Introduction
We are in still uncertain, changed times, as a result of the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19. Under our sound leadership and planning, Singapore has been able to emerge relatively unscathed from the worst the pandemic has to offer – as seen in many nations around the world. As our past newsletter ‘Pathways to Permanent Residency’ highlighted, Singapore continues to prove itself as a comparatively safe and secure nation, and is the final destination of choice for many considering laying down roots here. Many have chosen Singapore as their permanent home by obtaining Permanent Resident (PR) status, whether through the Global Investor Programme (GIP) or via the more traditional route of ap-plying as a Professional, Technical Personnel or Skilled worker under the PTS scheme.

Here at STMP, as well-versed and familiar with the unwritten intricacies of the GIP as we are, we are similarly cognizant of the criteria for renewing one’s Permanent Residency status.

Indeed a misnomer, Singapore PR is not literally permanent as it generally has to be renewed every 5 years. Specifically, the PR’s Re-Entry Permit (REP) is the essential document to be renewed by the Im-migration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

A valid REP is important because it is needed each time a PR travels abroad. The REP allows you to retain your permanent residence while you are outside Singapore. Should you leave Singapore or re-main overseas whilst your REP’s validity lapses, you will lose your permanent residence status.

Eligibility and Required Documentation for Renewing your Re-Entry Permit

To apply for or renew a REP, one must simply be a PR and hold a valid travel document. You are not required to submit any documents, unless otherwise requested by ICA.

However, the following information will be needed on hand to submit the renewal application:

• A SingPass account
• A valid travel document
• A valid REP
• Name and address of your current employer (if any); and
• A valid credit/debit card or internet banking account with a local bank or PayNow

For Who and When may we apply a renewal of REP for?

REP renewal applications may be submitted to the ICA within 3 months before the expiry date of the current REP.
Singapore Citizens or PR’s who are SingPass holders can use the ICA eService to submit REP renewal ap-plications on behalf of their spouse and children below 21 years of age.

The unstated factors for renewal considered by the ICA
Whilst there are no published official criteria by the ICA, from our extensive experience in this field serving both successful GIP applicants as well as applicants who obtained their PR under the PTS scheme, we observe the following:

• Whether the PR is gainfully employed and contributing to Singapore economically through their job, CPF and taxes;
• Whether the PR is contributing to Singapore economically through any business or enterprise;
• Whether the PR has deep family roots in Singapore; and
• Whether the PR has resided in Singapore for an adequate period of time annually or has there been conspicuous periods of absence.

Recent trends

We have observed that the renewal processing times for REP applications are increasingly becoming longer. The ICA are experiencing an |overwhelming volume of emails and applications, naturally resulting in longer processing times.

Apart from this administrative observation, we note that the ICA continue to keenly consider all relevant factors and circumstances of each PR. It is clear that if an PR has a prolonged period of absence from Singapore, his/her REP may be only renewed for a shorter duration of up to a year, or even not at all. Should such shorter renewals be granted, it is often but an unsubtle reminder for the PR to consider spending more time in Singapore or have justifiable reasons for any long absences.

Services

We offer applicants who obtained their PR through the PTS scheme seeking to renew their REP’s our expert assessment of their individual circumstances based on the abovementioned factors and assist to weigh their chances of a successful REP renewal prior to submission. Should there be areas of weakness, we are then able offer a proposed game plan to shore up on these areas.

Separately and notably, for applicants who obtained their PR through the GIP route or other former investor immigration schemes such as the now-defunct Financial Investor Scheme (FIS), we are able to offer the added service of arranging for a preliminary meeting with the Economic Development Board (EDB). At said meeting, we will assist the applicant in obtaining EDB’s helpful assessment and inputs on the applicant’s individual circumstances, and also come up with a proposed game plan to bolster areas of weakness.

For example, we have observed that for applicants with the means and intention to do so, a strong economic contribution profile may help to offset a lack of residency in Singapore to a certain extent. In synergy with another of our established areas of expertise, we can often then assess whether the applicant should consider setting up Single-Family Office (SFO) under the Section 13R/13X Tax Exemption Incentive Scheme administered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as a potential solution. The 13R/13X SFO scheme is a recognised and welcomed program by the EDB. It has proven to be a useful mechanism through which past and current clients of ours have, in one swoop, obtained the valuable twin benefits of bolstered economic contribution to Singapore and tax exemptions on gains derived from their substantial investment assets.

Conclusion

The ICA takes into consideration the individual, differing circumstances of each PR when making a decision on the renewal of the REP. At SMTP, we in turn offer a bespoke, personal approach to navigating the un-written rules of Singapore’s immigration law and policy, based on years of extensive experience assisting clients with both their PR applications and PR REP renewal needs. We stand ready to assist interested applicants who have an upcoming REP deadline and feel that they may require our advice and assistance. Should you or your clients be