With the country’s strong bilateral ties, Singapore Passport holders face few travel restrictions across the world. One gets to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of Visa-free travel to different countries without needing to apply for any travelling pass with their respective embassies, which may take up to weeks to approve for some.

Singapore PRs are eligible for government subsidies at public hospitals, polyclinics, and national centers. Additionally, both Singapore citizens and permanent residents can benefit from Medisave, the national medical savings scheme that allows individuals to save a portion of their income to cover medical treatment and hospitalization costs.

Obtaining PR is the only route to securing a Singapore passport, aside from being born to a Singapore citizen parent. After maintaining PR status for at least two years, one becomes eligible to apply for citizenship. However, unlike the PR application process, applying for Singapore citizenship is more rigorous and requires a more extensive list of documents.

Your child, a permanent resident and student, receives higher priority placement right after citizens in government school admissions (Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Junior Colleges or Polytechnics).

Foreigners, however, often face challenges in securing slots at government schools and typically opt for International Schools, which entail high fees. Singapore PRs are eligible for subsidies and tuition grants for local or private institutions.

Having Singapore Permanent Residence provides greater career stability by allowing job changes without concerns about work pass renewal or re-application. In contrast, foreign professionals face potential job losses or the need to leave Singapore due to work pass rejections or delays.

Singapore PRs also benefit from increased employment opportunities under current government policies that prioritize locals and permanent residents for career advancement.

As a Singapore PR, you can sponsor your legally married spouse, unmarried children under 21 (born in or legally adopted), and aged parents to stay longer in Singapore with the LTVP, without any salary requirements.

If you're a work pass holder, you can also sponsor family members, but you need to earn at least S$6,000 per month. To sponsor LTVP for parents, the required monthly salary is S$12,000.

(i) Public Housing

Singapore citizens enjoy greater privileges than PRs when it comes to public housing. While PRs can only buy resale HDB flats after two years of residency, citizens can own and rent HDB apartments at age 21. Additionally, first-time citizen buyers can purchase subsidized Built-To-Order (BTO) flats.

(ii) Residential Property Taxes

Singapore citizens find it easier to secure housing loans compared to foreigners. Unlike PRs and foreigners, citizens do not pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on their first property. Even for additional properties, the stamp duty for citizens is significantly lower.

(i) Central Provident Fund (CPF)

Under the CPF scheme, both Singaporean and PR employees, along with their employers, must contribute a monthly sum to the employee's pension fund. CPF supports individuals in various financial aspects such as home ownership, healthcare, children's education, family protection, and asset growth through investments with higher interest rates. CPF contributions also provide tax relief, reducing taxable income annually.

Permanent residents who choose to renounce or let their residency expire can withdraw their accumulated CPF funds, but this is advisable only if they do not intend to work in Singapore permanently. If their PR status is reinstated, all withdrawn CPF funds must be returned to their CPF account.