Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is PR?
PR refers to the permanent residence status which allows the person to reside in Singapore permanently. He/she would require a Re-Entry Permit if he/she wishes to travel out and return to Singapore as a permanent resident.
What are the requirements for Singapore PR?

You may meet the Singapore PR requirements if you fall under one of the following categories:

– Holder of a/an EP, S Pass, PEP or EntrePass, who is working in Singapore. You may also include your spouse and any unmarried child(ren) aged below 21 in your application.
– Spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore PR.
– Unmarried child aged below 21, born within the context of a legal marriage to, or legally adopted by, a Singapore citizen or PR.
– Student studying in Singapore, who has resided in Singapore for more than two years at the point of application, and has passed at least one national exam (i.e. PSLE or GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ levels) or is in the Integrated Programme (IP).
– Aged parent of a Singapore citizen.

Do I need an employer's sponsorship to apply for Singapore PR?
You do not need to have an employer’s sponsorship to apply for permanent residence.
What is the validity period of permanent residence?

A PR will be allowed to stay indefinitely in Singapore if he/she does not travel out of Singapore.

If a PR intends to travel out of Singapore, he/she will require a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP), or he/she will lose the PR status.

How long is the processing time?
Generally, PR applications take about six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. Depending on the complexity of the case, some applications may take more than six months to process.
When would be the best time to apply for Singapore PR?
There is no better time to apply for SPR than now. Stringent immigration laws have only made obtaining permanent residency for foreigners more difficult. Since 2009, ICA officers have tightened policies to reduce the likelihood of foreigners obtaining Permanent Residency solely to reap the numerous benefits that come with being a Singapore PR. Unfortunately, this means that obtaining permanent residency will only become more difficult in the future, as stricter policies may be implemented. As a result, applying for Singapore PR as soon as possible is advised.
How many times I can apply for PR?
There is no limit to the number of times you may apply for PR.