SingaporeResidence

Singapore permanent residence

Singapore permanent residence (PR)

In short

Permanent residence lets a foreigner live in Singapore on a permanent basis; PRs aged 15 and over receive the blue Identity Card and need a valid Re-Entry Permit to travel and return. ICA accepts applications from spouses, children and aged parents of citizens or PRs, Employment Pass and S Pass holders, certain students and investors under the Global Investor Programme, and assesses family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency.

Apply on ICA – Permanent residence checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Permanent, with a Re-Entry Permit for travel
Fee
SGD 100Application fee per application; on approval SGD 20 for the Entry Permit, SGD 50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit and SGD 50 for the Identity Card. Fees are non-refundable.
Processing time
Within 6 months if all documents are in order
Work
Yes
Where to apply
Online via ICA e-Service (Singpass); GIP investors through EDB

Who can apply

ICA accepts PR applications from the spouse of a Singapore citizen or PR, unmarried children under 21 of a citizen or PR, aged parents of a Singapore citizen aged at least 21, holders of an Employment Pass or S Pass, students who have passed at least one national exam or are in the Integrated Programme, and foreign investors through the Global Investor Programme administered by EDB. There is no fixed minimum period of residence; ICA assesses each applicant's ability to contribute and integrate.

Fees and timing

The application fee is SGD 100. If approved, you pay SGD 20 for the Entry Permit, SGD 50 for a five-year Re-Entry Permit and SGD 50 for the Identity Card. Applications are processed within six months if complete; some take longer. Fees are non-refundable.

Applying

Applicants aged 15 and over apply on ICA e-Service with Singpass; sponsors such as a citizen spouse log in to sponsor the application. All applicants must review and declare before submission. Upload certified true copies and official English translations. Approval of a Singpass account can take two to five working days, so register first.

  1. Register all applicants for Singpass where eligible.
  2. Prepare certified copies and official English translations of all documents in ICA's checklist.
  3. Submit online on ICA e-Service and pay SGD 100.
  4. Wait up to six months; if approved, complete formalities and pay the permit and card fees.

Obligations of PRs

Male PRs, and male children who obtain PR through their parents, are liable for National Service under the Enlistment Act, and renouncing PR without serving has serious consequences for future applications. PRs need a valid Re-Entry Permit to keep their status while travelling.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport and current Singapore pass

Work

  • Employment and income documents for work pass holders

Study

  • Educational certificates

Family

  • Marriage and birth certificates, with official English translations

Frequently asked questions

How long must I live in Singapore before applying for PR?

ICA does not publish a fixed minimum; it considers length of residency together with family ties, contribution, qualifications and age.

How much does Singapore PR cost?

SGD 100 to apply; on approval SGD 20 for the Entry Permit, SGD 50 for a five-year Re-Entry Permit and SGD 50 for the Identity Card.

Will my son have to do National Service?

Male children who obtain PR through their parents are liable for National Service and must register at 16 and a half.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Singapore

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by the immigration officer on arrival and shown in the e-Pass

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Institutes of higher learning: within one week (two weeks if a visa is required). Private institutions: within one month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified schools.

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (5 years for experienced tech professionals in shortage skills)
  • Work visa Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (limited to 1 month before passport expiry)
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: 6 months

Family

Residence

Singapore visa guide