- Singapore Citizens have more benefits and rights than Singapore Permanent Residents, but It also come with citizenship obligations such as no dual citizenship permitted in Singapore, therefore, a person who intends to be a Singaporean must renounce his/her foreign citizenship.
- As Singapore Citizens, you no longer have to worry about REP renewal.
- Converting to Citizenship status is a personal decision and individual circumstances.
- The transition involves becoming more integrated into Singaporean society, following its rules, and contributing more significantly to its future.
Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) often face a difficult decision when converting their status to Singapore citizens. On the one hand, the benefits of becoming a citizen can be great, from increased job prospects and access to social welfare services to voting and running for office.
On the other hand, there are drawbacks, such as giving up your foreign citizenship and any associated rights or privileges that come with it.
Taking the step from being a Singapore PR to becoming a Singapore citizen can be a significant decision.
While there are similarities between Singapore PRs and Singapore citizens, there are also notable differences.
This article will explore the pros and cons of converting your Singapore PR status into citizenship. Before making this critical decision, we will look at some of the factors you should consider and discuss some use cases where conversion may be beneficial or not recommended.
Finally, we will provide some tips on how you can make an informed decision about whether a conversion is worthwhile for you.
Understanding the Difference: Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
Before delving into whether you should convert your permanent residency status into Singapore citizenship, it's essential to understand the differences between the two.
A Singapore Permanent Resident has many rights similar to a Singapore citizen. These include the freedom to live, work, and own affordable residential property in the country.
Becoming a Singapore citizen confers additional benefits, including eligibility to vote in elections, hold public office, and obtain a Singapore passport, one of the most powerful passports globally for travel freedom. Unlike a PR, Singapore citizens do not have to constantly worry about the validity period of their Re-Entry Permit renewal.
These factors strengthen the proud sense of belonging to the Singaporean community and provide a greater sense of security as citizenship is a lifelong status.
Considerations for Your Singapore Citizenship Journey
Transitioning from PR status to Singapore citizenship is a personal decision, largely dependent on individual circumstances.
Here are some factors that may influence your choice:
Duration of Stay and Intent
One of the significant factors to consider is your intention to stay in Singapore. If you plan to make Singapore your long-term or permanent home, applying for Singapore citizenship might benefit you as you will enjoy better health coverage.
Family
If your family members are Singapore citizens, or if you have Singapore citizen parents, applying for citizenship might make sense. It could give you a stronger sense of belonging and align your status with your family.
Travel Considerations
The Singapore passport offers more visa-free travel than many other nations' passports, proving a higher degree of travel freedom. If international travel is a significant part of your lifestyle, the benefit of holding a Singapore passport will be attractive to you
National Service Obligations
National Service (NS) is unique when applying for Singapore citizenship. Male Singapore citizens of descent and permanent residents are required to serve in the NS for two years once they reach the age of 18.
This also applies to those who have acquired citizenship or PR status through their Singapore citizen parents or those legally adopted. If you or your children fall into this category, the full-time NS obligation is an important consideration.
Housing Considerations
Another area where differences exist between Singapore permanent residents and citizens is affordable housing. The Housing Development Board (HDB), Singapore's public housing authority, gives Singapore citizens priority over Permanent Residents when buying or renting government housing.
Moreover, various grants and subsidies are available to citizen households limited to permanent residents.
The applicable ABSD rate for Singapore PRs first residential property is capped at 5%, whereas it is 0% for Singapore citizens.
Financial Considerations
Singapore citizens and permanent residents contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF). This comprehensive social security system enables working Singaporeans and PRs to fund their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs.
However, the coverage status for citizen citizens, especially in medical treatments and retirement schemes, can be more comprehensive.
Singaporean couples will receive many financial and parent benefits, such as the baby bonus scheme, which grants couples cash gifts for starting a family.
No Dual Citizenship Considerations
Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship.
New Singapore citizens must give up their foreign citizenship before officially obtaining their citizenship status.
It goes the same for the rest of their family members with PRs who are converting to Singapore citizens.
