The government of Singapore has announced plans to approve up to 40,000 permanent residency (PR) applications annually over the next five years as it seeks to address mounting demographic and economic challenges.
The move comes as the country grapples with declining birth rates and a shrinking working-age population, trends that have increased pressure on its labour market and raised concerns about sustaining long-term economic growth in one of Asia’s most competitive economies.
According to government projections, between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens will be admitted each year, building on roughly 25,000 citizenships granted in 2025. Permanent residency approvals are expected to rise to about 40,000 annually between 2026 and 2030, up from around 35,000 recorded in 2025.
Officials noted that increasing both citizenship and PR approvals in a controlled manner is aimed at maintaining a steady pipeline of skilled workers, supporting business expansion, and sustaining long-term productivity without significantly altering the country’s population structure.
Singapore’s PR system remains open to several categories of applicants, including skilled workers, Employment Pass holders, entrepreneurs, investors, international students, and professionals with strong qualifications and stable income, as well as family members of citizens or existing PR holders.
Applications are submitted online and typically require documentation such as proof of employment, educational qualifications, and income details. Successful applicants gain the right to live and work in the country without needing a separate work visa, alongside access to public services and long-term residency benefits.
The planned increase in approvals is expected to create stronger opportunities for skilled foreign professionals seeking long-term residency. Workers in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, logistics, and engineering could see improved chances of securing stable employment and transitioning from temporary work permits to permanent residency.
The policy shift comes amid broader efforts by Singapore to manage its ageing population and shrinking workforce. Earlier in the year, the government extended the Part-Time Re-employment Grant until 2027, offering financial incentives to companies that retain or hire workers aged 60 and above in flexible roles.
Since its introduction, more than 7,500 employers have participated in the scheme, supporting over 65,000 older workers, with about S$92 million already disbursed.
