The Singaporean government welcomes foreigners who are willing and able to make a positive contribution to the country's economy and and become a part of Singaporean society.
Naturally you will have to meet certain criteria, the first will be to become a Permanent Resident (PR). Keep in mind that should you be granted Permanent Residency you may have a National Service Liability to the country. All male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless they are exempted, are liable to register for National Service (NS).
Applicants who are granted PR status under the Professional/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme or the Investor Scheme are exempted from NS. However any male children who are granted PR status under their parents' sponsorship are liable for NS.
The Singapore government takes this obligation very seriously and should a NS liable PR renounce their status at a later date they will negatively impact their ability to study or work in Singapore.
Applications for renewal of Re-entry permits may also be declined for the NS liable male as well as their sponsors and family.
Eligibility for PR
The following categories of foreigners may be eligible to apply for PR:
The spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of a Singapore Citizen
Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen
Employment Pass or S Pass holders
Investors
There are various schemes under which it is possible to apply for Permanent Residency. The most common and easiest is to apply under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Worker scheme (PTS). This is for foreigners currently working in Singapore and who hold en Employment or Entrepreneur Pass.
Another option is to apply as a foreign investor under the Global Investor Programme (GIP). This requires certain minimum investments in starting a business or investing in an established business.
Over and above the financial investments applicants must also have a proven track record in successful business, show a business proposal or investment plan and have an entrepreneurial background.
A third option is the Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts). This is aimed at outstanding international art professionals who can contribute to to advancing the arts and culture in Singapore through their expertise.
More information about the ForArts scheme is available on www.nac.gov.sg
Permanent Residency application forms and a list of required supporting documents and be found on www.ica.gov.sg