Today, global mobility has wider connotations than merely working abroad. The phrase also encapsulates the idea of taking up permanent residence in another country and, ultimately, citizenship.

Non-Singaporeans who fall under one of the following categories may be eligible to apply to become Singapore PRs:

• The spouse with/without an unmarried child (below 21 years old) of a Singapore citizen or PR
• Aged parents of a Singapore citizen
• Employment Pass/S Pass holders (applying under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme)
• Foreign students studying in Singapore (that are residing for more than two years, have passed at least one national exam or are in the Integrated Program)
• Investors (under the Global Investor Program)

Whether to grant PR status is at the sole discretion of the Singapore authorities, and no reasons or explanation will be given if an application is not approved.

To maintain PR status, all PRs who intend to travel outside of Singapore must first obtain a Re-Entry Permit (REP) and must return to Singapore within the permit's validity period. A Singapore PR will risk losing their PR status if they remain outside of Singapore without a valid REP.

A REP is usually valid for multiple journeys for a period of five years and may not be issued or renewed if the PR does not continue to be gainfully employed in Singapore or does not maintain sufficient connections with Singapore.

Singapore citizenship may be acquired by birth, descent, registration or naturalization. Applicants must be of good character, be financially able to support themselves and their dependents, and intend to reside permanently in Singapore. The evaluation criteria takes into consideration how the rest of the applicant's family (e.g., the applicant's spouse and children) can integrate into Singaporean society, the applicant's demonstrated educational qualifications and their immediate economic contributions. The decision to confer citizenship is discretionary and will be decided based on the merits of each case. Dual citizenship is not permitted; therefore, applicants must be prepared to renounce citizenship for all other countries.

All male PRs and citizens in Singapore, aged 16 to 40 years (or 50 years for officers and members of certain skilled professions) are subject to the Enlistment Act 1970. Male ex-Singapore citizens and ex-Singapore PRs who are granted Singapore PR status are liable to be called upon for national service.