The Singapore government has been tightening the rules when it comes to foreigners living and working in the country.
As one of the reputable immigration firms in Singapore, Timcole is known for providing its clients with comprehensive services that make it easier for them to gain Singapore Permanent Resident status, as well as Singaporean citizenships.
Our team of professionals can also help you register your company in Singapore so you can start conducting your business operations in the country. If you would like to learn more about the services that we offer, feel free to get in touch with us at any time you see fit.
Obtaining a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)
Your journey to becoming a citizen of Singapore begins with receiving an Employment Pass (EP). The Employment Pass provides you with the opportunity to work in Singapore. This pass is mostly used by entrepreneurs who are planning on setting up a business in Singapore and staying in the country for at least one year.
💡 Starting a business in Singapore? Read our step-by-step guide for foreigners on how to start a business in Singapore.
The Employment Pass is valid for 1 to 2 years and it remains renewable for as long as you are employed by the company. Your advanced education, seniority in management, technical skills, and professional qualifications will help you qualify for an Employment Pass.
After spending 2 years as a holder of an Employment Pass, you are qualify to apply for the status of a Permanent Resident of Singapore.
In order to get the process started, you will first need to establish a company with a local registered office address and at least one resident director, one shareholder, and one company secretary.
❗ Need a local director for your Singapore company incorporation? Timcole offers nominee director services that will not interfere with your business operation.
Types of Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore
There are 3 different types of Employment Passes in Singapore:
- P1 Employment Pass is meant for individuals who possess any of the acceptable qualifications and/or those who have a fixed salary of at least S$8,000 per month
- P2 Employment Pass is meant for individuals who possess any of the acceptable qualifications and/or those who have a fixed salary of at least S$4,500 per month
- Q1 Employment Pass is meant for young individuals who have graduated from recognizable institutions and now have a fixed salary of at least S$3,000 per month (older applicants who would like to qualify for this pass should have a higher salary and should be able to bring the necessary amount of work experience with them)
💁 Need more help? Read our beginner guide on all you need to know about Singapore Employment Pass.
Documents for the Employment Pass (EP) Application
The following is a list of all the documents that you must bring to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- 2 of the highest education certificates that you have
- A working testimonial (if you have one) and a CV/resume
- Your passport and a Singaporean work pass, student pass, or just about any other pass that you have (if any)
- A completed application form with the applicant’s details
If you do not manage to pass the initial assessment, you are required to provide some more detailed information about your business. If you do this, you will acquire the right to file an appeal. This process can take up to 5 weeks. If you are approved, you will need to collect your Employment Pass within 6 months from the date on which you were approved. A total elapsed time can be from 1 to 12 weeks.
If you have a wife and kid(s) and would like them to live with you in Singapore, you can do so by producing a marriage certificate, diplomas, birth certificates, and passports, as well as to pay some extra fees, to secure Dependent Passes for both your wife and your kid.
If you are planning on sending your kid to a school in Singapore, then your kid will not need to have a Dependent Pass. Instead, you can apply for a Student Pass.
📚 Learn more about the cost of education in Singapore.
Receiving the Status as a Permanent Resident (PR) of Singapore
Acquiring the status of a Permanent Resident (PR) of Singapore is not as hard as it may seem at first. Singapore is more than willing to welcome professionals, technicians, and skilled workers with open arms. As a matter of fact, about 90% of approved applications come from the PTS Scheme.
