Singapore PR vs Singapore Citizenship: What’s the Difference?

Flag of Singapore

For foreigners planning to build a long-term future in Singapore, Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship are two different pathways. While both offer a stronger connection to Singapore, they provide different rights, responsibilities, and long-term benefits.

Key Differences Between Singapore PR and Citizenship

	Singapore PR	Singapore Citizen
Residency	Can live and work in Singapore on a permanent basis	Full right to reside in Singapore
Voting rights	❌ No	✅ Yes, subject to voter eligibility
Singapore passport	❌ No	✅ Yes
Foreign citizenship	Can generally retain existing citizenship	Singapore does not allow adult dual citizenship
Re-Entry Permit (REP)	Required when travelling overseas to retain PR status	Not required
Healthcare	Eligible for MediShield Life	Eligible for MediShield Life, with citizen-level benefits under applicable schemes
Housing	Eligible for selected HDB schemes, subject to requirements	Generally broader access to HDB schemes and subsidies
National Service	Applicable to relevant male PRs	Applicable to relevant male citizens

Singapore PR: A Long-Term Residency Option

Singapore PR allows foreigners to establish a more stable long-term life in Singapore while remaining citizens of their original country.

PR can be particularly relevant for Employment Pass or S Pass holders, professionals, business owners, and families who intend to maintain a long-term connection with Singapore.

However, PRs must maintain a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) when travelling outside Singapore in order to retain their PR status.

Singapore Citizenship: A Deeper Commitment

Singapore Citizenship provides additional rights that PRs do not have, including the ability to hold a Singapore passport and vote in Singapore elections, subject to the applicable requirements.

For eligible PRs, one of the main citizenship routes is available after holding PR status for at least two years and meeting the other requirements.

One important consideration is nationality. Singapore does not allow adult dual citizenship, so becoming a Singapore Citizen may require renouncing an existing foreign citizenship.

Which One Is Right for You?

Singapore PR may be more suitable for those who want long-term residency in Singapore while maintaining their existing nationality.

Singapore Citizenship may be more suitable for individuals who consider Singapore their permanent home and are prepared to take on the additional rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your career, business, family, nationality, and long-term plans.