Guide to Residency in Singapore

Obtaining a residency visa in Singapore is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Singapore gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the different types of residency statuses available in Singapore
  • Permanent Residency (PR) through schemes like the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers scheme (PTS), Global Investor Programme (GIP), or through family ties.
  • Employment Pass for professionals, managers, executives, and specialists.
  • S Pass for mid-skilled technical staff.
  • EntrePass for entrepreneurs intending to start a business in Singapore.
• Check eligibility criteria
  • Review the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website for PR eligibility: ICA PR Application.
  • Visit the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for work pass eligibility: MOM Passes and Permits.
• Prepare necessary documents
  • Gather personal identification documents such as passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Obtain educational certificates and professional qualifications.
  • Prepare employment records, pay slips, and tax assessments.
• Apply for an Employment Pass or S Pass (if applicable)
  • Submit an application online via the MOM's EP Online system: EP Online.
  • Pay the application fee and wait for the outcome.
• Apply for Permanent Residency (if eligible)
  • Complete the PR application form available on the ICA website.
  • Compile the required documents as listed on the ICA website.
  • Submit the application online via the e-PR system: e-PR.
  • Pay the application fee and await the outcome.
• Apply for a Tax Number (if required for your residency application)
  • Register for a SingPass account to access government e-services: SingPass.
  • Apply for an Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) Unique Entity Number (UEN) if you are setting up a business: UEN.
  • Individual taxpayers are identified by their NRIC (for PRs) or FIN (Foreign Identification Number) for non-residents.
• Attend the interview (if required)
  • Some PR applications may require an interview. Be prepared to attend and bring all original documents.
• Wait for the outcome
  • Processing times can vary; regularly check your application status online.
• If successful, complete the formalities
  • For PR, you will need to make an appointment with ICA to complete the formalities.
  • For Employment Pass or S Pass, follow the instructions provided by MOM to issue the pass.
• Understand your obligations as a resident
  • Stay informed about tax obligations through IRAS: IRAS.
  • Understand the Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions if you are a PR: CPF.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific processes and requirements may change. Always refer to the official websites for the most current information.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Singapore?

"To apply for a visa to Singapore, applicants must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Depending on the type of visa, applicants may also need to provide proof of financial resources, a medical report, and a police clearance certificate. To apply for residency in Singapore, applicants must first obtain an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependent Pass. These passes are issued by the Ministry of Manpower and require applicants to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of qualifications, proof of financial resources, and a medical report. Once the pass is approved, applicants can then apply for a Long Term Visit Pass or a Permanent Residence. The application process for these passes requires applicants to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of qualifications, proof of financial resources, and a medical report," commented one member living in Singapore.