Looking back at her son’s perfect scorecard from his school in Singapore,Zrecallsher decision to move her familythree yearsago and the8-monthwaiting period,which made her anxious, but the moment she received her Permanent Resident status was particularly sweet.
Data from Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) shows thatthe implicit salary threshold forEPtoPRconversionin2025has reachedS$5,600for non-financial sectorsandS$6,200for financial sectors.
Amidst the increasingly fierce global competition for talent,Mr.Z’s familywas successfully granted Singapore Permanent Resident status in August2025, making it one of the few lucky families in that year.
1.The Journey of Departure: The Cross-Sea Migration of Executive Families
Threeyears ago,Mr.Zaccepted an executive position with a multinational technology company andcame to Singapore from Chinawith his wife and8-year-old son. Upon arrival,Mr.Zwas on an Employment Pass (EP), his wife was on a Dependent Pass (DP), and his son was enrolled in a local international school on a Student’s Pass.
When they first arrived in Singapore, they faced a number of challenges: cultural differences, language barriers, a complex education system, and uncertainty about the stability of their identities.TotalZ‘sEP, although it provided him with the right to work in Singapore, was only a temporary status.
“We wanted a more stable environment for our son to grow up in.“Mr.Zsaid. This uncertainty prompted his decision to plan ahead for the permanent resident application path. However,the transitionfromEPtoPRis not as simple as one might think and requires careful preparation and professional guidance.
2、Professional escort: the value of the whole service presentation
Our team of consultants provided comprehensive planning advice to Mr. Z from the very beginning. According to Singapore’s immigration policy, aPRapplicationcan be submitted after6 months ofEPholding, butMr.Z‘s consultant advised him toapplyafter obtaining at least2-3years of stable work record to increase his success rate.
The consultant team helpedMr.Ztocompile an exhaustive list of application materials, including personal data, work experience, financial situation, family situation and evidence of social integration. Key documents such as academic certificates, salary records and tax returns needed to be translated and notarized.
Of particular importance, the consultant remindedMr.Zin advance ofthe policy changes for2025: Singapore has raised thesalary threshold forEPtoPRconversionand implemented theCOMPASSscoring system.
The consultant team guidedMr.Zto focus not only on the mandatory requirements but also on the proof of social integration. They helped Mr.Ztocompile records of his participation in local community activities, collect employer references, and coach the family to write a sincere statement of intent to settle.
During the preparation process, the account managermaintained regular communicationwithMr.Z, reminding him of key time points, helping to coordinate materials for family members, and even continuing to follow up on the progress of the USCIS review after the application materials had been submitted, responding in a timely manner to any requests for additional materials.
Photo/Client successfully approved for PR in Singapore!
3.Key to Success: Crossingthe Core Threshold ofEPtoPR
WhenMr.Zsubmitted hisPRapplicationinearly2025, he had been working steadily in Singapore for3years. His application documents demonstrate several favorable conditions:
Firstly,Mr.Zhas extensive management experience in the technology industry and is in theprime application age group of under45. His salary level is well above the industry average and he has paid a full personal income tax record in Singapore, proving his contribution to the local economy.
Secondly,Mr.Zhas anoutstanding academic backgroundwith a postgraduate degree from an internationally recognized university, whichis a significant plus in a PR application.
In addition, family factors also had a positive impact on the outcome of the application.although not working locally in Singapore, Mr.Z‘s wife is actively involved in community volunteering and has built a good social network.
Most importantly, their son has been attending an international school in Singapore for more than two years and has not only adapted well but also excelled. This stable family structure demonstrates their long-term willingness to put down roots in Singapore.
EPtoPRKey Plus Points and Enhancement Strategies:
*Click on the large image for details
4. Follow-up to approval:changes in life brought about by PR status
AfterobtainingPRstatus,the life of Mr.Z’s family has changed substantially. In terms of housing, they are now eligible to buy ZF HDB flats in Singapore, and first-time buyers are only required to payan additional buyer’s stamp duty of 5%, instead of the60%that expatriates are required to pay.
In terms of education, it has become easier for their son to transfer from an international school to a ZF school, and the tuition fees have been significantly reduced, to about one-third of the cost of an international school. This means that they will save considerable money on tuition fees.
From a social security perspective,both TotalZand employers are now required to contribute toaCentral Provident Fund (CPF) account, a mandatory savings scheme that will provide them with retirement, medical and housing security.
From the perspective of career development,Mr.Z, as aPR, no longer needs to re-apply for a work permit to change jobs, and has greater career flexibility and security. This change gives him moreoptionsin career planning.
5、Policy Interpretation:Practical Guide forEPtoPR
ICASingaporeadopts a comprehensive assessment model for vetting PR applications and there is no fixed score line. Successful applicants have usually resided in Singaporefor more than2years and have demonstrated positive contributions to Singapore society in a number of ways.
According tothe latest policy for2025,the approval cycle is usually6-12months.Applicants cansubmit their applications and track their progress onlinein ICA’se-PRsystem. Upon approval, you will need to schedule an interview to collect fingerprints and receive yourNRICID card.
For family applicants, itis usually preferablefor them to be married and bring along their spouse andunmarried children under the age of21.This will make the vetting officer believe that the applicant has a long-term plan to live in Singapore and hasmore“stability“than a single applicant.
Once grantedPRstatus, holders are still required to abide by the laws of Singapore and fulfill their obligations accordingly. Of particular note,male permanent residents above the age of15are required to register for military service andcomplete the two-year national service obligation after the age of18
[Conclusion]
While the process of applying for Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) usually takes6to12monthsto obtain the approval result,Mr.Z‘s applicationreceived the approval notice8months aftersubmission.
Mr.Z‘s son has now fully adapted to Singapore’s education system and is about to sit for hisA-levelexams.Mr. and Mrs.Zhave started to build up a pension in their CPF account and are planning to buy their first HDB flat within a year.
The transitionfromEPtoPRis not only an upgrade in status, but also a commitment and integration into a new home.
*Reference source:ICASingapore, Lianhe Zaobao, synthesized from client’s oral presentation, reproduced with attribution.
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