While relocating to Singapore can be complex, 2025 introduces greater flexibility and clarity for global mobility, making it easier for professionals, entrepreneurs, and graduates to relocate—provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

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Singapore Permanent Residence (PR): Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) is the most sought-after outcome for foreign nationals seeking long-term stability in Singapore. PR status allows individuals to live and work in Singapore without employer restrictions and serves as a stepping stone toward citizenship.

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Eligible applicants include Employment Pass holders, S Pass holders, entrepreneurs, and certain family members of Singapore citizens or existing PRs. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses applications holistically, taking into account:

• Duration of stay and employment history in Singapore
• Salary level and career progression
• Employer profile and industry relevance
• Academic qualifications
• Tax contributions and economic value
• Family ties and integration into local society

Although there is no official minimum timeframe, most successful applicants have lived and worked in Singapore for at least two to three years. Processing typically takes four to six months.

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PR status provides:

• Freedom to change employers without a new work pass
• Access to public services and education options
• Broader property ownership rights
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members

PR remains the ultimate goal for most professionals and families relocating to Singapore, and the immigration routes detailed below are most commonly pursued as pathways toward it.

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Immigration Routes for Professionals

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1. Employment Pass (EP): The Employment Pass (EP) is the most commonly used visa for foreign professionals relocating to Singapore. It is intended for senior professionals, managers, and highly skilled specialists who have secured employment with a Singapore-registered company.

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As of 2025, candidates must earn at least SGD 5,600 per month and pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which assesses salary, qualifications, diversity, and employer profile.

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Key requirements include:

• A confirmed job offer from a Singapore employer
• Minimum qualifying salary (higher for more experienced candidates)
• Recognised academic qualifications
• A strong professional track record

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Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) – Employment Pass: Some multinational companies may qualify for Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) arrangements, which can exempt them from the requirement to advertise vacancies on the government job portal before applying for an Employment Pass.

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Singapore adheres closely to the definition of ICT under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and applicable free trade agreements.

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Key requirements:

• At least one year of prior employment with the overseas entity
• Transfer into a managerial, executive, or specialist role
• Assignment within the same corporate group

This route is ideal for companies relocating key personnel to Singapore. The EP is employer-sponsored and is commonly used as a pathway toward Permanent Residency (PR).

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2. EntrePass: The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or innovation-driven. This route is suitable for founders involved in technology, research, or scalable business models and allows entrepreneurs to actively manage and grow their Singapore business.

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Global Investor Programme (GIP): The Global Investor Programme is Singapore's flagship residency-by-investment route, offering direct Permanent Residence to qualified investors. Applicants must demonstrate:

• A proven entrepreneurial or investment track record
• Substantial business revenue or assets under management
• Willingness to invest significant capital in Singapore

Investment options include business expansion, fund investments, and family office structures. The GIP is particularly relevant for high-net-worth individuals seeking a structured and direct route to Singapore PR.

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3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is aimed at high-earning foreign professionals who require greater employment flexibility.

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Eligibility criteria include:

• Existing EP holders earning at least SGD 12,000 per month, or
• Overseas professionals earning at least SGD 18,000 per month

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Key advantages:

• Not tied to a single employer
• Valid for up to 3 years (non-renewable)
• Self-applied

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PEP holders must secure employment within six months of relocating to Singapore.

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4. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (One Pass): The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is designed for top-tier global talent in business, technology, research, sports, and the arts.

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Highlights include:

• High minimum salary and achievement thresholds
• No employer sponsorship required
• Ability to bring immediate family members
• Flexibility to work for multiple employers or start a business

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This route is intended for individuals with exceptional international recognition and expertise.

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Immigration Routes for Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

1. S Pass: The S Pass is intended for skilled workers and mid-level professionals. Applicants must earn at least SGD 3,300 per month, with higher thresholds for more experienced candidates.

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Work Permit for Migrant Workers: This permit is for skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in sectors such as:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Marine shipyard
• Process
• Services

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Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Workers: This permit allows migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to work legally in Singapore under employer sponsorship.

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Immigration Routes for Trainees and Students

1. Training Employment Pass: For foreign professionals undergoing practical training in Singapore. Applicants must earn at least SGD 3,000 per month.‍
2. Training Work Permit: For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training for up to six months.‍
3. Study-to-Work Pathway

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Student Pass: International students may relocate to Singapore by:

1. Securing admission to a recognised Singapore educational institution
2. Applying for a Student Pass
3. Entering the workforce after graduation

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Graduates who secure suitable employment may transition from a Student Pass to an Employment Pass, creating a long-term pathway to residence and, eventually, PR. For investors seeking residency through qualifying capital deployment, see our overview of Singapore residency by investment options.

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Source:  Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore Passes and Permits

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Pathway to Singapore Citizenship

For those who successfully obtain PR, Singapore citizenship represents the final stage of the long-term residency journey. After several years of PR status, individuals may apply for citizenship subject to criteria including economic contribution, integration into Singapore society, and family ties.

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Citizenship provides:

• Full employment freedom without work pass restrictions
• Access to public housing and government benefits
• Strong global mobility through Singapore's highly ranked passport

It is important to note that Singapore does not permit dual citizenship. Applicants are required to renounce their original nationality upon naturalisation. While not all PR holders choose to pursue citizenship, it is an option available to those with deep long-term ties to Singapore.

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How Hudson McKenzie Can Help

Hudson McKenzie advises multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, and private clients on navigating Singapore's immigration pathways with a strategic and commercially focused approach. Our team supports clients across all major routes — including PR applications, the Employment Pass pathway to PR, and investor migration under the Global Investor Programme.

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We provide tailored advice aligned with each client's professional profile or investment objectives, whether you are exploring how to obtain Singapore PR or evaluating residency by investment options. We also advise high-net-worth individuals on structuring their relocation through the most effective route for their circumstances.

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Request a consultation | Email us | Call +44 (0) 20 3318 5794

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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