2025年的第一週，終於收到新加坡永久居民 (Permanent Resident, PR)獲得批准的好消息！
在新加坡生活兩年後，開心迎來「半新加坡人」的新篇章，不像過往被歸類到「非本地居民 / 外籍人士」的類別。
文章目錄｜Table of contents
新加坡人口組成：高度仰賴外來工作者的經濟體
根據新加坡「2024年人口簡報」官方數據統計，新加坡總人口約為六百零四萬人，其中新加坡公民占了三百六十四萬人（60%），永久居民約五十萬人（9%），剩下來的一百八十六萬人皆為非本地居民的外國人（31%），可以說是一個高度仰賴外國工作者的經濟體。
近年來由於新加坡經濟發產成績有目共度，吸引大批外國人來此築夢，可以看到下表在疫情之後的2022及2023年為歷史之最，共吸引了16.2萬的外國人蜂擁至新加坡（我也是幸運在這波浪潮中來到新加坡的外國人），可以知道新加坡的就業市場有多麼競爭，一份工作除了和本地人競爭外，每年來自各國的求職申請更可能高達數十萬人。以我當初來到新加坡的情況為例，我總共遞出了約150份工作申請，取得三次面試機會，最後才有幸取得一份工作offer。
這樣競爭激烈的求職環境，在2023年景氣下修時更為嚴峻了，在過去兩年間，新加坡許多公司裁員的消息甚囂塵上，時常看到社群媒體上有人分享他們被裁員的經歷，不只外國人一職難求，就連本地人在這樣的大環境下都面臨轉職的困難。很多職缺選擇優先朝聘新加坡公民或PR以降低不確定性，因此可以看到下表為什麼2023-2024年外國工作者的人數相較2021年大幅下降。
而在這樣競爭激烈的環境下，PR的申請又是另外一個戰場。根據下表官方統計，2019至2023年平均每年批准的PR人數約3.3萬人，然而據說每年申請PR的人數超過十萬人，使得最後通過機率可能低於10%。
我的申請時間線
在工作一年並有繳稅紀錄後，在朋友的鼓勵下提出申請。本來擔心停留時間尚短，通過機率可能會被影響（江湖傳言要有兩年的繳稅紀錄會比較穩，因為第一年的繳稅紀錄通常都還不是完整一年的狀態），但反正被拒絕，等六個月後再重新申請便是，有試就有機會（真的好險當時有聽從朋友的建議）。
在此不再特別敘述新加坡PR申請的準備文件及過程，因為ICA在2024年中有大幅度的改版，申請過程可能跟我當時會略有不同，但基本上新加坡政府都已經把流程弄得蠻簡單清晰了。我當時準備的文件為：英文版的學歷證明、英文版的戶口名簿（出生證明）、在職證明、六個月薪資單等，除了學歷證明和戶口名簿要在台灣申請外（我已經有英文版學歷證明備著），其他基本上就是請公司HR幫忙準備，準備和申請上沒有遭遇太大的困難，填寫資料專心大概一天內可以完成。
- 2022年8月21日：降落新加坡
- 2023年11月24日：送出PR申請
- 2024年12月5日：寫信詢問ICA進度
- 2024年12月11日：收到ICA補件通知
- 2024年12月12日：按ICA要求補交資料
- 2025年1月6日：刷到四條線，發現顯示已有pending中的申請且右下角「再次申請」按鈕呈現灰色無法點選（按照小紅書的江湖傳言，這樣應該是過了）
- 2025年1月8日：刷到CPF
- 2025年1月10日：收到ICA郵件通知申請狀態更新，登入ICA網站看到狀態變更為approved
- 2025年1月15日：至ICA辦理formality
- 2025年1月23日：取得新的PR IC卡
取得PR的變化及感想
當我看到PR獲批的結果時，簡直是不敢相信自己的眼睛，甚至過了好幾天都沒辦法相信自己取得了PR。
取得PR前後，心境真的很不同，除了很感謝新加坡接受我成為他們的永久居民外，心中的那份安全和踏實感更是難以言喻——身為一個獨自在異鄉打拼的外國人，終於不用再擔心隨時會因為失去工作被踢出這個國家（拿工作簽證失業的話，若是一個月內無法找到新的工作，就必須離開新加坡），並且可以在新加坡訂立長期的計畫，開始把這個地方當作家。去年一整年經歷公司組織調整和裁員，始終不知道自己下一步在哪裡的迷茫，終於在取得PR後，得到了身份上的認同感和安全感。原本去年工作很煎熬，快要堅持不下去時，甚至計畫要把房子退掉，真的不行再回台灣慢慢找工作，畢竟什麼都比不上身體和心靈的健康來得重要（以前都不知道擁有離職的自由是件多麼珍貴的事情）。好險後來就收到PR通過的消息，感覺就像一場及時雨。
