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All expatriates in Singapore looking to become a PR should apply for PR as soon as possible. Expats, read the following now.

It is now more important than ever before for expats who are already working in Singapore or working at a local company to submit their Singapore PR application, if they want to live in SG for the long term and also have more stability in their career.

Let us raise a local example back from the year 2020. With international travel being at an absolute minimum since commercial airlines were invented, the airlines and tourism industry has been decimated in most countries. Singapore airlines was not spared from this. As a result, it was reported in September 2020 that Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be firing approximately 2,400 staff globally, vast majority of whom will be expatriates in Singapore who are non citizens and non PR.

There were horror stories of expats’ whole families who were forced to return to their home countries due to the above retrenchments. That is because them losing their job also resulted in them losing their work passes – which is tied to a particular job, and hence unable to stay in SG for long. The LTVP that their immediate family members had will also be voided as it is tied to the main applicant. This usually means a complete disaster as their kids will also need to adapt to a completely new environment – and likely be treated as a foreigner in their own country as most of them grew up in Singapore.

It is increasingly important that if an expatriate wants to live and work in our country for the long term, then it is absolutely essential that you convert your work pass to a permanent residence in Singapore, so that you can live and work here indefinitely – even if the industry you are working in right now may be negatively impacted. This is because a permanent resident status is not tied to any particular employment – it is tied to you, the individual expatƒ. Additionally, if you are one, you can apply that for most of your immediate family members too. In the unfortunate event that something untoward like the above ever happens to you, you will have a back up plan. Being a Singapore PR will enable you to be able to still live and stay in the country indefinitely while you look for a new job. In the meantime, you also need not worry about your child’s education as they can still freely continue their schooling here.

Keep in mind that to ensure that your approval chances are at its highest possible, to be thorough with the documents you submit to ICA, including the testimonials from your previous employer, academic qualifications and certifications and more!

When you are trying to do your application to be a Singapore PR or permanent resident, you must have noticed that from the explanatory notes, one of the documents required is actually testimonials from previous employer which states the nature as well as the duration of your employment at that place, and the last drawn salary.

Submission of testimonials from your previous employer(s)

If you are wondering whether it is compulsory to submit the testimonials from your previous employer to get your PR application approved, the short answer is no. However, if you actually want a serious chance of having your profile being looked at by ICA seriously, then it is important to submit it. It is possible, but difficult to get your submission approved if you do not submit the required testimonials from previous employers, as ICA treats that as incomplete submission.

Additionally, Singapore is already on the trend of tightening immigration policies and increasing requirements partly due to growing nationalism sentiments. Therefore, you want to make sure that your submission is as complete as humanly possible. Being thorough, and even going above and beyond is important nowadays.

What if you cannot find your previous employer for the testimonials?

Some of you may have been working at a company where the employer moved overseas or due to some reason, you are unable to contact them. In such a case, please provide ICA with everything you know about them and your previous employment still. For instance, you want to provide your exact dates of employment, your last drawn salary as well as your reason(s) for leaving. Try to provide the contact(s) for them as well, so that ICA has the opportunity to be able to track them down in case they need to verify certain claims you have made.

What about past pay slips?

Most pay slips are not signed, and sometimes even provided to employees by email. Therefore, your normal one will do.

Any miscellaneous details required here?

You need to also include and complete the consent forms from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) so that ICA can access and verify your provided financial details. If you are self employed, then you will need to provide them with a valid business registration certificate and evidence as well as any occupational license if applicable.

Yes. PR can buy property in Singapore. In fact, one of the biggest reasons many foreigners go for a Singapore PR application is to become eligible to purchase certain types of property in Singapore, as well as save on property taxes.

Short answer to whether PR can buy property

Getting your permanent residence will already open up the eligibility for virtually every type of property in Singapore for you to purchase.

On the other hand, it is a different story for foreigners for the type they are allowed to purchase. They are only allowed to get very few types of properties in SG, and even then, there will be a hefty Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) tax for the foreigners, which has only been increasing throughout the years at a more than proportionate rate compared to permanent residents.

Buying condo

With the exception of executive condominiums, all private condos are able to be purchased with zero restrictions.

