Singapore PR Approval Rate 2026: What the Latest Government Data Reveals
By David Tan, Principal Consultant
Singapore granted 35,264 new Permanent Residents in 2024 — the highest number in 14 years, according to the Population in Brief 2025. In February 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong announced that Singapore will increase PR intake to approximately 40,000 per year over the next five years. Here is what this means for applicants.
How Many PRs Does Singapore Grant Each Year?
ICA publishes the number of PRs granted annually in the Population in Brief report, though the number of applications is not disclosed. This makes calculating an exact approval rate impossible, but the grant numbers reveal clear trends.
| Year | PRs Granted |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 27,470 |
| 2021 | 33,435 |
| 2022 | 34,493 |
| 2023 | 34,491 |
| 2024 | 35,264 |
| 2025 | ~35,000 |
Based on industry estimates, the overall approval rate falls between 40% and 60% for all applications. However, this average masks enormous variation based on individual profile factors.
February 2026: Government Announces 40,000 PRs Per Year
On 26 February 2026, DPM Gan Kim Yong announced during the Committee of Supply Debate that Singapore plans to grant approximately 40,000 PRs per year and 25,000–30,000 new citizenships per year over the next five years. This represents a significant increase from the ~35,000 PRs granted annually in 2023–2025.
Why the increase?
Singapore's Total Fertility Rate dropped to 0.87 in 2025 — a record low — with only ~27,500 resident births, the lowest in recorded history. One in five citizens is now aged 65 or older (up from one in eight in 2015). Without immigration, the citizen population could start shrinking by the early 2040s.
Source: Population.gov.sg
What this means for applicants: With ~5,000 more PR places available each year compared to 2023–2024, approval rates are likely to improve modestly across all profiles. This is the most favourable policy environment for PR applicants in over a decade.
Who Gets PR? Demographic Breakdown
Official data from the Population in Brief 2025 reveals the profile of successful PR applicants:
By Region of Origin (2023)
By Age Group (2023)
Source: Population in Brief 2025, Singapore Department of Statistics. Resident ethnic composition: Chinese 73.9%, Malay 13.5%, Indian 9.0%, Others 3.5% (June 2025, Population.gov.sg).
Approval Rates by Nationality
Based on our experience with 3,500+ applications and industry observations, approval rates vary significantly by nationality:
| Nationality | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Malaysian | 50–70% |
| Indian | 35–55% |
| Chinese (PRC) | 35–55% |
| Filipino | 30–50% |
| Others | 30–50% |
Estimates based on industry data and our 3,500+ application history. Actual rates vary by individual profile. Singapore maintains its CMIO (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Others) ethnic balance framework, which influences PR approvals by nationality.
Approval Rates by Salary Range
Salary remains one of the strongest predictors of PR approval. With the EP minimum qualifying salary at S$5,600/month as of January 2025 (source: MOM), here is what we observe:
Note: EP holders earning S$22,500/month or above are exempt from the COMPASS framework (source: MOM). For detailed salary benchmarks, see our guide on minimum salary for PR.
Approval Rates by Pass Type
Employment Pass (EP)
45–70%Highest approval rates among work pass holders. Higher salary and seniority improve odds significantly. COMPASS points also factor into ICA assessment.
S Pass
25–45%Lower overall but viable. Healthcare, engineering, and technical S Pass holders have better chances.
Dependant’s Pass (spouse of citizen/PR)
60–80%Strong baseline due to family ties. Even stronger with own employment income.
Student Pass (PTS Scheme)
20–40%Students can now apply after passing a national exam without the previous 2-year wait (policy eased in 2025).
The Agency Advantage
Our own track record at SG Immigration Consultancy shows a 92% approval rate across all client applications. This is significantly above the industry average, and we attribute it to three factors:
- Selective onboarding — We honestly assess each client's chances before accepting them. We don't take cases we don't believe we can win.
- Comprehensive preparation — Every document, every photo, every line of the cover letter is reviewed by experienced consultants.
- Strategic positioning — We know what ICA looks for and craft each application to highlight the applicant's strongest attributes.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Applicants
- The 40,000 PR/year target makes this the most favourable approval environment in over a decade
- Salary above S$8,000/month significantly boosts your chances
- Employment stability (2+ years with the same employer) matters more than job title
- Malaysians continue to have the highest baseline approval rates
- In-demand sectors (tech, AI, healthcare, finance, biomedical) are prioritised
- Healthcare professionals have a dedicated pathway — ~1,200 get PR annually (MOH data)
- Community involvement and integration signals are increasingly weighted
- Professional preparation can add 20–30 percentage points to your approval probability
Want to Maximise Your Approval Chances?
Our 92% approval rate speaks for itself. Book a free consultation to get an honest assessment of your profile.