The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is a visa option for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for an extended period due to family ties, employment, or other valid reasons. It allows foreign spouses, parents, and other dependents of Singapore Citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR) to stay legally while engaging in certain permitted activities.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the LTVP in Singapore is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The most common applicants include:
- Foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Parents of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Unmarried children under 21 born within a legal marriage or legally adopted by Singapore Citizen or Permanent Residents
- Foreigners seeking to give birth in Singapore
- Tertiary graduate looking for employment
- Parent or Grandparent of a child studying in Singapore on a Student’s Pass
Foreigners on S Pass or Employment Pass (EP) who earn a minimum of $12,000 per month are allowed to sponsor their parents for an LTVP. This will be issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) Eligibility Criteria
Only couples who have at least one Singaporean child from their marriage are eligible to apply for the LTVP+. Candidates who do not have Singaporean children may still apply and the ICA will look at other factors such as the length of marriage.Â
Difference Between LTVP and LTVP+
| LTVP (Long-Term Visit Pass) | LTVP+ (Long-Term Visit Pass Plus) |
| LTVP is valid as per the main work pass or up to the duration requested, whichever is shorter. | LTVP+ will be valid for three years and can be renewed for up to five years each time. |
| Parents, unmarried children / legally adopted children under 21, grandparent of Student Pass holder are all eligible for LTVP | Parents, parents-in-law or children are not eligible for LTVP+. The LTVP+ is only for spouses of Singapore Citizens. |
| No healthcare subsidies available to LTVP holders. | Able to enjoy healthcare subsidies for inpatient services at restructured hospitals, almost similar to Singapore PR holders |
LTVP Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents
- Passport photo
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage, birth, divorce, death certificates)
- Letter of Employment, 6 months’ payslips, latest 3 years’ income tax assessment or
- Latest business registration certificate (ACRA), latest 3 years’ balance sheet, latest 3 years’ profit and loss statement
2. Submit Application
Applications are submitted online through ICA’s e-Service portal.
3. Processing Time
Processing times vary but generally take 6 weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the application.
4. Approval and Issuance
Once approved, ICA notifies applicants via email. Applicants may also check their application status via the MyICA portal.
LTVP for Different Applicants in Singapore
LTVP for Mother of a Student Pass Holder
In Singapore, the LTVP is available for the mother (or guardian) of a child studying in the country under a Student Pass. The sponsoring institution or guardian must provide financial proof and assurance that the mother will support the child’s education and well-being.
LTVP for Newborns in Singapore
Foreign newborns born to LTVP or Work Pass holders in Singapore may be eligible for an LTVP to remain in the country legally. Parents must apply soon after birth, providing documents such as the child’s birth certificate and proof of the parent’s legal status in Singapore.
LTVP for Parents-in-Law
LTVP applications for parents-in-law of Singapore Citizens or PRs may be considered. The primary applicant (the Singapore Citizen or PR) must act as a sponsor, demonstrating financial capability and accommodation for the in-laws.
LTVP for Spouses
Foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens or PRs often qualify for an LTVP, allowing them to stay in the country long-term. The LTVP+ may be available for foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens who have Singaporean children born within a legal marriage.
LTVP for Common-Law Spouses
Common-law spouses may apply for LTVP under the administration of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), provided there is strong evidence of a long-term relationship, financial dependency, and cohabitation. Additional documents, such as a notarised declaration of the relationship, proof of joint financial commitments, and letters of support, may be required.Â
LTVP for Siblings
Siblings of Singapore citizens or PRs are not eligible for an LTVP.
LTVP for Aunties and Uncles
Similar to siblings, aunts and uncles of Singapore Citizens or PRs are not eligible for an LTVP.
LTVP for Guardians of Children
Guardians of foreign children studying in Singapore are eligible for an LTVP. In this case, only one applicant is allowed to apply for an LTVP and a local sponsor who is a Singapore citizen or PR aged 21 and above is required.
LTVP Employment Opportunities in Singapore
LTVP / LTVP+ holders in Singapore require an employer to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before working. LTVP holders generally cannot engage in self-employment without specific approval.
An LTVP+ candidate will not be counted in the foreign worker quota of their employers and employers are also not required to pay foreign workers’ levy for them.
Benefits of LTVP in Singapore
- Long-Term Stay: Holders can legally reside in Singapore for an extended period.
- Work Eligibility: LTVP / LTVP+ holders need an LOC to be able to work..
- Access to Healthcare: Only LTVP+ holders are entitled to healthcare subsidies at restructured hospitals.
- Family Reunification: Enables families to stay together without frequent visa renewals.
- Singapore PR Application: LTVP holders are eligible to apply for Singapore PR
- Singapore Citizenship Application: LTVP holders who became Singapore PRs are eligible to apply for Singapore Citizenship.Â
Renewal, Rejection, and Cancellation
Renewal
LTVP holders must renew their pass before expiry, typically by submitting updated documents and proving continued eligibility through ICA’s portal.
LTVP Rejection and Renewal Rejection
LTVP applications or renewals may be rejected due to:
- Insufficient Documentation: Missing or incomplete supporting documents.
- Financial Ineligibility: The sponsor does not meet ICA’s financial requirements.
- Security or Criminal Concerns: A criminal record or security risks.
- Unstable Relationship (For Spouses): If the marriage is deemed a convenience marriage.
- Failure to Meet Renewal Criteria: If eligibility changes, such as sponsorship withdrawal or financial instability.
If rejected, applicants can submit an appeal with additional supporting evidence.
LTVP Cancellation
ICA may cancel an LTVP if the holder:
- Violates visa conditions
- Commits criminal offenses
- Loses sponsorship from their Singapore Citizen or PR family member
LTVP holders may also cancel their pass via the ICA website.
LTVP and LTVP+: Transition Visa towards Long-Term Stay in Singapore
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is an essential visa option for foreigners seeking to reside in the country for extended periods due to family ties. Understanding the eligibility, application process, and employment regulations ensures a smooth and successful application. By meeting ICA’s requirements, LTVP holders can benefit from long-term residency and integration into Singapore’s society.
To enquire about LTVP or LTVP+, Whatsapp to 8766 1966 or email to info@iasg.com.sg.Â
