Singapore has announced plans to admit about 40,000 permanent residents annually over the next five years as part of efforts to manage demographic pressures and sustain long-term economic growth.
The policy adjustment, disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the Budget 2026 Committee of Supply debate in Parliament, reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to balance population growth with workforce demands and an ageing society.
According to the government, the planned intake is slightly higher than the approximately 35,000 permanent residents granted in the previous year, signalling a gradual but deliberate increase in admissions.
Gan explained that immigration levels would continue to be carefully managed in line with demographic realities and national capacity.
“We estimate an intake of about 40,000 PRs annually in the next five years, slightly higher than the 35,000 PRs we granted last year,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable citizen base to ensure social and economic stability.
“We must maintain a stable citizen core, hopefully one that is growing modestly over time, to keep our society and our economy dynamic and vibrant,” he added.
Official figures show that Singapore’s permanent resident population has remained steady at around 540,000 in recent years, with PR status continuing to serve as a key pathway toward citizenship.
In addition to PR admissions, authorities expect to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, depending on fertility rates and broader population trends.
Gan noted that PR approvals would remain flexible, shaped by applicant suitability, demographic needs, and infrastructure capacity, as the government continues to refine its long-term population strategy.
The policy forms part of Singapore’s broader approach to sustaining economic competitiveness while addressing persistently low birth rates and an ageing population.
A comprehensive review of the country’s population framework is expected by 2030 as policymakers reassess future labour and demographic requirements.
