Singapore Permanent Residence - Available Options

Permanent Residence Scheme for Investors

A foreigner who is interested to start up a business or invest in Singapore, may apply for Permanent Residence (PR) status for himself and his immediate family (spouse and unmarried children 21 years of ago and below).

Under the scheme, you can choose either of the following investment options:

Invest at least S$1 million in a new business startup or expansion of an existing business operation or
Invest at least $1.5 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development or
Invest at least $2 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development. Residential property can be purchased with not more than 50% of the investment amount.

Key criteria for Singapore permanent residence application through the investment scheme includes:

Have a business track record
Have an entrepreneurial background
Have a business proposal or investment plan

Recommended Notes

Permanent Residence for Skilled Foreigners

Skilled foreigners may apply to become Permanent Residents (PRs). Permanent Residents are provided with most of the rights and duties of citizens, including government-sponsored housing and mandatory National Service (military service) for young male adults.

There are a number of schemes under which Singapore permanent residence can be granted, depending on your skills and qualifications. The following are the main categories of PR schemes specially tailored for professionals, graduates and others with specific skills.

Professionals, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS)
Singapore Permanent Residence under this scheme is conferred to those who have secured employment in Singapore prior to PR application. They should also hold an Employment Pass (P or Q Pass). The spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of a PR may also apply for Singapore PR status. Applicants under this scheme will be assessed by a Points System, which takes into account the:

type of employment pass
duration of stay in Singapore
academic qualifications
basic monthly salary
age
kinship ties in Singapore

Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme
Artistic talents with international standing in art, photography, dance, music, theatre, literature and film may apply for Singapore Permanent Residence. Applicants should first submit a detailed resume with supporting materials (portfolio, press reviews etc) to the National Arts Council (NAC) for assessment. A copy of the Singapore Permanent Residence application form will be sent to the applicant if he or she is found suitable. Upon receiving the application form from the applicant, NAC will recommend the applicant to the Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) for its decision.

Landed Permanent Residence (Landed PR) Scheme
Singapore Landed Permanent Residence under this scheme is open to those who have acceptable professional or tertiary qualifications, are working in professional, managerial or specialist jobs and are interested in relocating to Singapore but are currently not working in Singapore. Undergraduate or postgraduate students studying in reputable foreign universities may also apply. Successful applicants will have up to 1 or 2 years to seek employment or relocate their families to Singapore. Permanent Residence status will be granted once employment is secured or the family has relocated to Singapore.

For more details, see Singapore Landed Permanent Residence (LPR) page.

Approved-in-Principle (AIP) PR Scheme
This scheme provides a 5-year approval-in-principle PR to successful Hong Kong applicants. Holders can obtain Permanent Residence status if they secure employment or relocate their family to Singapore within the 5 years validity period.