PR or LVTP - Spouse of SG Cit - Unique Situation

[ashtag06]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[PNGMK]

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).

[PNGMK]

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.

[ashtag06]

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]

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]

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.

[PNGMK]

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.

[ashtag06]

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]

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.