PR vs SC: Exploring the 12 Critical Pros & Cons You Must Know

January 6, 2022

Singapore PR (PR) vs Singapore Citizenship (SC)
When considering long-term residence in Singapore, many foreign residents wonder about the key differences between Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) and Singapore Citizenship (SC). Both offer distinct rights, benefits, and obligations that significantly impact an individual’s life in the country. In this detailed comparison, we explore the core aspects of both PR and SC, highlighting what each status entails.
Aspect	Singapore PR (PR)	Singapore Citizenship (SC)
1. Voting rights	PRs in Singapore do not have the right to vote in general elections or participate in national referendums.	SCs are entitled to vote in all national elections and referendums. Voting is a significant privilege of citizenship, allowing citizens to directly influence government policies and the selection of national leaders.
Housing benefits	PRs can purchase resale public housing (HDB flats) but they face limitations in terms of available grants and subsidies compared to Citizens. PRs are not eligible to buy new HDB flats directly from the government.	SCs enjoy more extensive housing grants and subsidies, making home ownership more affordable. Additionally, SCs have the ability to purchase both new and resale HDB flats, which gives them greater flexibility in the housing market.
Employment opportunities	As a PR, you are required to use a re-entry permit (REP) to maintain your residency status when traveling outside of Singapore. The REP must be renewed periodically, and failure to do so may result in the loss of PR status.	SCs have full access to all job opportunities, including those within the public sector.
Travel documents	PRs use a re-entry permit to travel and must ensure it is valid to maintain their residency status.	Singapore Citizens are issued a Singapore passport, which provides them with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, enhancing global mobility. The passport is a highly respected travel document and offers the ultimate convenience for international travel.
National service obligation	Male Permanent Residents are required to serve National Service (NS) in Singapore. However, there are certain exemptions based on the PR scheme. PRs who have obtained their residency status later in life may be exempt from full NS obligations.	Male Singapore Citizens are required to serve National Service without exemptions. This is a core duty of citizenship and contributes to the country’s defense. NS plays a key role in the nation-building process, and all male citizens are obligated to fulfill this service.
Security of Status	PR is not an absolute status, and it can be revoked. Reasons for revocation include criminal convictions, failure to comply with residency requirements, or not renewing re-entry permits. A PR’s residency status is contingent upon continued compliance with the terms of the re-entry permit.	SC is permanent and cannot be revoked unless the citizen voluntarily renounces it. Once granted, citizenship confers an unwavering right to reside in the country, making it the most secure status.
Pathway to Citizenship	A Permanent Resident can apply for Singapore Citizenship after fulfilling the residency requirements. The process involves a rigorous assessment of the individual’s contributions to Singapore’s society and economy.
Tax obligations	PRs are subject to tax on income earned in Singapore, as well as certain foreign income, depending on their tax residency status.	Singapore Citizens are also subject to income tax on earnings within Singapore. However, Citizens may benefit from specific tax reliefs and exemptions. These benefits are designed to reduce the overall tax burden on citizens.
Social security benefits (CPF)	PRs contribute to and benefit from the Central Provident Fund (CPF) but with some limitations compared to SC.	SCs have full access to CPF benefits, including more favorable withdrawal conditions, making it a crucial part of their social security and retirement planning.
Education benefits	PR children have a priority for school placement after SCs, facing more competition for spots in preferred schools.	Children of Singapore Citizens are given the highest priority for school placements in public institutions. Citizens also have access to a wider range of educational grants, scholarships, and subsidies that help offset the cost of education, making it more accessible for families.
Healthcare benefits	PRs can access Singapore’s public healthcare system. However, PRs pay higher medical fees than Singapore Citizens, as they are not entitled to the same government subsidies.	SCs enjoy subsidized healthcare services, making it more affordable for them to access medical care. Citizens benefit from lower co-payment rates, government subsidies, and better support for long-term healthcare needs.
Political participation	PRs cannot participate in the political process. They are not eligible to vote in elections, nor can they hold public office or run for political positions.	SCs have full political rights. They can vote in general elections, participate in national referendums, and even run for public office, allowing them to take an active role in the country’s governance.