取得PR後，也可以感受到更被新加坡人認同的感覺。很多新加坡人（甚至不是熟識的人）在聽聞取得PR後，也誠摯喜悅的恭喜我，甚至祝福我早日申請到新加坡公民，和當初以外國人身分在這裡的態度相比，可以明顯感受到態度的不同，尤其是在工作方面，本來需要依賴公司贊助簽證，一直都覺得自己沒有處於很平等的狀態，這樣的狀況也在拿到PR後終於有站在一樣的起跑線的感覺。
對能夠感受到被接納的感覺，讓我心裡暖暖的。
給想一圓海外求職夢的你的建議
來新加坡兩年，經歷公司從一開始景氣繁榮的大舉擴張，到後來組織調整時的大幅裁員，這其中的煎熬，真的是我當初來之前始料未及，花開花落的轉折彷彿只在一夕之間。當組織異動時，身為一個外國人，你必須更加努力證明自己的價值，才能說服公司為什麼要繼續讓你留任，你是否具備什麼無可取代的條件，才讓他們在景氣不好的時候，選擇聘用你而非本地人？在對當地市場和語言條件都沒有比當地人清楚和適應的情況下，你一個外國人，到底可以貢獻什麼價值？在這一整年的時間裡，我經歷了各種掙扎與挑戰，各種自我懷疑的想法在心裡從未消失過，「我到底憑什麼？」，冒牌者症候群的心情不斷地挑戰著自己的自我認同感。然而，緊湊的工作腳步及嚴峻的市場情況讓我連做好準備的時間都沒有，只能被迫硬著頭皮上戰場，才能努力跟上大家的腳步。
所幸，這一遭也不算白走。回頭一看，發現在這之中的我成長了好多，雖然各種十萬火急地情境讓我被逼著趕鴨子上架，但也因此讓我得以擺脫過去既有的一些陋習及框架，被推著快速的成長。平時的我若是沒有在這樣的壓力情境下，肯定會讓自己有至少70分的信心才會選擇上戰場，但當你沒有選擇的時候，你會發現你其實做得到。雖然第一次結果可能不盡如人意，但萬事起頭難，當你跨出了第一步，你會發現第二步、第三步好像沒有那麼難了，信心也在「雖然害怕，但仍然努力一步一步向前走」的過程中，慢慢被建立起來。
對於也有意願一圓海外工作夢的求職者，我會建議要有充足的心理建設，在海外遭遇到太多的情況，可能是當初完全沒有預料到的，如果沒有強壯的心理素質，真的會相當難以在異地披荊斬棘。在海外工作，和在海外讀書的體驗和經歷真的大相逕庭。當我在倫敦就讀碩士時，那時尚無工作的壓力，每天只是期待今天的自己又會有什麼樣的冒險和體驗，和努力完成學業讓自己畢業就好；而在海外工作，除了面臨工作上的挑戰外、人際壓力，各種生活的大小挑戰，遠離家人朋友的孤單與煎熬，常常會在夜深人靜時，侵蝕你當初來到海外工作的信念。因此，強壯的心理素質，清楚的信念及願景（想要在異國達成什麼樣的目標），是我建議在計畫海外工作時，必須先充分與自己進行深度對話的部分——另外！最後但也很重要的是，若是可以的話，能替自己爭取越高的薪水就千萬不要客氣儘量爭取，海外工作太多的箇中辛酸是難以向外人所道的，若是有個能大力激勵自己的薪酬，至少可以讓自己在難過時有個實際的安慰劑（特別是在新加坡，薪水與拿到的簽證類別和取得PR的機率有極高的關聯性）！
關於申請PR的一些小迷思
- 是否需要找代辦？
以我自己的經驗來說是覺得完全不需要代辦，代辦費用動輒3000新幣起跳，而自己申請從頭到尾約220新幣（申請費S$100，通過後辦理手續費S$120）。申請過程其實也不難，主要就是要細心，把該填的資料填對。
有些代辦會主張有辦法替申請人提升通過的機率，但其實都難以被證實，因為新加坡政府自有一套審核的標準，而且沒有人知道具體細節為何，因此代辦做的事情其實大致上和自己申請一樣，除非有些代辦能替你拿到有力人士的推薦信（據說拿到新加坡議員的推薦信會提高通過的機率）。
若你有經濟餘裕且不想自己辦理這些手續，那或許你可以考慮找代辦。 - 我做了什麼其他事情？
根據江湖傳言，做義工、捐血和捐款會提高在本地的融入程度，因此會提升通過的概率。義工和捐款我自己是都有固定在做，本來想捐血，但是低血壓的關係被拒絕了。
另外一說是有強力推薦信也會增加申請通過機率，例如議員、公司高層替你撰寫的推薦信。我自己是沒有特別找人幫我寫推薦信，但是自己有寫一封Cover Letter，把我「為什麼想拿到新加坡PR」，「我的經歷」，以及「我能為新加坡社會做什麼」等等，以A4紙的內容呈現出來。據說是能讓移民官感覺你是有血有肉的人類，而不僅是眾多申請數字中的其中一個。我自己是覺得就像找工作的Cover Letter一樣，把自己的動機和能貢獻的部分解釋清楚了，別人自然能夠更加的瞭解你，進而考慮是否要給你PR或這份工作。
