Permanent Resident CPF Singapore

Permanent Resident CPF Singapore

CPF contribution rates for Singapore Permanent Residents — OA, SA, MA allocations and how they differ from citizens.

Permanent Resident CPF Singapore explains how the CPF system applies to Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs). PRs are required to contribute to CPF from their first month of employment, but at reduced rates during the first two years (the graduated contribution period). From the third year of PR status, contribution rates match Singapore citizens. PRs have access to the same CPF accounts (OA, SA, MA) and investment options as citizens. This is general information only; refer to CPF Board for your specific situation.

Table of Contents

Contents — Click to expand
  1. Who Must Contribute to CPF?
  2. PR CPF Contribution Rates 2026
  3. The Graduated Contribution Period
  4. CPF Accounts Available to PRs
  5. CPF Investment and Retirement Options for PRs
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Who Must Contribute to CPF?

All Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents who are employees earning more than SGD 500 per month must contribute to CPF. Self-employed PRs must contribute to MediSave only (not OA or SA). CPF contributions are mandatory — both the employee’s share (deducted from salary) and the employer’s share (additional cost to the employer) must be paid monthly. Work pass holders (Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit) do not contribute to CPF and are not eligible to open CPF accounts.

PR CPF Contribution Rates 2026

From the 3rd year of PR status (and for all Singapore citizens), total CPF contribution rates for employees below age 55 earning above SGD 750/month are: Employee: 20%, Employer: 17% — total 37% of ordinary wages. These are the same rates as Singapore citizens. For employees earning between SGD 500–750, graduated rates apply. Allocation to OA, SA, and MA depends on age. For employees below 35: OA receives 23%, SA receives 6%, MA receives 8% of ordinary wages (all in percentage of salary). Use our CPF Contribution Calculator for exact figures.

The Graduated Contribution Period

During the first two years of PR status, CPF contribution rates are reduced to ease the transition. 1st year PR: Employee 5%, Employer 4% (total 9%). 2nd year PR: Employee 15%, Employer 9% (total 24%). 3rd year and beyond: Full rates (Employee 20%, Employer 17% for employees below 55). Employees and employers can jointly elect to contribute at full rates from the first year — this is beneficial for PRs who want to maximise CPF savings and home purchase eligibility from the start.

CPF Accounts Available to PRs

PRs have access to the same three CPF accounts as citizens: Ordinary Account (OA) — earns 2.5% p.a., used for housing, education, investments via CPFIS; Special Account (SA) — earns 4% p.a., primarily for retirement; MediSave Account (MA) — earns 4% p.a., used for healthcare and insurance premiums. PRs are also eligible for CPF LIFE (the national annuity scheme) and the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS). See our CPF investment guide and CPFIS explainer for investment options.

CPF Investment and Retirement Options for PRs

PRs can invest CPF OA savings (above SGD 20,000) and SA savings (above SGD 40,000) through CPFIS in approved instruments. PRs are also eligible to open an SRS account for additional tax-advantaged retirement savings. Upon reaching 55, PRs can set up a Retirement Account and opt into CPF LIFE for lifetime monthly payouts — just like citizens. One key difference: PRs who renounce PR status can withdraw their CPF savings, though this requires formal application and is subject to CPF Board approval. Use our CPF Retirement Sum Calculator and CPF LIFE Payout Calculator to plan your retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Singapore PRs have to contribute to CPF?
Yes. All Singapore PRs who are employees earning more than SGD 500 per month must contribute to CPF. During the first two years of PR status, reduced graduated rates apply. From the 3rd year, full citizen-equivalent rates (20% employee + 17% employer) apply.
What are the CPF contribution rates for a first-year PR?
For a first-year PR employee below 55 earning above SGD 750/month: employee contribution is 5% of ordinary wages, employer contribution is 4% — a total of 9%. This increases to 24% in the 2nd year (15% employee + 9% employer) and reaches full rates in the 3rd year.
Can a PR withdraw CPF when leaving Singapore?
PRs who renounce their PR status can apply to withdraw their CPF savings. The withdrawal is subject to CPF Board’s prevailing rules and must be applied for formally. Citizens who renounce citizenship can also withdraw CPF. Consult CPF Board for the current process.
Are PRs eligible for CPF housing grants?
PRs who are first-time HDB flat buyers may be eligible for certain housing grants. However, the grants available to PRs are generally less generous than those for Singapore citizen families. Mixed-status households (one citizen, one PR) have access to the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) as a family nucleus.
Can PRs use CPF to invest in stocks and REITs?
Yes. PRs can use CPF OA funds (above SGD 20,000) to invest through the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS-OA) in approved assets including Singapore-listed stocks, REITs, ETFs, and unit trusts. See our CPFIS guide for details on approved instruments and limits.