Applying for Singapore Citizenship (SC)

Becoming a Singapore Citizen is a significant step and requires meeting strict eligibility criteria. The application process can be thorough, but it offers the ultimate benefits of permanent residency and full participation in Singapore’s economic, social, and political life.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship if you meet any of the following criteria:

Permanent Resident (PR): You are 21 years or older and have been a Singapore PR for at least 2 years. You can also apply for your spouse and any unmarried children under 21, whether biological or adopted.
Spouse of a Singapore Citizen: You have been a PR for at least 2 years and have been married to a Singapore Citizen for at least 2 years.
Child of a Singapore Citizen: You are an unmarried child under 21, born within a legal marriage to a Singapore Citizen or have been legally adopted by one.
PR student in Singapore: You have been residing in Singapore for more than 3 years and have passed at least one national exam (e.g., PSLE, GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels) or are enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP).
Aged parent of a Singapore Citizen: You are a PR and the aged parent of a Singapore Citizen.

How to Apply

To apply for Singapore citizenship, you will need to submit required documents and pay application fees. If your application is successful, there will be additional fees for the Singapore Citizenship Certificate and/or Identity Card (IC). The entire process is done online through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

Required Documents

Do prepare certified true copies of all original documents. If any documents are in a language other than English, you must submit an official translation. The ICA accepts translations provided by embassies or notaries public in Singapore or the country of issue. Alternatively, you can use a private translation service, provided the translation is attested by the embassy or notarized.

Application Fees

Applicant Type	Application Fee	Certificate/ID Card Fees (if approved)
Adult PRs & Children of PRs	SGD $100	SGD $70 for Citizenship Certificate, SGD $10 for Singapore ID (for those aged 15 and above)
Children born overseas to Singapore Citizen parents	SGD $18	SGD $10 for Singapore ID
Other children (born overseas or locally)	SGD $100	SGD $70 for Citizenship Certificate, SGD $10 for Singapore ID

Note: The Singapore Identity Card fee applies to new citizens aged 15 and above.

Application Process

Submit Your Application: Complete your application and upload all required documents via the ICA’s e-Service.
Processing Time: Citizenship applications typically take 6-12 months to process. However, applications for children born overseas to Singapore Citizens are processed in about 2 months. You can check the status of your application on MyICA.
Approval: If your application is successful, you’ll receive an “Approval in Principle” letter, which will include your appointment details for registering as a Singapore citizen.

For more detailed information, visit the ICA website or contact SPI team

Applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR)

Obtaining PR status in Singapore is an important step for those looking to settle in the country long-term. The process is also rigorous and involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

Eligibility

You may apply for PR status if you are:

A spouse of a Singapore Citizen or PR
An unmarried child under 21, born within a legal marriage or legally adopted by a Singapore Citizen or PR
An aged parent of a Singapore Citizen
An Employment Pass or S Pass holder
A student studying in Singapore have passed at least one national exam (e.g., PSLE, GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels) or are enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP).
A foreign investor in Singapore

How to Apply

To apply for PR, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents and pay the required application fee. The list of required documents differs depending on your category of application.

Application Fees

Non-refundable Application Fee: SGD $100
If approved, you will need to pay the following:
- SGD $20 for an Entry Permit
- SGD $50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit
- SGD $50 for your Identity Card
- SGD $30 for an Entry Visa (if applicable)

Application Process

Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted online through a valid SingPass account. If you’re an Employment Pass or S Pass holder, you can use your own SingPass or your sponsor’s. Foreign investors should apply through the Global Investor Programme. Students can apply using their Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and immigration pass details.
Processing Time: The processing time for PR applications is typically 4-6 months.

For more detailed information, visit the ICA website or contact SPI team