In this article, we will discuss how migrants living in Singapore can gain permanent residency for themselves and their family members. For expert assistance with your immigration matter, contact Reiss Edwards, immigration lawyers and solicitors in London.
The sovereign island city-state of Singapore is known the world over for its thriving and modern economy, stable democratic government, and stunning skyline. It also boasts the world’s largest seaport for cargo. For these reasons, and many more, thousands of skilled professionals make the move to live in Singapore each year, and many of those go on to secure permanent residency. In this article, we will discuss how migrants living in Singapore can gain permanent residency for themselves and their family members.
Immigration applications in Singapore are handled by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Singapore (ICA). The guidance published by ICS states that when assessing an application for permanent resident, they take into account “factors such as the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency, to assess the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into our society, as well as his or her commitment to sinking roots”.
As you would expect of a highly modern and digital state, the process of applying for permanent residence in Singapore is completed online using the ICA’ e-Service. The application guidance explains that you can submit a PR application online with a valid Singpass account if you are a/an:
The guidance also states, “If you are a student currently studying in Singapore, you may access the e-Service using your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and the issuance date of your valid immigration pass. If you are a foreign investor in Singapore, you can apply for permanent residence at the Singapore Economic Development Board under the Global Investor Programme”.
For those who are not familiar with a Singpass, this is a pass that enables citizens and permanent residents of Singapore to securely and easily access a range of government services across 60 different agencies. As such, you will need a Singpass in order to apply for permanent residence.
At the point of application, you will need to pay a processing fee of S$100, which is non-refundable. In the event that you receive a positive decision on your PR application in Singapore, you will then need to pay another set of fees, as follows:
Applications for permanent residence in Singapore are typically processed within four to six months, with the time depending on the circumstances of your case. On processing times, the ICS states, “All applications for PR are carefully considered and reviewed by ICA. Generally, PR applications take about four to 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”.
Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be sent a letter by post. It is also possible to see the progress of your application using the online portal.
Applicants considering permanent residency should also be aware of the requirement to undertake National Service in Singapore. This applies to both Singapore citizens and permanent residence holders. The guidance states, “Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted1, are required to serve National Service (NS). Following the completion of full-time NS, they will be required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) per year for the duration of their ORNS training cycle, till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks)”. This is clearly a major consideration for most applicants and one you will need to consider both for yourself and your family members. If you have any questions on this or any other aspect of permanent residence in Singapore, it is well worth speaking to your local ICA office or to an immigration lawyer before you apply.