在申請PR的這段時間裡，我也遇過保險經紀人以「購買保險讓新加坡政府看到你有意在此長期發展」的名義建議我購買不便宜的投資型保單（本來以為是真心交朋友，結果後來居然開始跟我推銷保險）。我沒有辦法證實這個陳述的真偽，因為我並沒有購買，若是剛好也有需求的朋友，或許的確是可以考慮購入，但在這裡提出這點的用意是，千萬不要因為無法被證實的消息而做出讓自己後悔的決定。 - 多久會有結果？
2024年中PR申請系統改版，據說新系統只要6個月便能得知申請結果，比以往大概縮減了一半的時間，對申請者來說絕對是相當大的福音，不僅不用再望穿秋水地等待，要是被拒絕，也能在六個月之後再次提出申請。
我在申請大約一年時有去信詢問ICA進度，一週內就接到ICA通知補交資料的email，然後再補交資料的一個月內，PR就獲批了。如果沒有去信詢問，可能還不知道要等多久。因此如果在等待一段時間後，狀態都沒有更新，或許也可以試著去信詢問ICA（新系統是六個月出結果，因此建議至少等超過六個月再詢問）。
如果有什麼其他相關的問題也都可以留言給我，我會盡我所能幫忙回答。
The first week of 2025 brought wonderful news—I have officially been granted Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)! Having lived in Singapore for two years, I am delighted to embark on this new chapter as a “half-Singaporean,” no longer categorised solely as a “non-resident/foreign national.”。
Singapore’s Population: A Highly Foreign-Dependent Economy
According to Singapore’s Population in Brief 2024, the nation’s total population stands at approximately 6.04 million. Of these, Singapore citizens account for 3.64 million (60%), Permanent Residents around 540,000 (9%), and the remaining 1.86 million (31%) are non-resident foreigners. This highlights the extent to which Singapore’s economy relies on foreign labour.
In recent years, Singapore’s economic development has been remarkable, attracting a large influx of foreign talent seeking opportunities. The data below demonstrates how, in the post-pandemic years of 2022 and 2023, foreign arrivals reached a record high, with 162,000 newcomers settling in Singapore. I was fortunate to be among them. The competitive nature of the job market here is evident—securing a role means competing not only with locals but also with tens of thousands of global applicants annually. When I first arrived in Singapore, I submitted approximately 150 job applications, received three interview invitations, and ultimately secured an offer.
