Pinoy in Singapore

The Immigration and Checkpoints authority usually sends you a letter if you are eligible for applying for PR status.  Mr. Tsiken got his letter less than 5 months since we’ve moved here.  I guess he was fortunate enough to meet the requirements.  But we still haven’t decided whether to proceed with the application because we want to make sure we completely understand the implications of PR status.  You should too.

Application For Permanent Residence

Eligibility

Non-Singaporeans can become Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) by obtaining an Entry Permit. An application for an Entry Permit is an application for Singapore Permanent Residence.

The following categories of foreigners are eligible to submit applications:

• Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC)/Permanent Resident (SPR);
• Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen;
• P, Q or S work pass holders;
• Investors/Entrepreneurs;
• Hong Kong residents who satisfy certain guidelines can apply for permanent residence by submitting applications through SMC Management Consultants Pte Ltd in Singapore.

Procedure 

Submit your completed application form together with all the required documents personally to:

Permanent Resident Services Centre 
5th Storey, ICA Building 
10 Kallang Road 
(Next to Lavender MRT station)
Singapore 208718

Documents Required for P, Q or S Work Pass Holder

If you are applying under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme, you will need to submit 2 sets of completed Form 4A (one original and one photocopy). You may obtain the form at the Permanent Resident Services Centre or download a copy. 

You will also have to download the Accompanying Notes to Form 4A. This will list the supporting documents that will have to be submitted together with your application. 

You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to read and print the form. Download may take a while.

Fees 

The fee for an Entry Permit is S$100 and the fee for a Re-Entry Permit is S$10 per year. For foreigners requiring a visa, the visa fee is S$20 per issue.

Please pay by NETS/CASH CARDS.

Processing Time 

The processing time for an application is 3 months. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by mail. Applicant should notify ICA if there are any changes in his/her address.

National Service Liability 

Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) are liable to register for National Service (NS) upon reaching 16 1/2 years old. They are required to serve 2 years of full-time NS at 18 years old, followed by 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service per year till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).

Main applicants who are granted PR status under the first generation Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme or the Investor Scheme are exempted from NS. Male children who are granted PR status under their parents’ sponsorship are liable for NS upon reaching 16 1/2 years old.

NS-liable PRs are expected to serve NS. Should they renounce or lose their PR status without serving or completing full-time NS, this would have an adverse impact on any application by them in the future to work or study in Singapore.

Male ex-Singapore Citizens and ex-Singapore Permanent Residents who are granted Singapore PR status are liable to be called up for NS regardless of the type of PR status they are granted. For further enquires, please write to:

Central Manpower Base
3 Depot Road
#03-07
Singapore 109680
Tel: 1800-3676767 (local)
65-65676767 (overseas)
Email: contact@ns.sg

Note: 

For all correspondences to the department, please state the file reference number, the Foreign Identification Number (FIN), the name and date of birth of the applicant.

Please ensure that the original documents, official translation (if the document is not in the English language) and a copy of all documents are produced for our retention. Insufficient documents may result in non-acceptance of application.  Additional documents to support the application may be required.

The grant of permanent residence does not exempt an individual from registration with the relevant professional bodies or any other conditions as required under the respective professions.

ICA may share your personal information with other Government agencies to process any application you have made or to render you a service, so as to serve you in an efficient and effective way, unless such sharing is prohibited by legislation.

For more information visit the Immigation and Checkpoints Authority