For many foreigners living and working in Singapore, having family members join them is an important part of building a long-term life in the country. Depending on the circumstances, eligible spouses, children, parents, and other family members may be able to stay in Singapore through a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Issued by either the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the LTVP allows eligible individuals to remain in Singapore for an extended period, typically between one and five years.
In this guide, we explain who can apply for an LTVP, how the pass works, the application requirements, and key considerations before applying.
What is a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore?
If you are planning to bring your spouse, child, parent, or another eligible family member to Singapore, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) may allow them to stay in the country for an extended period.
The LTVP is designed for certain family members of Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and eligible work pass holders who wish to live together in Singapore. Depending on the sponsor's status, the pass is issued by either the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
LTVPs are typically granted for one to five years, subject to eligibility and approval by the relevant authority.
Who Can Apply for an LTVP?
Eligibility for a Long-Term Visit Pass depends on the sponsor's status in Singapore and the applicant's relationship to that sponsor.
|
Sponsor |
Eligible Applicants |
|
Singapore Citizen (SC) |
Spouse, unmarried children under 21 years old, parents, and certain other eligible family members |
|
Permanent Resident (PR) |
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old |
|
Employment Pass (EP) Holder |
Common-law spouse, unmarried stepchild under 21 years old, unmarried handicapped child above 21 years old, and parents (subject to prevailing requirements) |
|
S Pass Holder |
Common-law spouse, unmarried stepchild under 21 years old, and unmarried handicapped child above 21 years old |
The eligibility criteria and supporting documents may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the sponsoring authority.
ICA LTVP vs MOM LTVP: Key Differences
The authority responsible for your LTVP application depends on your sponsor's status in Singapore.
|
Area |
ICA LTVP |
MOM LTVP |
|
Issuing Authority |
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
|
Sponsor Type |
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents |
Employment Pass and S Pass holders |
|
Typical Applicants |
Spouses, children, and parents of Singapore Citizens or PRs |
Common-law spouses, stepchildren, handicapped children, and eligible parents of work pass holders |
|
Application Channel |
ICA e-Service |
MOM EP eService |
|
Work Rights |
May be eligible for work arrangements subject to prevailing requirements |
Work eligibility depends on obtaining the appropriate work authorisation |
Can LTVP Holders Work in Singapore?
An LTVP does not automatically give you the right to work in Singapore.
In most cases, the appropriate work authorization must be obtained before employment can begin.
Foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens who hold an LTVP+ may benefit from additional employment flexibility under prevailing regulations. However, the applicable requirements depend on the individual's circumstances and the type of pass held.
Before accepting employment, it is important to ensure that the necessary work authorisation has been obtained.
LTVP Eligibility Requirements and Required Documents
The eligibility requirements for an LTVP vary depending on the sponsor's status and the applicant's relationship to the sponsor.
|
Sponsor Type |
Key Requirement |
|
Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident |
Must have a qualifying family relationship with the applicant |
|
Employment Pass Holder |
Must generally earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to sponsor eligible family members |
|
Employment Pass Holder (Parents) |
Must generally earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$12,000 to sponsor parents |
|
S Pass Holder |
Must meet the prevailing eligibility requirements set by MOM |
Common Supporting Documents
Common supporting documents include:
- Passport details of the applicant and sponsor
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Documents proving the family relationship
- Sponsor's identification and immigration documents
- Employment and income-related documents, where applicable
- Additional supporting documents requested by ICA or MOM
The exact documents required may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the issuing authority.
How to Apply for an LTVP in Singapore
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Start by determining whether you meet the eligibility requirements for an LTVP and whether your application falls under ICA or MOM.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather the necessary supporting documents, such as identification records, relationship documents, and any employment or income-related documents required for the application.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applications are submitted through the relevant online portal managed by ICA or MOM, depending on the sponsor's status.
Step 4: Await Assessment
The authorities may request additional information or supporting documents during the review process. Processing times vary depending on the application type and individual circumstances. If successful, an in-principle approval letter (IPA) will be issued.
Step 5: Complete Pass Issuance Formalities
Once approved, complete the required formalities and pay the applicable fees before the pass is issued. The pass is typically issued within 6 months of IPA approval for EP holders and 2 months for S Pass holders. After setting up a digital pass on the day of card registration, the card will be delivered within 5 working days of registration.
What to Expect After Applying for an LTVP
Once an LTVP application has been submitted, the processing time, validity period, and applicable fees will depend on the type of application and the issuing authority.
| Category | Details |
| Processing Time | ICA applications for eligible family members of work pass holders are generally processed within 6 weeks, although some applications may take longer depending on the circumstances. |
|
Validity Period |
LTVPs are typically granted for 1 to 5 years, subject to eligibility and approval. |
Applicants should ensure that all supporting documents are complete and accurate, as requests for additional information may affect processing timelines.
Common Reasons LTVP Applications Are Rejected
While meeting the eligibility criteria is important, applications are assessed based on the information and supporting documents submitted.
Some common reasons an application may be unsuccessful include:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing supporting documents can delay the assessment process or affect the outcome of an application.
- Insufficient Proof of Relationship: Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of their relationship with the sponsor, such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Failure to meet Eligibility Requirements: Applications that do not satisfy the prevailing criteria may not be approved.
- Inaccurate or Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between application details and supporting documents may raise concerns during the review process.
- Insufficient Supporting Evidence: Additional information may be required to verify an applicant's circumstances or eligibility.
Before submitting an application, it is important to ensure that all information is accurate, complete, and supported by the necessary documentation.
Where to Next?
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) provides a pathway for eligible family members of Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and certain work pass holders to stay in Singapore for an extended period. While the eligibility criteria and application process vary depending on the sponsor's status, understanding the right route from the outset can help make the process smoother.
Whether you are planning to bring your spouse, child, parent, or another eligible family member to Singapore, it is important to understand the applicable requirements before applying.
At Ascentium, we help individuals and businesses navigate Singapore's immigration requirements, providing practical guidance throughout the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility depends on the sponsor's status in Singapore and the applicant's relationship to the sponsor. Eligible applicants may include spouses, children, parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren, and certain other family members of Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Employment Pass holders, or S Pass holders.
An LTVP does not automatically grant the right to work in Singapore. Depending on the applicant's circumstances, the appropriate work authorisation may be required before employment can begin.
LTVP+ is an enhanced version of the Long-Term Visit Pass available to eligible foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens. It generally offers a longer validity period and additional benefits compared to a standard LTVP.
