The government of Singapore plans to approve up to 40,000 permanent residency (PR) applications annually over the next five years.
The move comes as the country continues to grapple with declining birth rates and a shrinking working-age population, trends that have intensified pressure on its labour market.
These demographic shifts have raised concerns about long-term labour supply and the need to sustain economic growth in one of Asia’s most competitive economies.
What they are saying
The government plans to admit between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens annually, building on about 25,000 citizenships granted in 2025.
Permanent Residence approvals are expected to rise to around 40,000 each year between 2026 and 2030, up from about 35,000 in 2025.
They added that by increasing both citizenship and PR approvals in a controlled manner, Singapore aims to maintain a steady pipeline of skilled workers, support business expansion, and sustain long-term economic productivity without significantly altering its population structure.
More insights
- Singapore’s PR system is open to several categories of applicants, including skilled workers, Employment Pass holders, entrepreneurs and investors, international students, Professionals with strong qualifications and stable income, and family members of citizens or PR holders.
- Applications are submitted online and typically require documents such as proof of employment, educational qualifications, and income details.
- Successful applicants gain the right to live and work in Singapore without needing a separate work visa, along with access to public services and long-term residency benefits.
What this means
The planned increase in PR approvals signals stronger opportunities for skilled foreign professionals seeking long-term residency in Singapore.
For workers in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, logistics, and engineering, the policy could improve chances of securing stable employment and transitioning from temporary work permits to permanent residency.
What you should know
Amid a shrinking workforce, earlier this year, Singapore extended a key workforce support programme of keeping older workers employed, as part of efforts to manage its ageing population and shrinking labour force.
- The government prolonged the Part-Time Re-employment Grant (PTRG) until 2027, offering financial incentives to companies that retain or hire workers aged 60 and above in flexible or part-time roles.
- Since its launch, more than 7,500 employers have used the scheme, supporting over 65,000 older workers, with about S$92 million already disbursed to companies adapting roles for senior staff.
On December 1, 2025, they enforced stricter immigration rules requiring permanent residents to renew their re-entry permits within 180 days or risk automatic revocation of their residency status.
This replaces the previous system that allowed a grace period and discretionary reinstatement.