Private condos

When it comes to private condos, there are no restrictions as long as you have the necessary cash to buy it, or the necessary profile required to qualify for a loan to buy it. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of these units that you can snap up. The amount of ABSD taxes applicable to you will be in between that of citizens and foreigners.

Executive condominiums

An executive condo looks exactly the same as a private one. The only difference is that it is partially subsidized by the government, for citizens.

Only Singaporeans are able to get them first hand. A permanent resident can buy it after 5 years from the completion of its development. Foreigners are able to buy it after 10 years from date of completion.

Can PR buy landed property?

What if you are a true baller and even intending to get a local GIP Singapore investment VISA? Perhaps you want something more prestigious and to separate yourself from the pack by getting a landed property or home.

You are only eligible to get landed properties on the mainland with manual approval from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), and only after you have been one for at least 5 years.

Foreigners are not allowed to buy any kind of landed houses on mainland.

Sentosa Cove is the unique exception

Ever wondered why many foreign billionaires buy houses on Sentosa Cove? This is because there are absolutely no restrictions on the buyers when it comes to landed property on Sentosa Cove. That is the only known place right now which has no restrictions for the buyer’s profile.

Can PR buy HDB flat?

Both and only citizens and PRs are allowed to purchase HDB units. However, only citizens are allowed to buy HDB units at the subsidized rates. PRs are only eligible to buy them at the Open Market rate, which can be roughly $100,000 to $250,000 more expensive than the subsidized rates.

Getting a long term visit pass LTVP from Immigrations Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for your elderly parents is possible if you are already have permanent residence.

Who else can you get LTVP for?

In fact, the long term visit pass LTVP is also open for S pass and Employment Pass holders who are interested in it for their family members, and is not just available for the parents. Some of the family members who can get the long term visit pass LTVP will be:

• Your spouse
• Your children
• Parents in law
• Step children

When you get this Long Term Visit Pass LTVP as a SPR for your parents, your parents will be able to have up to 2 years unlimited stay in Singapore most of the time. The only caveat is that LTVP application does not allow for your parents to work in Singapore, it is merely like a very long term social pass. This is not an issue for most people and their parents as most who get the Long Term Visit Pass LTVP for their parents are simply doing so to let their parents be able to live with their child (you) locally here in Singapore too.

However, in the unlikely event your parents wish to move over to pick up jobs, then yes they still can, if they have the relevant work visas.

Time it takes to get LTVP pass

When it comes to the application process for the LTVP, it can vary between a short 7 working days while there are actually also cases where people and their parents needed to wait up till around 6 weeks before they got it successfully. As you can possibly tell, there is quite a large range of time.

To check on this status, it is quite easy and either the sponsor (you) or your parent can check on their respective assigned Foreign Identification Number (FIN).

Wondering how long is the Singapore PR application processing time for you to become a Singapore permanent resident?

Here’s the answer on how long it takes.

The actual submission time you or the agent requires to send the documents over to the relevant authorities is actually nearly immediate – if you have all of the documents needed ready on your hands. The preparation of these necessary information and documents depends largely on the individual, and if you have been keeping records of these in the past so that you can find them all easily now.

Assuming that you have already submitted all the necessary details, then the following are rough guidelines for you.

Singapore PR application processing time

While it is widely claimed by ICA that the average turnaround and processing time for a PR application is approximately four to six months, there has been wildly different experiences by applicants on the ground.

Why the answer to how long does pr application take in Singapore is “it depends”

Some of the common reasons being:

• Peak period – for instance, maybe this time of the year or this year, there are way more submissions to ICA for them to process. This makes the entire process slower for everyone.
• Lull period – on the other hand, if you happen to submit during a lower popularity period, then you will get a decision faster. However, this is not something that you should try to time, as all such information are kept confidential by the authorities, and if you are serious about becoming a PR, you should just submit as soon as possible.
• Your qualifications and details are right on the fence – this means that the people in charge of processing are not overly confident about approving you, but still think you are clearly good enough to be considered seriously. This can result in them being on the fence about you. The best way to solve this problem is to make sure that you do not take any chances, and give them absolutely everything that puts you in the most positive light right from the first try.

Since PTS scheme is one of the most popular choices by people, a rough guideline for those readers who are intending to take this path in Singapore can expect anywhere from as fast as two to three weeks up till around two years.

