You can gain permanent residence in Singapore through any one of three schemes:
- Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)
- Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS Scheme)
- Global Investor Program Scheme (GIP Scheme)
Each of these schemes has varying stipulations and requirements. Here is a detailed insight into what each scheme entails.
This scheme was established in 1991 to cater to aspiring residents with exemplary talents and artistic skills. The scheme is jointly administered by the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). However, the ICA is the final authority in determining whether applicants qualify for permanent residency.
International arts professionals applying for permanent residency through this scheme should meet the following criteria:
- Training and experience in their respective fields.
- Outstanding achievements in the fields of literary, visual, and performing arts as well as media and/or design.
- An exemplary track record of engagements at the local leadership level.
- Outstanding contributions to Singapore’s cultural and arts scene.
- Concrete and attainable future plans to be involved in Singapore’s cultural and arts sector.
It is important to note that the success rate for gaining permanent residence through this scheme is dismal. You have to be outstanding and internationally recognized in your field of expertise. You should also have contributed to Singapore’s arts sector and prove that you still have much more to offer.
The Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme offers the easiest conduit into Singapore. Approximately 95% of all professionals who acquire permanent residence in Singapore do so through the PTS scheme. However, applicants need any of the four employment passes granted by the government. These are the employment pass, S pass, entrepreneur pass, or personalized employment pass.
There is a wide range of factors that are considered when determining an applicant’s qualification for permanent residence through this scheme. The most important factors are work skills and educational qualifications. Your professional and financial backgrounds also matter.
Besides ensuring strong skill sets, professional, educational, and financial backgrounds, you can also do the following to improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residence through this scheme:
- Ensure that your skills set compliments the local workforce instead of competing with it
- Obtain your qualifications from a reputable institution
- Volunteer for community work that benefits the local community
- Take some time to work in Singapore before applying – at least 12 months should suffice
Authorities prefer applicants aged below 50 years. However, exceptions can be made on a case-to-case basis.
The most convenient thing about the PTS scheme is that applicants are allowed to make applications for their spouses as well as children below 21 years. However, all male depends are liable for Singapore’s National Service upon receiving permanent residency. This means that the applicant’s male children will be required to serve Singapore in different capacities on a full-time basis. They will also be required to serve in the Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) for 40 days per year till the age of 65 years under the rank of officer and 40 years under higher ranks.
The Global Investor Program (GIP) scheme is jointly administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). It is designed for internationals seeking to invest in Singapore and gain permanent residence while doing it. Individuals seeking to utilize this scheme are required to have a successful entrepreneurial background as well as a significant business track record.
The authorities judge applications based on the following criteria:
- Experience – The applicant must have at least three years in business and entrepreneurship, and should produce audited financial records of his/her company for the past three years. The applicant should also have a good track record.
- Turnover – The applicant’s company should have a turnover of at least S$50 million in the year preceding the application, and an average of S$50 on average for the three years before that.
- Financial Statements – The applicant is required to submit financial records reflecting the company’s highest turnover.
- Shares – If the applicant’s company is privately-held, he/she should have at least 30% of all shares. The applicant’s role and rank in the company are also taken into consideration.
The GIP scheme offers two options to applicants:
Option A: Investing at least S$2.5 million in a new business entity or in an existing business operation seeking to expand.
Under this plan, the applicant is required to present a detailed five-year investment or business plan. The plan should detail projected employment and financial projections on an annual basis. The applicant will also be required to reach all the projected targets within the five-year period.
Investments are closely regulated. Your investment should be in any of the following industries:
- Aerospace engineering
- Clean technology
- Automotives
- Chemicals
- Consumer business
- Electronics
- Energy
- Engineering services
- Healthcare
- Infocomm products and services
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Marine and offshore engineering
- Media and entertainment
- Medical technology
- Nanotechnology
- Natural resources
- Safety and security
- Space
- Shipping
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Precision engineering
- Professional services
- Arts businesses
- Sports businesses
- Family office and financial services
Option B: Investing at least S$2.5 million in a GIP-approved fund that invests in companies based in Singapore.
