My Journey from EP to PR in 3 Years – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

My Journey from Employment Pass to PR in Singapore – Full Timeline (2026)

I arrived in Singapore in January 2023 on an Employment Pass (EP). By March 2026, I received my Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) approval letter.

No agent. No special connections. Just strategic planning and consistent documentation.

📌 Key Stats:
- EP Start Date: Jan 2023
- PR Application Submitted: Feb 2025
- PR Approved: Mar 2026
- Total Processing Time: 13 months
- Profession: Software Engineer (Tech Sector)

Year 1: Laying the Foundation (2023)

• Jan 2023: Arrived in SG, activated EP, registered with CPF.
• Mar 2023: Opened bank account (DBS), got SingPost mailbox.
• Strategy: Paid full income tax, contributed regularly to CPF, rented stable housing.

Year 2: Building Strong Ties (2024)

• Maintained continuous employment with salary > S$6,500/month.
• Filed accurate IRAS tax returns (No NOA delays).
• Joined community events (National Day, grassroots activities).
• Started learning basic Mandarin (showed integration effort).

💡 Pro Tip: IREX (ICA’s e-Service) now requires proof of integration. Photos from community events helped!

Year 3: PR Application & Approval (2025–2026)

• Feb 2025: Submitted PR application via ICA e-PR system under PTS Scheme.
• Required Documents:
  • Valid EP + passport
  • Last 6 months’ payslips
  • IRAS Notice of Assessment (NOA) for 2023 & 2024
  • Employment letter confirming role/salary
  • Residential tenancy agreement
  • Photos of community participation
• Aug 2025: Received “In Principle Approval” (IPA) letter.
• Oct 2025: Completed medical check-up & biometrics.
• Mar 2026: PR card issued!

3 Critical Success Factors

1. Stable High Income: Consistent salary above S$6,000 showed economic contribution.
2. Tax Compliance: Filed taxes on time with no discrepancies.
3. Integration Efforts: Language learning + community involvement = strong social ties.

What I’d Do Differently

• Apply earlier (after 24 months, not 26)
• Get a local phone number immediately
• Volunteer with PA or CDC more actively

📥 Free Resource: Download my “Singapore PR Checklist 2026” – includes document list, timeline tracker, and ICA email templates. [Your Link]

If you’re on an EP, your PR is possible. Stay compliant, contribute, and apply with confidence.