Singapore Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Beginners’ Handbook

If you're a foreign national but wish to stay in Singapore for over 30 days, you will have to obtain a Long Term Visit Pass (LVTP).

With an LTVP, you can stay in Singapore for a period of up to two years, and the pass can be renewed for subsequent periods. The LTVP is different from other types of visas in Singapore, such as the Employment Pass, which is issued to foreign professionals, managers, and executives who are employed by Singapore companies; or the Student Pass, which is issued to foreign students who wish to study in Singapore.

In a nutshell, the LTVP Singapore is specifically designed for those who wish to stay in Singapore for a longer period of time without having to apply for a new visa every few months.

Read on for our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about LVTP, including its eligibility, conditions, application process, and requirements.

What Is a Long Term Visit Pass in Singapore?

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), 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, step-child, or handicapped child of 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 a 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 LTVP can be done online or at a Singapore embassy or consulate overseas, and typically takes several weeks to process.

What Is LTVP+?

Also known as the Singapore 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.

Types of Long Term Visit Pass

There are two types of LTVP available in Singapore – namely the ones issued by the Singapore Immigrant and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the 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 that 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 family members in Singapore.

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 a LTVP with them if you fulfill 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 member to Singapore with an LTVP, you can do so if:

• You hold a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass
  • 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
  • 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
• You hold a Singapore EntrePass

The Required Documents for a Long Term Visit Pass

To apply for your 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:

• A photocopy of your passport bio-data page;
• Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) number;
• Recent passport-sized photo taken within the last three months, based on Singapore’s acceptable photo guidelines.

Additional required documents depending on the person travelling:

Documents required from the Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident:

• Identity Card;
• Past three years of income tax Notice of Assessment;
• Central Provident Fund (CPF) Statement for the past 12 months which reflects his/her monthly CPF contributions;
• Employment letter, reflecting the start date, position, and monthly income;
• For self-employed individuals:
  • Valid registration certificate issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA);
  • Past 12 months of the company’s Profit and Loss Statement.

Documents for the MOM

To apply for the LTVP at the MOM, you can refer to the following table:

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 LTVP renewal does not necessarily guarantee that you will obtain your new pass, since you will be assessed based on your eligibility and the existing criteria.

Differences Between LTVP, Employment Pass and S Pass

LTVP, Employment Pass and S Pass are all different types of work visas that allow foreigners to work and live in Singapore. However, they vary in terms of eligibility requirements, benefits, and validity period.

The LTVP is a long-term visit pass issued to foreigners who are married to Singaporean citizens or permanent residents, or who have children who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Singapore for extended periods of time of up to 2 years initially, and is renewable subsequently. However, it does not allow the pass holder to work in Singapore.

The Employment Pass is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and skilled workers who are hired by a Singapore-registered company. To qualify for an Employment Pass, the applicant must have a job offer from a Singapore-based company, earn a monthly income of at least S$4,500, and possess relevant educational qualifications and work experience. The validity period of an Employment Pass is usually between 1 to 2 years, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the sponsoring company.

An S Pass is a work visa for mid-level skilled foreign employees. To qualify for an S Pass, the applicant must have a job offer from a Singapore-based company, earn a monthly minimum income of S$2,500, and have relevant qualifications and work experience. The validity period of an S Pass is usually between 1 to 2 years, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the sponsoring company.

In summary, an LTVP allows foreigners to stay in Singapore for an extended period of time, but does not allow them to work. On the other hand, an Employment Pass is meant for high-level skilled foreign professionals and managers, while an S Pass is for

mid-level skilled foreign employees. Both Employment Pass and S Pass holders are allowed to work in Singapore, with Employment Pass holders enjoying more benefits – including the ability to bring their families over and to apply for permanent residency.

Differences Between LTVP and Dependant Pass

LTVP and Dependant’s Pass are both visas issued by the Singapore government to the family members of foreigners who are living and working in Singapore. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two:

1. Eligibility Requirements

A Dependant Pass is issued to the legally married spouse or unmarried children (under the age of 21) of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder, while a Long-Term Visit Pass is issued to a wider range of family members, including the legally married spouse or unmarried children (under 21 years old) of a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or Employment Pass holder. The LTVP is also issued to other family members such as parents, step-parents, and handicapped children who are over 21 years old.

2. Employment

Dependant’s Pass holders can work in Singapore, but only if they secure their own work visa. On the other hand, LTVP holders are not allowed to work in Singapore.

3. Benefits

Dependant’s Pass holders enjoy similar benefits as their main pass holder in terms of healthcare, education and access to housing. They can also apply for permanent residency. However, LTVP holders are not entitled to the same benefits as Dependant’s Pass holders, but they are eligible to stay in Singapore for a longer period of time and have more flexibility in terms of their stay in the country.

4. Validity Period

A Dependant’s Pass is usually valid for the same duration as the main pass holder's work visa. For instance, if the main pass holder has an Employment Pass that is valid for 2 years, the Dependant’s Pass will also be valid for 2 years. In comparison, an LTVP can be issued for up to 2 years initially, and is renewable thereafter.

In summary, the main difference between LTVP and Dependant’s Pass lies in the eligibility requirements, validity period and employment opportunities. Dependant’s Pass is only available for family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders while LTVP is available for a wider range of family members, and Dependant’s Pass holders can work with a separate work visa, while LTVP holders are not allowed to work in Singapore.

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 all in Singapore, you will have to obtain a pass issued for your family members.

How to apply for a long term visit pass:

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 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 a 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 Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) that is valid for a minimum of 3 months from the application date.

Alternatively, you can also possess a LTVP that is tied to a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident, that is valid for a minimum of 3 months.

Employment Pass

Holders of the LTVP and Dependant’s Pass can also  apply for the Employment Pass, other than their family member with the main work permit.

With an Employment Pass, 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 Employment Pass can also freely renew and cancel the pass, without being affected by the main family member.  

To Round Off

In conclusion, the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is an important visa option for family members of Singaporean 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.

FAQs

How Much Does the Application Cost?

There is a non-refundable application fee of S$30 for each submitted application. Payment can be done online using a credit card.

Once your LTVP is approved, you are required to pay S$60 for the pass itself. Additionally, you may also have to pay for other applicable fees depending on your situation.

What Does the Application Process Look Like?

The application process is relatively easy. Simply gather the necessary documents, complete the application, and submit them. In a few weeks’ time, you will either receive a notification about your acceptance or rejection. If your application is approved, you will obtain the in-principle approval letter. Subsequently, bring your sponsored family member over to Singapore, and have their pass issued with the authority.

Can I Extend or Cancel My Application?

To extend your LTVP, you will have to repeat the same process as your initial LTVP application. However, this does not necessarily guarantee that you will obtain your new pass, since you will be assessed based on your eligibility and the existing criteria.

To cancel your LTVP, log onto the Employment Pass Online portal and hover over to the LTVP section. You can then cancel your LTVP in just a few clicks. If you’re the person cancelling the LTVP, it will be immediately cancelled. If your employer is cancelling your visa, it could take some time for your LTVP to be cancelled.

In the event that your family member no longer requires the LTVP, you have to cancel it and return the card to the issuing authority. This cancellation is immediate and does not incur any fees.

How Long Is the Long Term Visit Pass Valid for?

The LTVP has a validity of up to two years, depending on your reason of application. If you wish to join a family member who is a foreign employee in Singapore, your Pass will have the same validity period as their Employment Pass.