Process of Acquiring Singapore Citizenship
Once you've thoroughly evaluated your situation against these considerations and decided to embark on the Singapore citizenship journey, you'll need to follow the application process stipulated by the ICA.
The basic eligibility criteria for Singapore citizens are permanent residency status for at least two years.
Singapore's citizenship evaluation is far more stringent, and it can be difficult for many people to obtain a highly revered status.
However, upon receiving an approval letter, you'll embark on a Singapore citizenship journey and receive a Singapore Citizenship Certificate, a legal document that proves your new status.
Having a Singapore citizenship status is a significant milestone, reflecting your commitment to fully embrace the responsibilities and rights of being part of the Singapore community.
Employment: Employment Pass to Citizenship
For individuals residing in Singapore under an Employment Pass (EP), transitioning to Singapore citizenship can be a long but enticing prospect.
While the Employment Pass offers you a temporary residence tied to your job, becoming a Singapore citizen provides lifelong status, allowing you to change jobs or even become self-employed without impacting your residence status.
Before EP holders can think about citizenship, they must aim to get their Singapore permanent residency status through the Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme.
The eligibility criteria for EP holders, or any work pass holders, who are keen to apply for Singapore PR through the PTS scheme is: they must be able to provide at least six months of payslips issued by their Singapore-based employer.
Applying for Singapore Citizenship
Should you decide to apply for Singapore citizenship, the entire process is straightforward. The Singapore citizenship application is submitted through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) online form.
The eligibility criteria for Singapore citizenship include being a PR, being employed or married to a Singapore citizen, and showing good character and a strong intention to reside permanently in the country - which may need the preparation of additional documents.
Documents required for the application process include a valid PR card, passport, identity card, birth certificate, and other documents depending on your situation. It is advised to prepare a document checklist to keep yourself organised.
Some would seek advise from immigration specialists to advise on increasing their chances of approval.
Conclusion
Becoming a Singaporean citizen is an exciting and rewarding experience.
Transitioning from Singapore Permanent Residence status to Singapore citizenship is a significant decision, involving not just personal and emotional factors but also practical and financial considerations. It means integrating more deeply into Singaporean society, abiding by its rules, and contributing more profoundly to its future.
By understanding the distinctions between being Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your life goals, family situation, and personal preferences.
Take your time, seek advice, and decide when you're ready – this is your journey and should progress at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Should You Convert Your Singapore PR Status Into Citizenship?
Is it better to be a permanent resident or a citizen?
The decision as to whether it is better to hold a permanent residence status or become a citizen of Singapore depends on the individual's goals and lifestyle.
Being a permanent resident allows you to live and work in Singapore indefinitely; however, as a PR, you will not have access to certain rights, including voting rights and social benefits such as health care and education. On the other hand, becoming a Singapore citizen gives you access to more rights and benefits but also involves more responsibilities and commitments.
How long after PR can you get citizenship?
As a Singapore PR, you must wait at least two years before applying for citizenship.
Before you apply for citizenship, it is vital to understand the requirements and the factors that the ICA considers to ensure your citizenship application is successful.
What are the advantages of citizenship?
Citizenship benefits include the right to vote, access to government benefits such as healthcare and education subsidies, and the ability to work and live in Singapore indefinitely. Singapore citizens can also travel to most countries without applying for a visa.
Additionally, Singapore citizens can access better housing grants and subsidies. Becoming a Singapore citizen gives you a sense of belonging and pride in your country.
How long does it take to become a Singapore citizen?
The processing time for becoming a citizen of Singapore can take anywhere from one year or longer, depending on the individual's circumstances.
After applying, it will be reviewed by the ICA. If approved, the individual will receive an In-Principle Approval, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey and attend a swearing-in citizenship ceremony as a Singapore citizen.
For the application process to run smoothly and efficiently, you can prepare all mandatory and additional documents in order and submitted correctly.
Contact us for more information on improving your chances of approval for your Singapore Citizenship Application.