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- Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Beginners’ Handbook
Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Beginners’ Handbook
- Modified: 16 April 2025
- 12 min read
- Foreigner's Guide
Melissa Yeo
Author
Melissa's unique storytelling expertise makes a difference for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her background in content and social media spans eight years in various industries, including publishing, ecommerce and marketing. At Osome, she makes everything about running a business less intimidating. From specific accounting and bookkeeping advice to insights for company growth, Melissa's articles help you to take the next step on your entrepreneurship journey.
Jiaping Zhang
Reviewer
Jiaping, CA Singapore and SCTP member, is our Corporate Tax Manager based in Singapore with a decade of experience in Singapore corporate tax. With in-depth knowledge of Singapore corporate tax law and regulations, she can help with corporate tax compliance that matters to every company.
If you're a foreign national wanting to stay in Singapore for more than 30 days, you need a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). This pass allows you to remain in Singapore for up to two years, with the option to renew it for additional periods. Unlike the Employment Pass, which is for foreign professionals working in Singapore, or the Student Pass for foreign students, the LTVP is tailored for those seeking an extended stay without frequent visa renewals.
What Is a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore?
A Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is a type of visa issued to foreigners who wish to stay in Singapore for an extended period of time to visit their family members who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents, or for other long-term purposes such as employment, business, or study.
The Long-Term Visit Pass is meant for a common-law partner, stepchild, or handicapped child of the main pass EP holder (an Employment Pass or S Pass holder). Pass holders who earn over S$12,000 can also get a pass for their parents.
To apply for an LTVP, the applicant must be sponsored by a Singapore citizen or permanent resident who is either a spouse, parent, child or grandchild. The sponsor must also meet certain eligibility criteria, such as income and housing requirements. The application process for the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) can be done online or at a Singapore embassy or consulate overseas, and typically takes several weeks to process.
While we do not offer services for LTVP applications, we do provide comprehensive support for Dependant Pass and Employment Pass applications. Osome ensures a smooth process for you and your loved ones to live and work in Singapore with ease.
What Is LTVP+?
Also known as a Long-Term Visit Pass Plus, the LTVP+ allows holders to stay in Singapore for three years and can be subsequently renewed for up to five years per renewal. This is applicable to spouses of Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents. Additionally, LTVP+ holders can enjoy health and employment benefits.
Nonetheless, LTVP+’s eligibility conditions include having at least one child who is Singaporean. If you do not have a child, you could still be eligible if you have been married for at least three years.
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Types of a Long-Term Visit Pass
There are two types of Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) available in Singapore – namely, the ones issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
1st Type: Issued by the ICA
The ICA issues one type of LTVP. This LTVP functions like an extension of an existing Short-Term Visit Pass. This is applicable to foreign visitors who wish to stay in Singapore for over 30 days, which the Short-Term Visit Pass permits.
2nd Type: Issued by the MOM
Another type of LTVP is issued by the MOM. This is applicable to the family members of foreign employees who are not eligible for the Dependant’s Pass but wish to live with their families in Singapore, including a handicapped child who may not qualify under typical Dependant’s Pass criteria.
Before applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass, determine whether the ICA or MOM handles your application. For those extending beyond a Short-Term Visit Pass, the ICA is the authority. If you're a family member of a foreign employee, the MOM is likely responsible. Applying through the correct channel helps avoid delays.
Who Is Eligible To Apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore?
Depending on the type of LTVP you intend to apply, the eligibility criteria differs.
1st Type: Issued by the ICA
According to the ICA, you can apply for an LTVP with them if you fulfil the following conditions:
- Spouse of a Singaporean citizen;
- Spouse of a Singapore Permanent Resident;
- The dependant child (below age 21) of a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- The parent of a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- Graduate from a Higher Learning institution who wishes to be employed in Singapore;
- The mother or grandmother of a young foreigner who is studying in Singapore with a Student’s Pass;
- Foreigner seeking permission to give birth in Singapore.
2nd Type: Issued by the MOM
If you are a foreign employee and wish to bring your family to Singapore with a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), you can do so if:
- You hold a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass (main pass holder)
- Earn a fixed monthly income of S$6,000 based on your own income, and not the combined household income
- Your employer is a Singapore-registered, established company
- You hold a Singapore EntrePass
If you meet the above criteria, you can obtain a pass for your:
- Common-law spouse
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years old
- Unmarried handicapped children 21 years old and above
- Parents – if you earn a fixed monthly income of at least S$12,000
To bring your | Your minimum total annual business spending | You must hire at least |
|---|---|---|
| Children, spouse | S$100,000 | 3 Local Qualifying Salary (also known as full-time employees) OR 1 local professional, manager or executive |
| Parents | S$200,000 | 6 Local Qualifying Salary OR 2 local professional, manager or executive(s) |
The Required Documents for a Long-Term Visit Pass
To apply for your Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), your documents have to be in English and in their original copies. If they are not in English, the documents will have to be translated by a professional translator.
Documents for the ICA
To apply for your LTVP at the ICA, you will need:
- Photocopy of your passport bio-data page
- Your Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) number
- Recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last 3 months, following Singapore’s photo guidelines)
Additional documents may be required depending on your situation, such as proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificate), education qualifications, or medical letters. Common categories include spouses, parents, children, and foreign graduates.
If you're sponsored by a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, they must also provide:
- Their NRIC
- Income tax Notice of Assessment (past 3 years)
- CPF contribution history (past 12 months)
- Employment letter with position, start date, and monthly income
- For the self-employed: ACRA registration and Profit & Loss statements (past 12 months)
You can find the full checklist of required documents here (ICA official PDF).
