There are many visa types available. So foreign spouses may elect not to apply for PR and choose to reside in Singapore on visas such as the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP). However there are some incredible benefits to applying for a PR for your spouse.
The LTVP allows Singaporeans to bring their common-law spouse over to Singapore. The LTVP is valid for 2 years and needs to be renewed by submitting the application up to 6 months before expiration. This is an extremely tedious process. Renewal may not be guaranteed. Further, the new LTVP application is always reviewed against current eligibility criteria instead of the one that was used to grant LTVP previously.
2. Property
Government has strict rules when it comes to housing to enable citizens and PRs to find affordable housing with greater ease. For instance, foreigners are not allowed to purchase Executive Condominiums (ECs) and Housing Development Board (HDB) housing. Thus foreigners can only purchase private properties. Further foreigners will have to pay additional buyers stamp duty (ABSD) of 20% when purchasing private properties. In comparison the ABSD is only 5% for PRs.
3. Job
It is common for some companies to seek out Singaporeans and PRs due to hiring restrictions. PRs do not need separate work pass approval when they change jobs. Thus PRs have flexibility when it comes to changing jobs.
4. Access to healthcare
Locals and PRs are given 60% to 80% subsidy for healthcare services at government facilities and wards. By becoming a PR you can access government services at a fraction of the cost of private healthcare. PRs can also access Medisave. Under Medisave, a percentage of their medical bills will be paid for.
The specific grounds for every successful application are not made public. However with the assistance of dedicated immigration consultants at Migration Partners, we will submit a quality application that has a higher chance of success. The team will compile all essential documents to ensure that nothing is left out of the application. We will also make recommendations on additional documents you require for your application. e.g. references from your employers. Getting help from Migration Partners will help you handle the PR process from start to end. Get started today.
