Living in Singapore 
  • About Singapore
  • Singapore Permanent Residency Application / Renewal
  • Citizenship Application
  • Useful Information
  • Useful Websites
  •  
    About Singapore

    Singapore is located approximately 137km north of the equator and because of its geographical location and maritime exposure, its climate is characterized by uniform temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall.

    It is a vibrant cosmopolitan country with four million people of various ethnic communities and cultures. English is the language of business and administration and the medium of instruction in schools and at the university. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and usually are able to speak English and at least one other language - usually Mandarin, Malay or Tamil.

    Being a food paradise, Singapore offers a variety of international food which can be found virtually everywhere in Singapore, ranging from affordable food centres to expensive restaurants.  

    The favourite pastime for most people living in Singapore is shopping, given the variety of shopping districts and the many great and affordable buys that one can easily find. Orchard Road is the most popular shopping belt - it is equivalent to Ginza in Tokyo and Regent Street in London.

    More information about Singapore can be found at http://www.sg

    Singapore Permanent Residency Application / Renewal

    Application

    Non-Singaporeans can become Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) by obtaining an Entry Permit. An application for an Entry Permit is an application for Singapore Permanent Residence.

    The following categories of foreigners are eligible to submit applications :

    • P, Q or S work pass holders (faculty hold P Pass);
    • Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC) / Permanent Resident (SPR); and
    • Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen.

    If you wish to apply for permanent residency, we advise that you go through the details provided by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and download the relevant application form from their website at http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_pr/per_res/app_for_pr.asp. You may submit your completed forms together with the relevant supporting documents to the OHR for employer’s endorsement and forwarding to the ICA. You may also submit the endorsed forms to the ICA directly if you prefer to do so.

    Renewal

    To facilitate the renewal your permanent resident status, you may approach the OHR for a letter of certification of employment.  You will need to submit the letter together with the completed renewal application form and the other relevant supporting documents to the ICA. 

    Citizenship Application

    The following categories of person are eligible to apply for Singapore Citizenship:

    • Person who is at least 21 years of age and has been a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) for at least 2 to 6 years prior to the date of application. Applicant who wishes to apply under his/her own merits may go to the ICA for a preliminary assessment interview after 1 year of permanent residence.
    • SPR who has satisfactorily completed full-time National Service (NS).
    • Spouse of Singapore Citizen with a minimum of 2-year SPR and married for at least 2 years preceding the date of application.
    • Minor born outside Singapore but is residing permanently in Singapore, and whose parents are Singapore Citizens.
    • Child born outside Singapore whose parent is a Singapore citizen.

    If you wish to apply for Singapore citizenship, we would advise that you go through the details provided by the ICA and also download the relevant application form from their website at http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_citizen/citizenship/app_citizen.asp. You may request an employment certification from the OHR before you submit the forms to the ICA directly.

    Useful Information

    Making Payments

    Payments for goods and services are usually done by cash, Cashcard, NETS, credit card, EZ-link card, cheques, etc. depending on the type of goods/services.

    For more information on Cashcard and NETS, please visit: http://www.nets.com.sg/index.asp

    For more information on EZ-link card, please visit http://www.ezlink.com.sg/index.html

    Goods and Services Tax

    A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods and services. The final amount for your purchases should be the total of the item’s price and the 7% GST.
     
    Standard Voltage

    The standard voltage for electrical appliances in Singapore is 240 volts. Electrical accessories such as the 3-pin plug, multi-plug and extension drum should bear the approved stamp from PUB/SISIR to ensure electrical safety.
     
    Transport Services Contact Numbers
    1800-287 2727
     
    1800-336 8900
     
    6552 1111
     
    6552 2222
     
    6555 8888

    Emergency Contact Numbers

    In case of emergencies such as road accidents, serious physical injuries and fires, following are the numbers to contact :

    Campus Security, NTU                                    6790 5200
     
    Police                                                            999
     
    Fire / Ambulance                                            995
     
     
    Caution

    Drug trafficking and drug abuse are serious offences. Trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting of drugs carries a death penalty. Unauthorised consumption of drugs also carries a heavy penalty.
    Controlled drugs, psychotropic substances, firecrackers, unauthorized reproduction of copyright publications, obscene articles and publications are illegal in Singapore.    
    Smoking is prohibited in most buildings and public air-conditioned areas.  

     
    Useful Websites
    Last Updated: March 19, 2008

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