Singapore is known for its high standard of living, thriving economy, and excellent infrastructure, which makes it an attractive destination for individuals seeking permanent residency.
Obtaining permanent residence in Singapore offers a multitude of advantages to individuals seeking to settle in this thriving nation.
Firstly, Permanent Residence status provides stability and security, allowing individuals to reside in Singapore indefinitely and enjoy the benefits of a stable and prosperous economy.
Permanent residents gain access to a wide range of employment opportunities and can switch jobs without the need for additional work permits. Moreover, PR holders can access quality healthcare and education systems, along with subsidized rates.
Additionally, they enjoy the option of purchasing residential properties, enabling long-term investment and family planning. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with becoming a Singapore permanent resident.
In this article, we will explore these drawbacks in more detail so you can have a better insight if you still want to apply PR Singapore and continue to live in Singapore.
If you think it is still right for you, you can always contact your PR application agency Singapore to check your eligibility and application.
5 Singapore PR Application Considerations
1: National Service Liability
One of the notable downsides of being a Singapore PR is the liability to national service. All male Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to serve in the armed forces or civil defense forces upon reaching the age of 18. This means that male PR holders are also required to fulfill this mandatory obligation.
While this may not be a disadvantage to those who willingly support and wish to serve the country, it can pose challenges to individuals who may have personal or professional commitments that are impacted by the duration of national service.
Furthermore, this requirement can also affect educational opportunities and career progression, as individuals may have to pause their studies or careers to fulfill their national service obligations.
Therefore, it is essential for individuals considering permanent residency in Singapore to carefully evaluate this downside before applying for permanent residences.
2: Reduced Take-home Pay
When on an employment pass, deductions are minimal, except for the ethnic fund contribution of around 10-25 SGD per month.
As a Singapore Permanent Resident, CP contributions lead to specific deductions from your salary for your CP account, resulting in reduced take-home pay. Employers may adjust your salary to offset their contributions, further impacting your take-home salary.
3: CPF Returns
CPF, or Central Provident Fund, is a mandatory savings account for Singaporeans and PRs that aims to provide for retirement, healthcare, and housing needs.
While these contributions are meant to ensure financial security in the long run, some individuals feel that the returns they receive from CPF are insufficient or do not meet their expectations.
They may believe that their funds could be better invested elsewhere and thus see it as a consideration of being a Singapore PR.
However, it is important to note that CPF contributions also come with various benefits, that can be used for offsetting housing loans and for healthcare.
Ultimately, the satisfaction level with CPF returns can vary among individuals based on their financial goals and expectations.
4: CPF Withdrawal Limitations
Another consideration of being a Singapore PR is the locked CPF funds. CPF, a mandatory savings scheme, ensures financial security in retirement, but PRs cannot access their savings until they turn 55 or leave the country permanently.
This lack of immediate access to their funds can be a significant disadvantage for PRs facing urgent financial needs or wanting to invest in other assets.
5: HDB Purchase Restrictions
Singapore’s restriction on purchasing HDB flats if one owns property overseas. HDB flats are affordable and popular housing options, but PRs with foreign property cannot buy them, posing a dilemma for those with investments or family ties abroad.
This limitation forces PRs to choose between selling their property outside of Singapore or forgoing the opportunity to own an HDB flat in the Lion City, emphasizing the trade-off between residency rights and property ownership.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a plethora of benefits and opportunities for individuals seeking permanent residency, including stability, a strong economy, access to quality healthcare and education, and the option to invest in residential properties.
However, there are certain drawbacks associated with getting a PR status that individuals must carefully consider.
These include the liability to national service, reduced take-home pay due to CPF and CP contributions, limitations on accessing CPF funds until a certain age, and restrictions on purchasing HDB flats for PRs with foreign property.
Despite these challenges, for those who weigh the pros and cons and find that the advantages align with their goals and aspirations, obtaining Singapore permanent residence can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous life in this vibrant city-state.