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Documents for the MOM
To apply for an LTVP with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), you’ll typically need:
- Proof of your relationship with the applicant (e.g. common-law certificate, birth certificate, or custody papers)
- Notarised declarations or letters from your embassy (for common-law spouses)
- Medical letters (for dependants over 21)
- Vaccination records (for young children)
Document requirements vary based on your relationship to the applicant. Refer to the MOM checklist for the full list.
Can You Renew Your Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass?
You can renew your Long-Term Visit Pass Singapore following the same process as your initial application.
- To renew your LTVP issued by the ICA, you will have to apply at least ten days before your current one expires.
- To renew your LTVP issued by the MOM, you will have to apply a maximum of six months before your current one expires.
However, renewing your Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) does not necessarily guarantee that you will obtain your new pass since you will be assessed based on your eligibility and the existing criteria.
Mark the renewal timeline on your calendar to ensure you apply within the correct window – at least 10 days before expiry for ICA-issued LTVPs and up to 6 months before expiry for MOM-issued LTVPs. Keep all required documents updated and ready, as your eligibility will be reassessed during the renewal process.
Differences Between LTVP, Employment Pass and S Pass
Here's a table summarising the differences between LTVP, Employment Pass, and S Pass:
| Criteria | Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) | Employment Pass | S Pass |
| Eligibility | Foreigners married to Singapore citizens or permanent residents, or parents of Singapore citizens or permanent residents | Foreign professionals, managers, executives, skilled workers | Mid-level skilled foreign employees |
| Work Permission | Not allowed to work in Singapore | Allowed with job offer from Singapore-based company | Allowed with job offer from Singapore-based company |
| Income Requirement | No specific income requirement, but sponsor must meet certain financial criteria | Minimum S$4,500 monthly | Minimum S$2,500 monthly |
| Duration | Up to 2 years, renewable | 1 to 2 years, depending on qualifications | 1 to 2 years, depending on qualifications |
| Benefits | Extended stay with family, potential eligibility for LTVP+ benefits | Can bring family, apply for permanent residency | Access to government healthcare subsidies and education benefits for dependents |
In summary, the LTVP allows extended stay without work rights, while the Employment Pass and S Pass permit work, with the EP offering more benefits.
Application and renewal of Singapore Dependant’s Pass online
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Differences Between Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Dependant Pass
LTVP and Dependant’s Pass are both visas for family members of foreigners in Singapore. Here's how they differ:
- Eligibility Requirements: A Dependant Pass is for the legally married spouse or unmarried children (under 21) of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder. The LTVP covers a broader range, including spouses or children of Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and EP holders, plus other relatives like parents and handicapped children over 21.
- Employment: Dependant's Pass holders can work if they secure a work visa, while LTVP holders cannot work.
- Benefits: Dependant's Pass holders share benefits with the main pass holder, like healthcare and housing, and can apply for permanent residency. LTVP holders don't have these benefits but can stay longer.
- Validity Period: A Dependant's Pass matches the main pass holder's visa duration. An LTVP can be issued for up to 2 years and is renewable.
The Required Steps of Applying for the Long-Term Visit Pass
Gather the required documents and complete the application form. Upon submission of your application, you can expect a notification from the MOM.
Once you have successfully completed this step, you will obtain the in-principle letter of approval. Afterwards, you should bring your family members over. When you are in Singapore, you will have to obtain a pass issued for your relatives.
Pre-approved Letter of Consent (PLOC)
The Pre-approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) is a document introduced by the MOM, and allows the holder to work in Singapore legally.
The PLOC does not require you to have a job offer secured, yet remains effective so long as your LTVP or LVTP+ remain valid. This means that in the event that your LTVP or LTVP+ expires, your PLOC also becomes invalid.
To be eligible for a PLOC application, you are required to have a spouse or an unmarried child of a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident. Otherwise, you can also have an LTVP or LTVP+ to be eligible for the application. If you are unable to apply for a PLOC but wish to work in Singapore, you will have to apply for a Letter of Consent through your company.
Letter of Consent (LOC)
Unlike the PLOC, the Letter of Consent (LOC) requires you to have secured a job offer prior to applying. Granted by the MOM, this letter provides you the right to legally work for a Singapore-registered business. There is no limit to the number of employees a Singapore-registered business can employ, which makes LOC holders appealing employment prospects.
To be eligible for an LOC, you will need to have a Dependant’s Pass that is tied to an Employment Pass holder, EntrePass, or be a holder of a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) that is valid for a minimum of 3 months from the application date.
Alternatively, you can also possess an LTVP that is tied to a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident and is valid for a minimum of 3 months.
Employment Pass
Holders of the LTVP and Dependant’s Pass can also apply for the Singapore Employment Pass, other than their family with the main work permit, including an S Pass holder and Personalised Employment Pass holder.
With an EP, there is more flexibility – in fact, the pass holder can even hold directorial roles in a Singapore-registered business.
Holders of the LTVP and Dependant’s Pass with an EP can also freely renew and cancel the pass without being affected by the main family member.
Find out more about Singapore PR renewal criteria.
To Round Off
In conclusion, the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is an important visa option for families of Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, or work visa holders who want to stay in the country for an extended period of time. The LTVP allows family members to stay in Singapore for up to two years initially, with the possibility of renewal.
Although LTVP holders are not permitted to work in Singapore, they can enjoy the country's high standard of living, healthcare, education, and other benefits. The application process for the LTVP involves determining eligibility, submitting an online application, paying a fee, undergoing a medical examination, and collecting the LTVP.
Melissa's unique storytelling expertise makes a difference for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her background in content and social media spans eight years in various industries, including publishing, ecommerce and marketing. At Osome, she makes everything about running a business less intimidating. From specific accounting and bookkeeping advice to insights for company growth, Melissa's articles help you to take the next step on your entrepreneurship journey.
