Your first step to securing a citizenship in Singapore starts by applying to be a permanent resident. These are the 6 clauses for eligibility that you should find yourself under before proceeding.
- Spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident (PR)
- Unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by a Singapore citizen or PR
- Aged parent of a Singapore citizen
- Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Student studying in Singapore and have passed at least one national exam (i.e. PSLE, GCE 'N'/'O'/'A' levels), or are in the Integrated Programme (IP)
- Foreign investor in Singapore
Applications would take about 6 months to be processed once all the required documents are submitted and in order. Successful applicants will receive an In-Principle Approval and then be granted permanent residence status once necessary conditions have been fulfilled.
How to future secure your PR application:
The Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme is one of the most popular pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore. It allows foreigners holding an Employment Pass, Entre Pass, Personal Employment Pass, or S Pass to apply for PR status. In essence, if you are employed in Singapore with any of these passes, you are eligible to seek PR.
However, since many people aspire to obtain PR status, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) evaluates various criteria when reviewing applications. Key factors include your age, marital status, financial stability, educational qualifications, monthly salary, skill set, industry of employment, duration of stay in Singapore, and both your economic and social contributions.
To qualify under the PTS scheme, you need to be under 50 years old, though exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can apply for PR status anytime after starting your job in Singapore with the specified work passes, but you must submit six months' worth of payslips from your employer. This means you need to have worked in Singapore for at least six months before applying.
The ICA prioritizes individuals who are well-integrated into Singaporean society. Factors such as family ties—being married to a Singapore citizen or PR, or having other family members who are citizens or PRs—can enhance your chances of approval. Social contributions, like donations and volunteering, are also taken into account. Additionally, possessing strong educational qualifications, such as a diploma or degree from a reputable institutions, is highly regarded.
The ICA will assess whether your skills, industry, and job type contribute positively to the Singaporean workforce, particularly favoring individuals with expertise in niche industries.
Furthermore, the PTS scheme not only qualifies you for PR status but also allows you to apply for your spouse and unmarried children under 21!
