Moving to Singapore? Ask our regular expats in Singapore questions on relocation and their experience here. Ask about banking, employment pass, insurance, visa, work permit, citizenship or immigration issues.
-
ashtag06
- Member
![Member Member]()
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:58 am
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by ashtag06 » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 3:33 am
Hi Everyone
I've been searching the forum, but unfortunately I can't find a post which answers a few questions I have about my and my wife's unique situation - however, I suspect others must have experienced similar situations.
Myself: age (30), nationality (British); previously lived and worked in Singapore for 2 years (Dec 2013 to 2015 via an EP); BSc, MSc; environmental consultant.
Wife: age (29), nationality (Singaporean); hasn't lived and worked in Singapore since 2013. Lived and worked in Spain before living and working in the UK with me since 2016.
We are looking to settle, work and raise a family in Singapore once her current UK visa expires in October/November 2021.
I am a little unsure as to what the best visa option is for me (a UK citizen) - PR or LTVP. I am hopeful I would be able to get a transfer to the Singapore branch of my work, however, if this is not possible I will need to apply for a PR/LVTP.
There are two possibilities:
1) my current work allows me to continue my current job, but work in Singapore. This would mean I would effectively be paid into a UK bank account. Would this be allowed under PR/LVTP?
2) I change job to work in Singapore, either via transfer in my current company, or find a new position.
Most of the information on the ICA website states that my wife would need to provide CPF statements, payslips etc. Does it matter if this is her UK income? As she wouldn't have worked in Singapore for several years by the time we apply for the visa.
Also, I have seen posts discussing National Service and the possibility of >30s being wavered if you apply via the PR family scheme. It's quite an old post, so I wondered whether had any knowledge of this in recent years?
What would my chances of applying for a PR be if we currently don't live in Singapore? This would be my preference as it would allow for a bit more security as opposed to the chance I have to quit my job and move to SG and then apply for a LVTP.
Appreciate any advice in advance
Cheers!
-
ProvenPracticalFlexible
- Chatter
![Chatter Chatter]()
- Posts: 491
- Joined: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 8:50 pm
-
Answers: 1
- Location: East Coast
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by ProvenPracticalFlexible » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:25 am
I'd say go for all options. Apply for PR it will take some time to get it processed and hopefully approved as long as you've been married at least 2 years. Try to get a transfer to Singapore or if that doesn't work get there on LTVP or is it LTVP+ for spouse, and get a local job under it while waiting for PR approval.
Actual chances is difficult to say in current times but I think still decent based on your age group (likely to make babies), and getting a Singaporean moving back home. But depends also a bit of both of yours "employability" in Singapore.
NS for family ties, they keep it open as in you have to register but have not heard anyone in similar as situation having to do it. But some PRs do it as some lighter version voluntary service. For that there's 45 year max age limit I recall. But I assume you are more keen to avoid it.
-
lot286
- Chatter
![Chatter Chatter]()
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:56 pm
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by lot286 » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:36 am
one step at a time. get to singapore - either fresh Work permit, or sponsored LTVP. from there, re-assess on when to apply for PR. It's not going to be easy and chances are not good unless you and your wife demonstrate roots (if you have a son/daughter - apply PR for them simultaneously too).
Even if you get your salary in your UK account, you will still need to pay SG taxes. And all these wil lbe taken into account in your PR application (after multiple years at least).
-
malcontent
- Director
![Director Director]()
- Posts: 3024
- Joined: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:52 am
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Pacific Rim
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by malcontent » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:09 pm
I would also caution about jumping to the PR bandwagon until you have a better understanding of the job opportunities and compensation packages you might be offered. Although expat packages are rarely offered unless you are sent here by the company, there is still a chance an employer might offer you something.
For example, my company provides a CPF substitute program so that all foreign employees get the same employer contributions as locals - and no employee contribution is required... that frees up a lot of cash for other things.
Until you actually live here for many years, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the many nuances and trade-offs that make living here so unique, especially once you have school-aged children... that can have a dramatic impact, depending on what you are willing to accept.
I have lived here for 24 years now and still haven’t taken up PR!
