If you’re working in Singapore and thinking about applying for Permanent Residency (PR), it’s natural to wonder how your salary might affect your chances. The truth is, your income is an important part of the application, but it’s not the only thing the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) considers.
This article explains how salary factors into your application, what the general benchmarks are, and how you can strengthen your case, even if your income isn’t high. We’ll also show how Singapore Top Immigration can guide you through the process with better confidence.
Why your salary matters for Singapore PR
In simple terms, a higher salary suggests you’re contributing more to Singapore’s economy. The ICA looks at how settled and financially secure you are when deciding whether to grant PR. Your income shows:
- Job stability
- Long-term contribution to the workforce
- Ability to support yourself and your family
Although there’s no official “minimum salary” requirement for PR, data from experienced consultants suggests that most successful applicants earn at least S$6,000 per month, especially those on Employment Passes (EP).
Some applicants with salaries closer to S$4,500 can still be approved, but it depends on other factors like qualifications and family ties.
You can learn more about professional help with this process on our Singapore PR services page.
Understanding salary benchmarks through COMPASS
While ICA doesn’t publish exact salary thresholds, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) uses a system called COMPASS to assess whether someone’s salary is competitive when applying for an EP. This gives us a good idea of what income levels are seen as favourable in Singapore.
For example:
- In most sectors, an EP applicant should earn at least S$5,600 per month.
- In financial services, the minimum is higher around S$6,200.
- Older professionals (aged 45 and above) are expected to earn more, up to S$10,700 or more, depending on their industry.
These benchmarks are not the same as PR requirements, but they show what the government considers a strong earning level. If you’re already meeting these numbers, your salary is likely considered competitive for a PR application.
Salary is important, but not everything
Many people assume that if they earn enough, their PR will be approved. But that’s not always the case.
The ICA takes a broad look at your profile, not just your income. They consider things like:
- How long have you lived and worked in Singapore
- Your educational qualifications
- Family ties (for example, if your spouse or children are already PRs or citizens)
- Your nationality
- Whether you are involved in the local community
That means someone with a lower salary but strong family ties or community involvement might still be approved, while a high-income applicant without roots in Singapore might not be.
Real-world salary scenarios for PR applicants
Let’s break down a few common examples to see how salary plays into PR success:
- Young EP holders earning S$6,500–S$8,000 per month in tech or finance have a solid chance, especially if they’ve lived in Singapore for a few years and have strong educational backgrounds.
- Mid-career professionals earning S$10,000+ per month in senior roles often do well, especially if their spouses and children are here or studying in local schools.
- S-Pass holders with lower salaries can also apply, but they’ll need to show other strengths, such as long employment with the same company, local ties, or a Singaporean spouse.
Each applicant is different. That’s why our team at Singapore Top Immigration offers personalised support based on your salary and complete profile.
What salary documents should you prepare?
To show ICA that you’re financially stable, make sure to include the right paperwork with your application. This typically includes:
- Payslips from the last six months
- Letter of Employment (stating your job role, duration, and salary)
- Financial Report to showcase financial ability
If you’re self-employed or earning money from overseas, you’ll need to show translated or notarised documents to support your claims. Singapore Top Immigration also offers complimentary financial statements drafted by our affiliated financial advisors, which will showcase your assets and cash flows.
How to strengthen your PR application if your salary is modest
Not earning a high salary doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be rejected. Here are ways you can improve your chances:
- Stay with your employer for a longer time. ICA values a stable work history.
- Take part in local events or volunteer work to show you’re part of the community.
- Upgrade your education or take industry-recognised courses.
- Apply through family ties if your spouse or child is a PR or citizen.
Conclusion
Your salary plays a key role in your Singapore PR application. It reflects how well you’re doing professionally and how much you contribute to the economy. While there’s no fixed income threshold, most successful applicants fall in the S$6,000 to S$10,000+ range. That said, ICA doesn’t make decisions based on salary alone.
Things like your qualifications, family ties, community involvement, and time spent in Singapore all influence your chances. So even if you feel your income is on the lower end, there are still ways to improve your profile.
To get tailored advice and take the guesswork out of your application, reach out to Singapore Top Immigration. Our team can guide you based on your complete profile and help you present the strongest possible case.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fixed amount, but applicants earning at least S$6,000 per month are generally more competitive.
No, salary helps, but ICA looks at education, family, nationality, and community factors too.
Yes, especially if they have strong qualifications, a long work history, or family ties in Singapore.
Submit at least six months of payslips, a Financial Summary Report, and a letter of employment.
Having a Singaporean or PR spouse, child, or parent can improve your chances even if your income is lower.