PR criterion, EP holders must meet the EP qualifying salary to hold the pass. As of the current framework, the minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 (all sectors except financial services) or S$6,200 (financial services), increasing progressively with age up to S$10,700 or S$11,800 respectively at age 45 and above. From 1 January 2027, new applications and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028 will require higher minimums: S$6,000 / S$6,600 rising to S$11,500 / S$12,700 at age 45+.
EP holders must also pass the points-based COMPASS framework (40 points) unless exempted (fixed monthly salary ≥ S$22,500, overseas intra-corporate transferee, or role duration ≤ 1 month).
