Overview: Reasons to migrate to Singapore

However, before a person can become a citizen of Singapore, the person must first apply to become a permanent resident (PR). To become a Singapore PR, the applicant must be one of the following:

• an aged parent of a Singaporean citizen;
• an Employment Pass (EP), Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), EntrePass, or S Pass holder;
• or a spouse or unmarried child (below 21 years of age) of a Singaporean PR or citizen.

There are also three schemes through which one can apply for PR status: the Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, the Global Investor Program (GIP) scheme, and the Foreign Artistic Talent (ForArts) scheme.

Those eligible for the PTS scheme must be working in Singapore, holding an EP, and earning a minimum of S$2,000 per month.

Those eligible for the GIP scheme must have a minimum of three years of business or entrepreneurial experience and at least S$2.5 million to be invested. They must also submit their company’s last three years of audited financial statements.

Those who qualify under the ForArts scheme must be able to supply evidence of significant achievements within their artistic field while also proving how they will be able to contribute to Singapore’s current artistic and cultural scene.

After collecting the necessary documentation and submitting the application to the ICA, the applicant will usually have to wait for anywhere between four and six months to find out the outcome of the application. If the application is approved, the applicant must then schedule an appointment at an ICA office to receive identity cards and entry permits. Then, after spending at least two years as a PR, assuming the applicant is at least 21 years old and legally employed in Singapore, the applicant may then proceed to apply for citizenship. If certain other criteria are fulfilled, one may also choose to apply for citizenship by descent.

Singapore citizenship applications may be made on the ICA's website