When considering living and working in Singapore, two common pathways for foreign nationals are obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) or an Employment Pass (EP). Both offer opportunities to stay and work in Singapore, but they come with different conditions, benefits, and limitations. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which option best suits your long-term goals and professional plans in Singapore.
Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) |
Employment Pass (EP) |
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| Definition | Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore refers to a foreigner who has been granted the legal right to live, work, and stay in Singapore on a permanent basis. As of mid-2024, approximately 544,900 PR holders live in Singapore, out of a total population of 6.04 million. PRs are managed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which oversees the application process.
One of the key benefits of PR status is that it is permanent, meaning PR holders are allowed to reside in Singapore indefinitely, with no need for a work visa. PR holders also benefit from long-term stability and security in terms of employment, healthcare, and public services. |
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa that allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore. To qualify for an EP, applicants must typically earn a monthly salary of at least SGD 5,000 (higher for more experienced professionals).
The EP is tied to a specific employer and is valid for a limited period, typically ranging from one to three years. |
| Duration of Stay | Permanent.
You would have been issued with a Re-Entry Permit (REP) when you received your permanent residency. A valid REP is necessary whenever a permanent resident (PR) travels out of Singapore. The REP allows you to retain your permanent residence status while away from Singapore. If you leave Singapore or remain overseas without a valid REP, you will lose your permanent residence status. You will be assessed for entry into Singapore as a foreign visitor, subject to prevailing entry requirements. |
– First-time candidates: Up to 2 years
– Renewals: Up to 3 years Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a longer 5-year duration pass. |
| Job Flexibility | PR holders are not tied to any specific employer. They enjoy the freedom to change jobs without the need for a new application. This flexibility is particularly useful for career growth, as PR holders can switch positions or explore different sectors without facing delays or administrative hurdles. | The EP is tied to a specific employer. If an EP holder wishes to change jobs, they must apply for a new EP under their new employer. |
| Benefits and Privileges | PRs have access to a wide range of benefits, such as public housing, Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, healthcare subsidies, education benefits for children, and priority in housing loans. These privileges make PR a very attractive option for those looking to settle in Singapore long-term. PR holders’ children can attend public schools, which are generally more affordable compared to international schools. | Limited access to public services and benefits. They cannot participate in the CPF scheme. EP holders and their families are also not entitled to subsidized public housing or the full range of healthcare benefits available to PRs. |
| Path to Citizenship | Can apply for Singapore citizenship after 2 years of PR status. | EP holders do not have a direct path to citizenship. To become a citizen, an EP holder must first apply for PR status. Once granted PR, they must then wait for the mandatory period before applying for citizenship. |
| Family Benefits | A Singapore PR can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their first-degree family members, i.e., spouse, children (under the age of 21), and parents. This makes it easier for families to live together in Singapore. However, parents-in-law are not eligible for LTVP sponsorship. | EP holders can bring certain family members to Singapore, including their spouse and children, on a Dependant’s Pass. However, the Dependant’s Pass is tied to the validity of the EP, so if the EP holder’s employment ends or they leave Singapore, their dependents’ status will be cancelled. |
| Application Process | The application process is more complex, and processing may take 6 months or longer.
ICA takes 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 in Singapore. |
The EP application process is more straightforward. Candidates must meet the salary requirement and pass the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based system, which evaluates various factors such as salary, qualifications, and work experience. The process is generally faster, but it is still tied to the employer and subject to regulatory approval. |
| CPF contribution | PRs are required to contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which is Singapore’s compulsory savings scheme. The CPF contributions are used to support retirement, housing, and healthcare needs. Both the employee and employer make contributions, with the amount varying depending on the PR’s age and salary. | EP holders are not required to contribute to CPF until they become PRs. |
| Long-term Plans | If you’re planning to stay in Singapore long-term with your family, obtaining PR can offer significant advantages. One key benefit is greater access to public services, such as healthcare and education. For families with children, this is especially important. PR holders’ children can attend local public schools, which are often more affordable and of higher quality than international schools. In contrast, children of EP holders may face restrictions or higher tuition fees.
Another advantage for families is the ability to sponsor your spouse or children for PR, ensuring long-term residency for your entire family. This is a benefit not available to EP holders, who may face challenges if their spouse or children wish to remain in Singapore after their work pass ends. |
Conclusion
Choosing between applying for Permanent Residency (PR) or an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore depends on your long-term goals and professional circumstances. PR offers permanent residency, greater job flexibility, a pathway to citizenship, and comprehensive benefits for both individuals and their families. EP, on the other hand, is ideal for professionals looking to work in Singapore temporarily or for those whose primary focus is career development in the short-to-medium term. Understanding the key differences and advantages of each option will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and aspirations in Singapore.
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