The most common route to Singapore permanent residency (PR) is to hold an EP/S Pass, work steadily, then apply. Per ICA, Singapore granted 35,264 PRs in 2024 — the highest since 2010. There is no public points table, but the assessment clearly favours applicants who are “stable, high-earning and rooted locally”.
💡 Lucy’s tip: Many clients do “work/invest → buy property → apply for PR” as one journey. Buying property doesn’t grant PR, but assets, stable income and long residence are all positive signals.
Official annual numbers (per ICA)
| Year | New PRs |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 35,264 (highest since 2010) |
| 2023 | 34,491 |
| 5-year average | ~32,600 |
| PR population | ~500,000 |
Main routes
| Route | For |
|---|---|
| PTS (work pass → PR) | EP/S Pass professionals — most common |
| Spouse | Married to a citizen/PR |
| STP (student) | Students studying here |
| GIP | HNW investors — see the GIP guide |
What the assessment values
- Income level and stability.
- Age (younger favoured).
- Qualifications and skills.
- Time spent in Singapore.
- Family and local integration.
- Nationality/sector mix.
Summary
- Annual: 35,264 in 2024, a record.
- Most common route: EP/S Pass → PR.
- Who qualifies easily: young, high-earning, rooted locally.
- Contact Lucy to coordinate immigration + property planning.
⚠️ PR approval is at ICA’s discretion; this is general information — consult a licensed immigration adviser for complex cases.