It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows - Epictetus
-
PNGMK
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 9295
- Joined: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 9:06 pm
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Sinkapore
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by PNGMK » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 8:54 pm
I'd also add that you're most likely to fall into the "others" race category which is a very small bracket for PR approval (you've not disclosed your race but I'm assuming it's not Chinese or India or Malay).
I not lawyer/teacher/CPA.
You've been arrested? Law Society of Singapore can provide referrals.
You want an International School job? School website or
http://www.ISS.edu
Your rugrat needs a School? Avoid for profit schools
You need Tax advice? Ask a CPA
You ran away without doing NS? Shame on you!
-
PNGMK
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 9295
- Joined: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 9:06 pm
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Sinkapore
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by PNGMK » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 8:55 pm
malcontent wrote: ↑Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:09 pm
I would also caution about jumping to the PR bandwagon until you have a better understanding of the job opportunities and compensation packages you might be offered. Although expat packages are rarely offered unless you are sent here by the company, there is still a chance an employer might offer you something.
For example, my company provides a CPF substitute program so that all foreign employees get the same employer contributions as locals - and no employee contribution is required... that frees up a lot of cash for other things.
Until you actually live here for many years, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the many nuances and trade-offs that make living here so unique, especially once you have school-aged children... that can have a dramatic impact, depending on what you are willing to accept.
I have lived here for 24 years now and still haven’t taken up PR!
This is a very good point. Some expat roles drop significant benefits when the employee becomes a PR. No more housing allowance, club allowance, flights homes, premium health insurace, child's schooling etc.
I not lawyer/teacher/CPA.
You've been arrested? Law Society of Singapore can provide referrals.
You want an International School job? School website or
http://www.ISS.edu
Your rugrat needs a School? Avoid for profit schools
You need Tax advice? Ask a CPA
You ran away without doing NS? Shame on you!
-
ashtag06
- Member
![Member Member]()
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:58 am
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by ashtag06 » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:16 pm
PNGMK wrote: ↑Sun, 10 Jan 2021 8:55 pm
malcontent wrote: ↑Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:09 pm
I would also caution about jumping to the PR bandwagon until you have a better understanding of the job opportunities and compensation packages you might be offered. Although expat packages are rarely offered unless you are sent here by the company, there is still a chance an employer might offer you something.
For example, my company provides a CPF substitute program so that all foreign employees get the same employer contributions as locals - and no employee contribution is required... that frees up a lot of cash for other things.
Until you actually live here for many years, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the many nuances and trade-offs that make living here so unique, especially once you have school-aged children... that can have a dramatic impact, depending on what you are willing to accept.
I have lived here for 24 years now and still haven’t taken up PR!
This is a very good point. Some expat roles drop significant benefits when the employee becomes a PR. No more housing allowance, club allowance, flights homes, premium health insurace, child's schooling etc.
Thanks for you advice. So far, I haven't raised the potential transfer with my company, as it's been quite an awkward time in the UK, with Covid causing severe lockdowns, an economic downturn and led to my company laying people off. It's next on my agenda however. Saying that, I'm not sure whether I would see those sorts of expat benefits as it is me seeking the move rather than them needing me. Nonetheless, I will have to see!
-
ashtag06
- Member
![Member Member]()
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:58 am
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by ashtag06 » Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:17 pm
PNGMK wrote: ↑Sun, 10 Jan 2021 8:54 pm
I'd also add that you're most likely to fall into the "others" race category which is a very small bracket for PR approval (you've not disclosed your race but I'm assuming it's not Chinese or India or Malay).
Correct, I'm white British.
-
malcontent
- Director
![Director Director]()
- Posts: 3024
- Joined: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:52 am
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Pacific Rim
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by malcontent » Mon, 11 Jan 2021 8:11 am
If they can replace a full package expat with someone like you, then they may give you a deal that includes some extras, after all, it’s a major cost saving proposition to the company!
There are areas of talent that are in extremely short supply here, otherwise they wouldn’t go through the expense of bringing in full package expats. You don’t want to sell yourself short, but you need to be realistic too.
