Republic of Singapore
Republic of Singapore settlement & citizenship
Singapore does not provide an automatic work-to-PR ladder. Employment Pass and S Pass holders may apply for PR, but ICA assesses family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile, length of residency, and integration.
Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Employment Pass
Permit-dependent, renewable while employment and MOM criteria continue
- Who qualifies
- Foreign professionals sponsored by a Singapore employer and meeting salary and COMPASS requirements.
- Key gate
- Maintain qualifying employment and pass renewals; build the residence, tax, family, and integration record relevant to PR assessment.
- Linked visas
- Employment Pass (EP)
- 2
Permanent Resident
Indefinite status while re-entry permit remains valid for travel
- Who qualifies
- Employment Pass and S Pass holders may apply under ICA PR eligibility.
- Key gate
- Discretionary ICA approval; no published points score or guaranteed residence period.
- 3
Singapore citizenship
Eligible adult PRs generally apply after at least 2 years as PR
- Who qualifies
- PRs aged 21+ who have held PR for at least 2 years, and other ICA-listed family/student categories.
- Key gate
- ICA assessment plus completion of citizenship formalities; male applicants must account for National Service rules where applicable.
Physical presence
No single day-count rule is published for PR or citizenship; ICA assesses residency, roots, family ties, and economic contribution.
Language level
No standalone language-test level is published; integration is assessed through ICA criteria.
Test / oath
Singapore Citizenship Journey is required for citizenship applicants aged 16 to 60; oath/formalities follow approval.
Dual citizenship
Singapore generally does not permit adult dual citizenship; applicants should expect renunciation/formality requirements if naturalising.
Typical full timeline
Employment Pass -> discretionary PR application after building a Singapore record -> citizenship usually no earlier than PR+2 years.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Singapore citizenship after first arriving in Singapore?
Employment Pass -> discretionary PR application after building a Singapore record -> citizenship usually no earlier than PR+2 years.
How many days a year must I physically be in Singapore to qualify?
No single day-count rule is published for PR or citizenship; ICA assesses residency, roots, family ties, and economic contribution.
What language level do I need for Singapore citizenship?
No standalone language-test level is published; integration is assessed through ICA criteria.
Does Singapore allow dual citizenship?
Singapore generally does not permit adult dual citizenship; applicants should expect renunciation/formality requirements if naturalising.