Navigating the Path to Permanent Residency in Singapore

Eligibility and Application Process

Foreigners can apply for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore if they meet specific eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals include spouses of Singapore citizens or PRs, unmarried children under 21 born within a legal marriage or legally adopted by a Singapore citizen or PR, aged parents of Singapore citizens, holders of Employment Passes or S Passes, students studying in Singapore who have passed at least one national exam, and foreign investors.

National Service Obligation

Male PR applicants must fulfill National Service (NS) obligations under the Enlistment Act 1970. This requirement applies to those granted PR as foreign students or under parental sponsorship. They must register for NS upon reaching 16.5 years old and enlist for full-time NS at 18. NS obligations extend until age 50 for officers and 40 for other ranks. Failing to fulfill NS obligations can lead to significant penalties and affect future immigration applications.

Required Documents and Fees

Applicants must provide original documents and official translations for non-English documents. The application fee is S$100, with additional fees upon completion of formalities, including S$20 for an Entry Permit, S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit, and S$50 for a Singapore Identity Card. Fees are non-refundable and payable online.

Processing Time

Applications typically take up to six months to process, provided all documents are in order. Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or post and can check their application status online.

Completion of Formalities

Successful applicants will receive an In-Principle Approval and must fulfill necessary conditions to be granted permanent residence status.