Early Retire on PR PTS Scheme?

[MOCHS]

But it seems like it's not a sure thing he can stay at all if he stops working, thus almost defeating the purpose of getting PR for him.

As what most people on the forum would say: We won’t know till your friend tries and lets us know. Without any anecdotes, this would remain a huge question mark.

Your friend should also have a backup plan just in case if REP not renewed.

[smoulder]

I think the best (safest?) back up plan would be to have some form of employment which can be used to file tax returns and also contribute to CPF.

I know it's then not truly "retirement", but having said that, reading a bit over the years, it seems that FIRE proponents often don't fully retire. They either ensure that they have so called "F you" money and continue with their corporate job or they quit their corporate jobs to take up something less stressful but potentially with less earning potential. Either way, they are still employed.

[PNGMK]

PR is now a tool for immigration. Your friend has misunderstood.