If you have already gotten rejected, here is some advice on how to send your appeal letter to ICA for rejection decision overturn.

Get a Singapore investor visa via EDB’s Global Investor Programme, or GIP scheme. Wealthy foreign migrants who want to apply for Singapore PR via an investor visa should read the following information on the GIP Singapore scheme.

Starting 15 March 2023, the following latest new criteria will apply. The goal of the latest changes is to encourage GIP investors to allocate more of their funds directly into Singapore’s local financial system and also to ideally create more local jobs for Singaporean citizens.

Overview of the Global Investor Programme or GIP Singapore by EDB

The Global Investor Programme scheme, or GIP scheme was introduced by the Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) in conjunction with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) for migrants interested to be investing in eligible businesses or an approved GIP fund as a way to an eventual approved Singapore permanent residence. This is also sometimes called the Singapore investor visa or investment visa.

Because of the attractiveness of political stability and economic strength in Singapore, Singapore has been a popular immigration spot for business owners and investors around the world.

Over the years, the requirements for the Global Investor Programme scheme changed, and the following is the most updated assessment criteria required for the GIP Singapore investor visa.

Why did EDB start this Global Investor Program scheme or GIP?

EDB started the GIP program in Singapore because it wanted to encourage top foreign talents – successful entrepreneurs and investors, to take up permanent residence in the country, while contributing to Singapore’s financial growth. Hence, GIP is also otherwise known as Singapore investment visa or investor visa.

What is the definition of investible assets when it comes to applying for GIP Singapore to get the investor visa?

For investible assets in Singapore, they can be made up of stuff like bank deposits, collective investment schemes, premiums paid for life insurance policies and such investment products, capital market products, share certificates, but not real estate.

To get your Singapore investment visa approved under EDB’s Global Investor Program, you need to be in one of the following industries

You will also need to be in one of the following business sectors and industries activities to qualify and be approved for GIP and get investor visa in Singapore successfully:

• aerospace engineering
• alternative energy
• media and entertainment
• medical technology
• nanotechnology
• natural resources
• automotive
• chemicals
• consumer business for example flavors, fragrances, home and personal care, nutrition, and such
• education
• electronics
• energy
• engineering services
• healthcare
• logistics and supply chain management
• marine and offshore engineering
• security
• space
• pharmaceuticals biotechnology
• performing arts
• sports businesses
• biotechnology
• precision engineering
• professional services
• lifestyle products (including: (a) Visual Arts businesses for example – auction houses, museums, art galleries, art storage facilities, art logistics and (b) Performing Arts (c) Sports for example – sports academies, HQ of sports companies)

Singapore GIP fund options to get an investor visa

There are three GIP fund investment options in Singapore within the EDB Global Investor Programme scheme you can select from. The eligibility criteria and conditions to meet are different for each of the three options within the GIP scheme.

GIP Option A – Invest S$10 million in a new business entity or expansion of an existing business in Singapore

This is the first option that an investor will be able to choose from under the Global Investor Programme (GIP).

Who qualifies for GIP Option A as a means to get Singapore investment visa?

Successful business owners, next generation family members of an existing business operation and entrepreneurs of fast growth companies with track record can quality for Option A of the GIP scheme.

Additional steps for option A:

• To submit a detailed 5 years business or investment plan with projected employment in Singapore based companies, expenditure and financial projections turnover for the company. This will be assessed based on its feasibility, your role, the activities and creation of local jobs in Singapore.
• Hire at least 30 employees, at least half of which needs to be Singaporean citizens and 10 of which must be new hires.
• Investors to have at least 30% shareholding in the company and be part of the management team.
• Company must be engaged in one of the industries listed in Annex B.

GIP Option B – Invest at least SGD $25 million in a fund that invests in Singapore based companies

This is the second option available for Singapore’s Global Investor Program.

Who qualifies for GIP Option B to get investment visa Singapore?

Established founder of a company, next generation shareholders and entrepreneurial founders of fast growth companies with business track record may apply for Global Investor Programme Option B. Likewise, there are also additional steps GIP fund investors will be required to take under option B.