The situation became even more challenging in 2023 amid economic downturns. Waves of layoffs swept through companies across Singapore, with social media flooded by individuals sharing their redundancy experiences. Foreigners were not the only ones struggling—many locals also faced significant career transitions. Companies prioritised hiring Singapore citizens or PRs to mitigate uncertainties, leading to a sharp decline in foreign worker numbers between 2023 and 2024, as illustrated in the data below.
The PR application process is another fiercely competitive endeavour. Official statistics show that from 2019 to 2023, Singapore approved an average of 32,600 PR applications annually. However, with an estimated 100,000 applicants each year, the acceptance rate is likely below 10%.
My Application Timeline
Encouraged by friends, I submitted my PR application after working for a year and establishing a tax record. I initially worried that my short residency duration would affect my chances (as common belief suggests having two years of tax records provides a more stable case). However, I figured that even if rejected, I could always reapply in six months—after all, one only stands a chance by trying. Thankfully, I took my friends’ advice.
I won’t delve into the details of PR application requirements here, as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) significantly revamped the process in mid-2024. However, Singapore’s government has streamlined the procedure considerably. At the time, my documentation included my educational certificates, household registration, employment verification, and six months’ worth of payslips. Apart from obtaining my educational and household registration documents in Taiwan, the rest were readily prepared with my company’s HR assistance. The application process was straightforward and could be completed within a day.
- 21 August 2022: Arrived in Singapore
- 24 November 2023: Submitted PR application
- 5 December 2024: Emailed ICA for status update
- 11 December 2024: Received ICA request for additional documents
- 12 December 2024: Submitted requested documents
- 6 January 2025: Noticed four strips on my ICA profile, with the “Reapply” button greyed out—rumoured to indicate approval
- 8 January 2025: CPF account appeared (another sign of approval)
- 10 January 2025: Received ICA email confirming my application status update—logged in to see the status changed to approved
- 15 January 2025: Attended ICA formalities appointment
- 23 January 2025: Received new PR IC card
Reflections on Obtaining PR
When I first saw my PR approval, I could hardly believe my eyes. It took several days for reality to sink in.
The emotional shift before and after obtaining PR was profound. I am deeply grateful to Singapore for welcoming me as a Permanent Resident. More importantly, I now feel a sense of security that is difficult to articulate. As a foreigner striving to build a life in a new country, I no longer have to fear being forced to leave if I lose my job. Previously, holding a work visa meant that if I became unemployed, I had just one month to secure another job or leave Singapore. With PR, I can now make long-term plans and truly call this place home. The past year, marked by company restructuring and layoffs, left me uncertain about my future. But now, gaining PR has given me both identity and security. There were moments last year when I struggled so much at work that I considered surrendering my lease and returning to Taiwan to job-hunt at a more sustainable pace. After all, nothing is more important than physical and mental well-being. Little did I know that my PR approval would come as a timely lifeline.
Beyond personal relief, I have also noticed a shift in how I am perceived by Singaporeans. Many—some even not acquaintances—offered heartfelt congratulations, with some even encouraging me to apply for citizenship in the future. This was in stark contrast to my experience as a foreigner, particularly in the workplace. Previously, needing company sponsorship for my work visa meant I never truly felt on equal footing. Now, with PR, I finally feel like I am competing on a level playing field.
The sense of acceptance I now experience is truly heartwarming.
Advice for Aspiring Overseas Job Seekers
Over the past two years in Singapore, I have witnessed the economic landscape shift from rapid expansion to significant restructuring and layoffs. This was not something I anticipated before arriving. The volatility of business cycles has been striking—growth and contraction can happen almost overnight.
As a foreigner in a competitive job market, proving your value is crucial. You must convince employers why they should retain you over a local candidate. What unique skills or perspectives do you bring that make you indispensable, especially during economic downturns? Over the past year, I grappled with self-doubt and impostor syndrome, constantly questioning, “What makes me worthy?” There was no time to hesitate—the fast-paced environment and job market conditions left me no choice but to push forward and keep up.
