License vs. PR, Comparison of Welfare Benefits

2026-03-10

Compared to obtaining a pass, becoming a Singapore PR entitles you to five major welfare benefits. After reading it, you will know why the pass rate of PR is so low - it can be said that "thousands of troops cross a single wooden bridge", but there are still so many people who have to try again and again.

Because PR is so popular!!!

Children's Education

1) PR enjoys degree advantages: Singapore's public kindergartens, government primary and secondary schools have superior teaching quality, but there is a severe shortage of places. Government schools prioritize the admission of citizens and PR students, and then select international students based on merit. PR doesn't have to worry about not having enough school spots.

2) PR enjoys a tuition advantage: In terms of tuition fees for primary, secondary, and even university, PR also offers a significant discount compared to work permit holders.

Benefits of Buying a House

1) Purchase of HDB flats: PR can purchase Singapore government HDB flats if certain conditions are met; Work pass holders can only purchase private apartments and cannot purchase public housing.

2) Holders of work passes need to pay additional stamp duty when buying a house in Singapore, and this stamp duty is much higher compared to PR! For example, if it is a house worth 1 million Singapore dollars and both are first-time buyers, the stamp duty that Singaporean citizens/PR/foreign buyers need to pay is: Singaporean citizens: 0 Singapore PR: $50,000 foreigners: $600,000

Employment opportunities

1) No identity restrictions: After obtaining PR status, one's identity in Singapore will not be restricted by employers and can switch jobs freely; But the pass holder must ensure that their next job is found as soon as possible and they can obtain the permit, otherwise they cannot continue to stay in Singapore.

2) More job opportunities: Due to the Singapore government's requirement for the ratio of local and foreign employees in businesses, both SP and WP are subject to restrictions. But PR has no head quota or labor tax restrictions, no salary threshold, and more job options to choose from.

Medical Benefits

Compared to work pass holders, PR can enjoy various government medical subsidies and preferential policies, and the health insurance coverage has now been upgraded to Medishield Life. They can use their provident fund medical savings account to pay for some hospitalization and surgical expenses in private or public hospitals, which is very important in Singapore where medical costs are high!

Identity and Benefits

1) After becoming a PR, one can apply for citizenship and become a Singaporean citizen. Pass holders must first apply for PR before they can apply for citizenship.

2) After becoming a PR, the requirements for applying for passes for family members are lower, and PR can also be directly applied for for spouses and children under 21 years old.

Singapore Skyline Business, a duly registered business entity with the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, offers a wide range of services including translation notarization, work pass applications, PR applications, citizenship applications, study abroad assistance, and real estate agency services. With our wealth of experience in PR and citizenship applications and a track record of numerous successful cases, if you require assistance with your PR application, please don't hesitate to contact us using the following methods. Get in touch with us today to kick start your PR/SC journey!

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