GIP Option C – Establish a Single Family Office with Assets-Under-Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million

This is the third option available for investors using the Singapore GIP scheme.

Who qualifies for GIP Option C as a means to get a Singapore investor visa?

Successful C suite business owners, next generation entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial founders of fast growing companies and family office principals may qualify and apply for option C under the Global Investor Program.

Additional steps for option C:

Investors to submit a detailed 5 years business plan with projected employment and annual financial projections along with their Singapore investment VISA application. The investment plan will be assessed based on your position in it, the functions of it, proposed investment sectors, business proposal, asset types and geographical focus.

Within the AUM, at least S$50 million needs to be maintained in any of the following categories:

• Listed funds on MAS’ Financial Institutions Directory which are distributed by Singapore-licensed managers
• Listed qualifying debt securities on MAS’ Qualifying Debt Securities Enquiry System like bonds, notes, commercial papers, and certificates of deposit
• Listed public companies on exchanges licensed by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) such as SGX Mainboard and Catalist
• In the form of private equity investments into private Singapore-based businesses

If you want the highest chances of getting a successful Singapore PR application status, then the secret hiding in plain sight for many newcomers or new immigrants is actually showing successful social integration into Singapore.

What Is Social Integration In Singapore?

Social integration in Singapore is the process in which foreigners or immigrants to Singapore integrate into Singapore’s society and how they socially interact in Singapore and with the locals in Singapore and their culture.

Successful Social Integration By Foreigners Into Singapore’s Community

The relevant authorities in Singapore used to look more at qualifications for applications for PR – especially financial. However, due to new changing sentiments by both the existing Singaporean population, and hence the government, a more balanced approach of also looking at new immigrants’ successful social integration in Singapore is taken now.

In fact, that is why immigration applicants who have also studied in Singapore before and have integrated well into their school life in Singapore with Singaporeans is also taken into account and these people have a higher success rate! For a deeper read on this topic, read our post on whether studying locally can improve your chances of application success.

Ways immigrants to Singapore can show interaction and social integration in Singapore

If you have not already done so, yet are serious about wanting to be a permanent resident, then also start focusing on successful social integration efforts with Singaporeans on top of economic contribution and work on a balanced profile. This way, you stand the highest chance of success going forward. The key is to make sure that the activities you do are recognized by ICA too. For example, you loving Singapore food has no bearing on whether you can get your PR approved or not. But the following activities will.

Spend time at local sports or cultural community events

There are lots of ways in which immigrants can show that you have socially integrated into the Singapore community and Singaporean culture. For example, spending documented time at local sports or cultural community events with Singaporeans will be one of them.

Donate to legally recognized local causes in Singapore

Another great way of showing social integration into Singapore is to be donating to local registered causes in Singapore.

Volunteer at recognized charities in Singapore

Volunteering at legally recognized charities in Singapore is yet another great way in which expats can show social integration.

In fact, some of the most common reasons for rejections, and hence people trying to appeal to ICA against rejection, is largely due to two reasons – qualifications and proof of social integration into Singapore. So if you are a new immigrant who wants to stay in Singapore for good, make sure to work on and demonstrate your efforts in social integration!

Looking for appeal letter to ICA related advice?

Here is a guide on whether you should write and submit an appeal letter to ICA or wait and re-apply instead.

Many people who submit a Singapore PR application to become a Singapore permanent resident receive a PR rejection letter from Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). If ICA told you that you got your PR rejected, you are not alone.

There are many reasons for getting your PR rejected. Reasons can range from missing supporting documents, incomplete forms, weak identity profiles or more. Unfortunately, ICA website also does not provide any reason for you getting your PR rejected.

You have 2 solutions – write and send a PR appeal letter to ICA or wait and re-apply

There are usually only two options for you at this time to obtain your Singapore permanent residence.

1) Write and submit an appeal letter to ICA for your PR rejection decision overturn

The first step or option will be to actually write and submit an appeal letter to ICA website regarding this matter within 2 months of the PR rejection date. PR appeal is actually a common route that is taken by many people in Singapore as there is minimal waiting time for you as well.

Are there example templates or sample appeal letter to ICA?

Some people ask us for an example of, or sample appeal letter to ICA template, but we strongly do not recommend that. Such an example or sample PR appeal letter is unlikely useful in itself. To know how to process your PR appeal successfully, we need to first understand how ICA works.