It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows - Epictetus
-
PNGMK
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 9295
- Joined: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 9:06 pm
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Sinkapore
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by PNGMK » Mon, 11 Jan 2021 8:57 am
There are odd shortages in Singapore (of talent). Our church (and others) oddly enough is where I see it most. We advertise for positions and they are almost impossible to fill with locals.
I not lawyer/teacher/CPA.
You've been arrested? Law Society of Singapore can provide referrals.
You want an International School job? School website or
http://www.ISS.edu
Your rugrat needs a School? Avoid for profit schools
You need Tax advice? Ask a CPA
You ran away without doing NS? Shame on you!
-
ashtag06
- Member
![Member Member]()
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 2:58 am
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by ashtag06 » Thu, 14 Jan 2021 5:16 am
PNGMK wrote: ↑Mon, 11 Jan 2021 8:57 am
There are odd shortages in Singapore (of talent). Our church (and others) oddly enough is where I see it most. We advertise for positions and they are almost impossible to fill with locals.
Interestingly, this was the case with the company I previously worked for in Singapore. However, they were a pretty small company, so the perks were slim. There is/was a shortage of ecologists/environmetalists, which I am.
Interestingly, I have followed up with a few contacts and have found myself with some informal interviews already, so who knows, that could be the way!
Thanks for the advice everyone. Most appreciated.
-
PNGMK
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 9295
- Joined: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 9:06 pm
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Sinkapore
-
Quote
-
1
login to like this post
Post
by PNGMK » Thu, 14 Jan 2021 7:24 am
The trope is that every asian wants their kid to be a doctor. A little exaggerated but there are certainly preferred careers paths that warp the labor pool.
I not lawyer/teacher/CPA.
You've been arrested? Law Society of Singapore can provide referrals.
You want an International School job? School website or
http://www.ISS.edu
Your rugrat needs a School? Avoid for profit schools
You need Tax advice? Ask a CPA
You ran away without doing NS? Shame on you!
-
-
REP renewal - unique situation
Replies: 9
First post
Hello,
I became a PR in 2023 under spouse sponsorship as my wife was already a PR for many years. Both our REPs are linked and both are set to...
Last post
Re point 1- does that mean that since she is now a SG citizen, my REP will always get renewed as my original PR was under her sponsorship? Or will my...
- 9 Replies
- 4703 Views
-
Last post by singaporeflyer
Mon, 29 Jul 2024 1:37 pm
-
-
Unique Situation With The New PR Interface - Need Advice!
Replies: 6
First post
Hi everyone, thanks in advance for clicking on this post!
I have a unique question about the new PR application interface that I hope someone can...
Last post
JJ nailed it on “what’s in it for me” — that almost sums up the entire immigration philosophy here.
And, this is why I also adopted the same...
- 6 Replies
- 3439 Views
-
Last post by malcontent
Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:01 am
-
-
LVTP - tax and CPF contributions
Replies: 12
First post
I previously left a post about my situation: I am a UK citizen, wife SG citizen who have both been living and working in the UK for the past 7...
Last post
Apologies, I missed the part that you were already married in which case not eligible for the PMLA, so you can only apply for the LTVP,
As for been...
- 12 Replies
- 6639 Views
-
Last post by Sbk
Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:24 am
-
-
S Pass and LVTP
Replies: 8
First post
Hi guys, today marks my 1.5 years here in Singapore. A lot of things have happened in this 1.5 years, and I'm still surviving in this country! :D...
Last post
You cannot apply LTVP on your own, only your spouse can do so as the sponsor.
Just stay on S pass until your company HR say they cannot keep you on...
- 8 Replies
- 2561 Views
-
Last post by DoggaK
Mon, 12 Jun 2023 1:59 pm
-
-
LTVP for foreign spouse if SC spouse hasn't earned any income in the past 5 years?
Replies: 17
First post
Heya, I'm a SC (27yo) who married my foreign spouse (28yo) over a year ago. I haven't had any income in Singapore or otherwise for the past ~5 years....
Last post
I’m somewhat fortunate because we bought a resale HDB, although it doesn’t actually reside in my name at all.
The tough part is this wait as I seek...
- 17 Replies
- 18958 Views
-
Last post by malcontent
Wed, 22 Sep 2021 6:32 pm
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests