Singapore to Raise Permanent Resident Quota to About 40,000 Annually Under Population Strategy

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Government will increase the number of permanent residents (PRs) it grants each year to around 40,000 over the next five years, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said during the parliamentary debate on the Budget for the Prime Minister’s Office.

The planned increase, up from the current level of about 35,000 PR approvals annually, reflects a recalibration of Singapore’s long-term population strategy as the country responds to evolving demographic and workforce needs. The Government noted that while Singapore remains firmly committed to preserving a strong citizen core, immigration and PR admissions will continue to serve as key supporting pillars in maintaining a stable and sustainable resident population.

“The number of new permanent residents is expected to increase to about 40,000 a year over the next five years,” Mr Gan said, describing the move as part of a forward-looking approach to population management. He added that the adjustment takes into account long-term trends affecting Singapore’s labour force and social structure.

In addition to the rise in PR intake, Singapore also expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships each year, depending on how population trends develop in the coming years. Together, these two pathways, permanent residency and citizenship, are intended to reinforce the resident population base, ensure continuity in the workforce, and support the country’s broader social and economic systems.

Permanent residency continues to serve as an important long-term settlement option for foreigners who wish to live and work in Singapore for extended periods, particularly professionals and skilled workers who have contributed to the local economy. For many, PR status also represents a key step towards eventual citizenship, providing greater stability for families and deeper integration into Singaporean society.

The higher PR quota signals the Government’s intention to rely more on selective and well-managed immigration as part of its broader population framework, ensuring that newcomers can complement the existing citizen population while supporting economic resilience and competitiveness.

Mr Gan added that although Singapore will remain careful and selective in granting PR status, the increase reflects a calibrated and measured approach to managing population size and composition in response to long-term demographic shifts and structural changes in the economy.

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