ICA does not approve PR appeal letters lightly for immigration to Singapore. This means that unless your case was a simple case of you having left out one crucial document in the initial process, you need to demonstrate clear and significant progress in terms of your profile versus what you had submitted in the original application.

When should you submit appeal letter to ICA for PR rejection?

Submitting an appeal letter to ICA is usually ideal if you had only missed out perhaps one or maximum two documents during your initial application. If so, then a PR appeal is your best option.

If your PR rejection was because of weak profile qualifications in the eyes of ICA, waiting and re-applying instead of trying to write an appeal letter to ICA is the smarter decision for you.

How long will ICA take to reply to your appeal letter?

The processing time is long-ranging. ICA can take from a few weeks or months to a year to reply to your appeal letter.

2) Wait and re-apply

The second option will be to re-apply again after first waiting for approximately 6 months or more. This is the recommended route if your profile is weak and was most likely the reason for getting your PR rejected. In such a case, you will need to demonstrate a significant improvement in your profile (for example your job, salary and more) first, then re-doing the whole process. It takes more time, but remember, you just need to get it approved once.

How long must you wait before re-applying?

Generally, you can submit your next application 6 months or more after the initial date stated.

During this waiting time, applicants should not do anything that can potentially ruin their chances. For instance, you definitely should not change job or company in the interim time unless it is to a significantly higher salary position at a prestigious company in Singapore. Every step you do in between now and re-applying has to be about improving your profile.

Wanting to change job or company during your Singapore PR application process is a common concern by many customers. As changing jobs is a commonly asked question, we seek to answer this query here.

This question is specifically for those who have already submitted your documents to ICA, and are awaiting for the results of your status.

If you have not yet applied with ICA at all yet and are considering changing jobs even before that, then this does not directly apply or as much to you.

Can you switch jobs or employment?

If you want the short answer, the answer is yes. However, there are two main caveats, and several things that you should inform ICA of if you so wish to do this.

Only be changing jobs while pending if the new job is significantly higher salary or employment with a much better company in SG

First of all, while some people change careers due to a better work-life balance, if you are serious about getting your application approved while changing employment, then try to make sure that you only accept the offer if it offers a significantly higher income or salary. The higher your salary, the better your chances of getting a pass. (However, do note that paying more in taxes does not automatically mean higher chances of approval success.) The last thing you want to do is to change jobs or company to a similar pay but more relaxed work scope during the pending process.

While you switch employment or job, demonstrate responsibility

Second of all, regardless what new work in the country you are considering right now, the key is to portray to the authorities that you are a responsible and stable adult and applicant. However, if you are always constantly changing your work place, then you will probably get onto their naughty list and it will be really difficult for your PR to get granted!

If you are switching employment or jobs, do notify the authorities

Here are some things that you should ideally inform ICA beforehand, so that you still can change jobs while still keeping your chances of status granted high.

You can either choose to email them at ICA_PR@ica.gov.sg or contact them physically at their offices at Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ICA Building 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718 the following information or documents:

• An explanatory document which explains your situation and why you are considering to make the change in work. Keep in mind that this explanatory piece should illustrate that you are a responsible, sensible adult who is only changing jobs because it is clearly the only logical thing for anyone in your position to do and accept.
• To provide them with a copy of your new work pass
• To send them the Annex A from the new company you will be working for
• A copy of your passport biometric page

Do not jeopardize your pending PR confirmation you had been applying for by doing the following mistake

Something additional that you want to note is also that you should only do the above steps if you have already received an official offer from the organization. If it is a soft offer, and you inform ICA authorities on the supposed change in employment, and right after that, the organization or company rescinds on their job offer to you, resulting in you backtracking your explanation to ICA, that can cause confusion and cause the officers in charge to view you as a wishy washy permanent residence applicant.

We always recommend that you will need to be thorough when you apply now, and while some people may have gotten away without informing ICA of such changes, or keep changing careers and still get their status granted in the past, keep in mind that many of those easy approval stories happened before 2008 to 2009 and getting your documents approved is getting harder these days. Therefore, being thorough will ensure your chances are kept highest.