Singapore to Admit 40,000 Permanent Residents Annually

The Singapore government has announced a plan to admit 40,000 permanent residents (PR) annually over the next five years, a slight increase from the 35,000 PR granted in the previous year. This decision was made to adjust the country's population strategy in response to slow growth and long-term workforce needs.

The announcement was made by Gan Kim Yong during the Budget 2026 committee supply debate in Parliament. The government aims to maintain a stable citizen core while fostering modest growth to keep society and the economy dynamic and vibrant.

Singapore's PR population has remained stable at around 540,000, and the government expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, depending on demographic trends. The intake levels will vary yearly based on suitable demographic needs and infrastructure capacity, reflecting a balanced approach to sustaining economic growth amid a persistently low birth rate.