Singapore to Approve 40,000 PR Applications Annually

The government of Singapore has announced a plan to grant up to 40,000 permanent residency (PR) approvals each year from 2026 to 2030. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by a declining birth rate and a shrinking working-age population, which have intensified pressure on the labor market.

The government also plans to admit between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens annually, with a goal of building 25,000 citizenship grants by 2025. The increase in PR approvals is expected to support business expansion and sustain long-term economic productivity without significantly altering the population structure.

The sectors targeted for skilled foreign professionals include finance, technology, healthcare, and logistics. Additionally, Singapore will enforce stricter immigration rules starting December 1, 2025, requiring permanent residency renewals and re-entry permits, replacing the previous system that allowed for grace periods and discretionary reinstatement.