Looking back, I realise how much I have grown. Being thrust into high-pressure situations forced me out of my comfort zone, accelerating my personal and professional development. Ordinarily, I would only take on challenges if I felt 70% prepared. However, when there is no choice but to act, you often discover that you are far more capable than you imagined. The first step is always the hardest, but once taken, the second and third steps become progressively easier. Confidence is built through the process of pushing forward despite fear.
For those aspiring to work abroad, I strongly recommend cultivating mental resilience. Many challenges will arise—some entirely unforeseen. Without a strong mindset, navigating a foreign work environment can be incredibly difficult. Unlike studying abroad, which is often filled with adventure and academic pursuits, working overseas presents career pressures, interpersonal dynamics, and the emotional toll of being far from loved ones. There will be lonely nights when self-doubt creeps in, questioning why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Thus, before pursuing overseas employment, take the time for deep introspection. What are your motivations? What goals do you seek to achieve? And most importantly—are you prepared for the challenges ahead? Last but certainly not least, if you have the opportunity, always negotiate for the highest possible salary. Working abroad comes with countless hidden struggles that are difficult to share with outsiders. Having a strong financial incentive can serve as a tangible consolation during tough times. This is especially relevant in Singapore, where salary levels are closely tied to the type of visa you receive and your chances of obtaining PR.
Common Questions About PR Applications
- Do You Need an Agency?
From my experience, I believe hiring an agency is entirely unnecessary. Agency fees typically start at S$3,000, whereas applying independently costs around S$220 (S$100 application fee and S$120 processing fee upon approval). The process itself is not particularly difficult, as long as you carefully fill in the required information accurately.
Some agencies claim they can increase your chances of approval, but this is difficult to verify, as the Singapore government has its own internal review criteria—none of which are publicly disclosed. In reality, agencies follow the same steps you would if you were applying on your own. The only potential advantage is if an agency can secure a strong recommendation letter from an influential figure. It is said that a letter from a Singaporean Member of Parliament could improve your chances.
If you have the financial means and prefer not to handle the application yourself, you may consider using an agency. Otherwise, a DIY approach is perfectly feasible. - What Else Did I Do?
According to common belief, volunteering, donating blood, and making charitable contributions can help demonstrate integration into local society, thereby increasing your approval odds. I personally engage in regular volunteer work and donations, though I was unable to donate blood due to low blood pressure.
Another commonly suggested strategy is obtaining a strong recommendation letter from a prominent figure, such as a Member of Parliament or a senior executive at your company. While I did not seek any recommendation letters, I did submit a cover letter outlining:
Why I want Singapore PR
My background and experience
What I can contribute to Singapore
I kept it to one A4 page, presenting myself as more than just another statistic in a sea of applications. Much like a job application cover letter, a well-written personal statement helps the reviewing officer understand your motivations and potential contributions, making your case more compelling.
During my PR application process, I encountered an insurance agent who suggested purchasing an expensive investment-linked product, claiming that it would demonstrate to the Singapore government my intention to settle here long-term. Initially, I thought we were genuinely building a friendship, only to realise later that they were trying to sell me insurance. I cannot verify the accuracy of this claim, as I did not proceed with the purchase. However, for those who genuinely need such a policy, it might be worth considering. The key takeaway here is not to make decisions you may regret based on unverified information. - How Long Does It Take?
In mid-2024, the PR application system underwent an update, reducing the processing time to approximately six months, nearly half the previous waiting period. This is fantastic news for applicants—not only does it shorten the uncertainty of waiting, but if rejected, you can reapply after just six months.
In my case, after waiting for around a year, I emailed ICA to inquire about my application status. Within a week, I received an email requesting additional documents, and after submitting them, my PR was approved within a month. If I had not reached out, I might have waited much longer.
Thus, if your application status remains unchanged after an extended period, you might consider following up with ICA. However, with the new six-month processing timeframe, it’s best to wait at least six months before making an inquiry.
If you have any other questions about the PR application process, feel free to leave a comment—I’ll do my best to help!