Discover the full value of making Singapore your long-term home. Upgrading from Work Pass to PR or Citizen status unlocks $200,000 - $500,000+ in lifetime benefits through CPF, property, education, and healthcare.
Your Options
Your immigration status directly impacts your finances, property rights, and quality of life in Singapore.
$0 saved
EP, S Pass, PEP, EntrePass, Tech.Pass, ONE Pass
✓ These passes CAN apply for PR
✗ Work Permit holders cannot apply for PR
$200K+ saved
$350K+ saved
Requires 2+ years as PR
The Numbers Don't Lie
Based on a typical expat earning $10,000/month with one child in primary school.
The single biggest financial benefit
Foreigner Gets
$0
No CPF at all
PR Gets Monthly
$3,700
$1,700 from employer (FREE!)
10-Year Total
$444,000
Growing at 2.5-4% interest
The difference can be life-changing
| Property Value | Foreigner ABSD | PR ABSD | Citizen ABSD | PR Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1M Condo | $600,000 | $50,000 | $0 | $550,000 |
| $2M Condo | $1,200,000 | $100,000 | $0 | $1,100,000 |
| $800K Resale HDB | Not eligible | $40,000 | $0 | Priceless |
As a PR, you pay only 5% ABSD compared to 60% for foreigners. That's a $1.1M savings on a $2M property. Plus, you gain access to HDB resale flats, opening up affordable housing options unavailable to foreigners.
Primary + Secondary school
| School Level | Foreigner/Month | PR/Month | Citizen/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary School | $825 | $268 | $6.50 |
| Secondary School | $1,600 | $520 | $5 |
| Junior College | $2,150 | $607 | $6 |
A PR family with 2 children saves approximately $133,680 compared to foreigner fees over 12 years. Citizens save over $230,000!
Conservative estimate for $10K/month earner with 1 child
CPF
$204,000
Property (ABSD)
$55,000+
Education
$66,840
Healthcare
$20,000+
Conservative 10-Year Total
$345,840+
That's over $34,000 per year in additional benefits for you and your family
Your Roadmap
The PR application process requires careful preparation. Here's what you need to know to maximize your approval chances.
Gather employment letter, tax returns (Form IR8A), educational certificates, passport copies, and supporting documents. 1-2 months
Apply through Singapore's official e-PR system online. Include a well-crafted cover letter and all supporting documents. 1-2 days
Your application undergoes thorough review. 4-6 months typical, can extend to 12+ months for complex cases.
If approved, complete medical exam, collect Re-Entry Permit, and start enjoying PR benefits!
2+ years with the same employer significantly boosts approval odds
Earning above median shows economic contribution to Singapore
Singaporean spouse, children in local schools, or family applying together
Volunteer work, charity donations, professional memberships, blood donation
Tech, healthcare, finance, and other priority sectors have higher success rates
Investment plans, insurance policies, education savings, and legacy planning demonstrate serious long-term commitment
Building your financial future in Singapore isn't just good for your PR application. It's smart planning for your family. Investment plans, insurance policies, and education savings provide security while also demonstrating your commitment to making Singapore home.
These plans benefit you regardless of your PR outcome, but they also naturally demonstrate your commitment to building a life in Singapore.
A cover letter expresses your intention, but documents prove it. The strongest applications combine both. Consider highlighting:
When you attach a long-term investment plan or a child's education endowment maturing when they enter university (age 18-21), you're showing you want your children to grow up, study, and build their future in Singapore. That's the difference between a good application and a great one.
💡 Types of Financial Planning That Work Best:
Most Valuable: Locked-in plans (retirement funds, insurance, endowments) provide both financial security and demonstrate long-term roots in Singapore.
Helpful: Brokerage investments show active wealth-building in Singapore markets.
Starting point: Having any financial planning in Singapore is better than none. Every step counts toward building your future here.
The Ultimate Goal
After 2+ years as PR, you can apply for Citizenship, unlocking even more benefits and one of the world's most powerful passports.
Access heavily subsidized new HDB flats, up to 80% cheaper than market rate. Save $300,000+!
Visa-free access to 195 countries, one of the world's most powerful passports
Pay 0% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty on your first property
School fees as low as $6.50/month. That's 99% less than foreigners!
Note: Male citizens and their sons are required to serve National Service (2 years). Consider this when planning your citizenship application.
Navigating the PR application process is easier with the right guidance. We connect you with Singapore's most experienced immigration consultancies who have helped thousands of families successfully make Singapore their permanent home.
We partner with experienced immigration consultancies. No spam, no obligation.
PR approval rates vary significantly based on your profile and how you present your application. Our immigration partners have helped hundreds of expats achieve PR status with strategic application guidance.
Free profile review • Honest assessment of your chances