What You Need to Do After Your PR Is Approved in Singapore

Getting your PR approved is a significant achievement. You’re officially a long-term resident and you now have the freedom to work and travel like a true citizen.

Your approval is not the final step however, as you must formalise your residency before settling into your new life.

These formalities must be completed within a period of 2 months and failure to do so could delay your formal registration. Here’s what you need to do after your PR is approved in Singapore: 

Step 1: In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

You will receive your IPA letter upon your PR approval. This letter confirms your PR status and outlines the next steps to formalise the pass. In principle, it means your application has been approved but not yet finalised. 

You will be notified about this letter via email which you can then download online. You only have 2 months to complete the formalities in the letter or risk delaying your registration. There are 4 main components to take note in your IPA: 

• Medical Checkup 

• Health Insurance 

• Supporting Documents Checklist 

• Booking Appointment 

  
  

Step 2: Medical Checkup 

The next step is to complete your medical checkup with an authorised clinic or hospital. This step is crucial as new PR holders must meet Singapore’s health standards. The checkup typically includes physical examinations, blood tests and x-rays. 

You need 3 documents for this checkup:

• The IPA Letter 

• Your Singapore ID card 

• The medical form attached to the IPA package 

It can take up to two weeks to receive the completed medical certificate. However, this step is not necessary for new PRs who have submitted a medical report within the recent few months. 

All you need to do next is fill out the medical form attached to the IPA package. 

Step 3: Health Insurance 

All Singapore PRs must register to MediShield Life, Singapore's national health insurance scheme. This basic health insurance offers universal coverage to all citizens and PRs. Your dependents can be covered by MediShield Life too. 

New PR holders above the age of 30 must also register for the CareShield Life plan, a long-term care insurance plan. Keep in mind that your monthly premium will be automatically deducted from your CPF account. 

Step 4: Supporting Documents Checklist 

You must now prepare all the supporting documents for your final appointment. You will find a checklist for the necessary documents in the same IPA package.

These are the same documents you submitted in your first PR application, so remember to bring the original. 

On top of this, there should be a few additional documents for you to prepare. 

Step 5: Appointment Booking 

After going through each step, you are now ready to book an appointment with the official authorities. During your appointment, verifying officers will go through all the documents you have presented on that day. 

After the verification process, you will receive a number of items:

• Temporary identity receipt 

• Collection slip for your NRIC 

• Entry permit 

• Re-entry permit 

• Singapore history brochure

Lastly, you will have to make another appointment for the collection of your official NRIC.

Other Considerations After Your PR Is Approved in Singapore

• Learn About CPF: As a PR, you’ll be contributing to the CPF monthly. Your employer will handle part of the contributions, but it’s good to log in and understand how your funds are allocated across your accounts. Besides retirement, CPF can also cover housing, healthcare and even certain investments. 
  

• Update Employment Details: Inform your employer of your new PR status. This ensures your employment records, tax contributions and CPF payments are updated accordingly. If you’re job hunting, being a PR gives you a significant advantage too.

  
  

  You won't need a work pass anymore, which increases your chances of landing a job. 

  
  

• Understand Tax Obligations: As a PR, you’ll be taxed under Singapore’s resident tax rates by IRAS. This usually means lower tax rates compared to non-residents, along with eligibility for tax reliefs. 

• Apply for Housing: One of the biggest perks of being a PR is the ability to purchase resale flats from HDB. While this is subject to certain conditions, resale options open up more opportunities if you’re planning to settle long-term.

• Consider National Service: If you have sons who are PRs, they may be liable for National Service. This is mandatory for all male citizens in Singapore including second generation PRs. 

• Plan for Re-Entry Permit (REP) Renewal: Your Re-Entry Permit allows you to travel in and out of Singapore while maintaining your PR status. It’s typically valid for 5 years, so be sure to renew it before it expires.

  
  

  Failing to renew your REP could result in losing your PR status, especially if you’re overseas for a long period of time. 

Conclusion 

Congratulations! You’re officially a permanent resident in Singapore. That probably took a while but you can now call the Lion City your home. Your next step should be to start settling into your new lifestyle and making the most out of your PR status. 

Singapore is a premier global hub that offers many opportunities and you now have the freedom to shape your future like a true resident.

Need help with your PR application? Visit hscimmigration.com or contact us to find out more!