Applying for PR under the PTS Scheme
This scheme favors individuals who are less than 50 years of age, although some exceptions are granted every once in a while. The following is a list of all the documents that you will be expected to provide if you are applying under the PTS scheme:
- Form 4A (consisting of both the Annex and the PR Application Form)
- Form EP4
- An acceptable photograph
- The Work Pass/Employment Pass of the applicant (if the applicant owns any)
- Identity cards of both the applicant (if any are available) and the sponsor
- The Birth Certificate of the applicant and the Census List of the applicant’s household
- The official Marriage Certificate of the sponsor
- Educational certificates of both the applicant and the sponsor
- Official Birth Certificates of the applicant’s children showing both of their parents’ names, as well as the kids’ names and adoption papers (if applicable)
- Death certificate or divorce certificate along with the custody papers (if any)
- Employer’s letter from both the applicant and the sponsor (if applicable) – the letter should be dated within one month from the date on which it was submitted and it should be addressed to the Controller of Immigration
- Income Tax Notices of Assessment of both the sponsor and the applicant (if applicable) for the last three years
- A CPF Board statement that clearly shows the monthly CPF contribution history of the sponsor (only for the last 12 months)
- A Vocational License (if applicable) and a Business Registration Certificate (for self-employment) of the sponsor
- Deed Poll or Change of Name Certificate of both the applicant and the sponsor
Depending on the type of Work Pass that you have, the recommended time period between getting an Employment Pass and applying for the status of a Permanent Resident of Singapore could be anywhere between 6 months and 3 years. You can find out more information for PR application.
The government will be more than happy to see how big your commitment to Singapore is based by looking at how much time you are willing to spend in the country, your respect for authority, and your job stability. Singapore is not a good place for rebellious or irresponsible individuals. Our team of professionals here at Timcole can help you out when it comes to submitting your application.
🏠 Planning to live in Singapore? Learn more about the cost of living and cost of accommodation here.
Becoming a Citizen of Singapore
If you are at least 21 years of age and have been a Permanent Resident of Singapore for a period of 2 to 6 years, you have the right to apply for a preliminary assessment.
If you have the status of a Permanent Resident of Singapore and are the spouse of an individual who is already a citizen of Singapore, you have the right to apply. However, only if you have lived in the country for 2 years and if you have been married to that individual for at least 2 years. Children who are born overseas can receive Singaporean citizenship if they are less than one year old and if their parents were legally married at the time of their birth and if the children themselves meet one of the following conditions:
Male children
- At least one parent was born as a citizen of Singapore
- At least one parent is a registered citizen of Singapore and the child is not a citizen of any other country
- At least one parent is a citizen of Singapore by descent and has accumulated at least one year of residence in Singapore out of the 5 years before your birth or has accumulated a total of 4 years of residence in Singapore before your birth
Female children
- At least one parent was born as a citizen of Singapore
- At least one parent is a registered citizen of Singapore and the child is not a citizen of any other country
- Meet the citizen of Singapore by a decent requirement that applies to males
Applying for Singaporean Citizenship
In order to apply for Singaporean citizenship, you must provide an acceptable photograph and the following documents:
- Birth Certificate and Identity Card
- Marriage Certificate/Separation Deed/Divorce Certificate
- Passport or any other travel-related document
- Entry Permit Card/Re-entry permits
- Skill Certificates and Educational Certificates
- A letter of employment from your current employer
- Latest six-month pay-slips (only the latest pay-slip for your spouse)
- An authorisation form that ICA can use to verify financial information with the Central Provident Fund Board and Inland Revenue Authority (IRAS)
- Latest Computer Information regarding your Business Profile from ACRA (Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority) and the latest balance sheet or profit and loss account if you are either a partner, a director of a company, or a sole proprietor
- Death certificate of your ex-spouse and proof of child custody from your previous marriage (if applicable)
- Deed Poll or Religious Certificate for change of name (if any)
- Passport or any other travel-related document and Birth Certificate of your child
- Identity Card or Entry Permit of your child
- Foreign Identity Card and Foreign Citizenship Certificate (if any)
- National Service Certificate of Service (if any)
- If the applicant is a child, they have to provide an acceptable photograph, passport or any other travel-related document, and Birth Certificate (parents are responsible for providing identity cards, marriage certificates, death certificates, and passports)
Be sure to submit both the required documentation and the application form at the Citizen Services Center. You will also have to pay a fee of S$100 and accept an interview from a government official.
Renewal of your Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) Status
Keep in mind that renewals are not guaranteed. You can only enhance your chances by having a spotless work record, clean record, paying income tax, and spending most of your time in Singapore.
If you need help, feel free to get in touch with us. Timcole is more than happy to help you out!
