The most common avenue to gain permanent residence in Singapore is through the Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Worker scheme (PTS Scheme). If you are a holder of the Employment Pass, EntrePass or S Pass, you and your spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) are eligible to apply for permanent residence. For more information on work passes, please see Employment Pass and EntrePass.
There are factors to consider when applying for permanent residence status:
- Age
- Current professional vocation and employment history
- Current employer and its credentials
- Education background and qualification
- Salary and financial background
- Family ties in Singapore
- Personal interests and pursuits
| When to Apply | Where to Apply | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| It is recommended that you wait for at least six months after you have started working in Singapore since you will need to produce six months of salary stubs as part of the required documentation. | Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) | 3-6 months |
Approval & Collection
When your application has been approved, you will have 30 days to finalized your permanent resident status at ICA. You are required to bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Letter of approval for permanent residence
- Medical examination report
- Travel documents such as your passport
- Employment Pass and Dependent’s Pass
- Passport-size photograph
The appointment will also include fingerprinting. Once all documents are approved and signed, you will be given the following official permanent residence documents:
- Permanent Resident identity card
- Permanent Resident Certificate
- Re-entry permit stamp in your passport. The 5-year permit stamp will allow you to travel in and out of Singapore without having to apply for a visa.
Related Topics
Overview of Permanent Residence SchemesEmployment Pass (EP)
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
