Building a life in Singapore rarely involves just one person. Once you have settled into a job here, the next question is usually how to bring the people who matter most, a spouse, a child, or ageing parents. That is where the Long Term Visit Pass comes in.
The Long Term Visit Pass in Singapore lets a family member stay with you well beyond the 30 to 90 days a short-term visit pass allows. This guide explains who qualifies, how the pass differs from a Dependant Pass, what it costs, and how it can become the first step towards permanent residency.
Quick answer: A Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) lets certain family members of Singapore work pass holders, citizens and PRs stay in Singapore long term. It is usually valid for up to two years and is renewable. MOM issues it for families of pass holders, and ICA issues it for families of citizens and PRs.
What Is a Long Term Visit Pass?
The Long Term Visit Pass is a residence pass for family members who do not qualify for a Dependant Pass but still need to live in Singapore with you. Rather than repeatedly extending a social visit pass, the LTVP gives your family a stable, renewable basis to stay.
- Who issues it: The Ministry of Manpower issues the LTVP when the sponsor is an Employment Pass or S Pass holder. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority issues it when the sponsor is a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident.
- How long it lasts: An LTVP is typically granted for up to two years at a time and can be renewed. It is usually tied to the validity of the sponsor’s own pass.
- What it is not: An LTVP is not a work pass and it is not permanent residency. It gives your family member the right to stay, not an automatic right to work.
Who Qualifies for an LTVP in Singapore?
Eligibility depends entirely on who is sponsoring the application. The two routes are quite different, so it is worth being clear which one applies to you.
- Sponsored by an EP or S Pass holder: A common-law spouse, an unmarried step-child under 21, or an unmarried handicapped child aged 21 and above. Parents can also be sponsored, but only by pass holders who meet a higher salary threshold, currently around S$12,000 a month.
- Sponsored by a citizen or PR: A foreign spouse, an unmarried child under 21, a step-child, an aged parent, or in some cases a parent-in-law. These applications go to ICA.
- Salary matters: MOM sets a minimum qualifying salary for the sponsoring pass holder, and it is revised periodically. Confirm the figure that applies to your pass before you apply.
LTVP or Dependant Pass: Which One Do You Need?
This is the question that trips most families up. A Dependant Pass is for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder. An LTVP covers the family members who fall outside that definition. If you are weighing up both options, our complete Dependant Pass guide sets out the differences in detail.
In short: if your relationship fits the narrow Dependant Pass definition, apply for that. If it does not, the LTVP is the pass designed for you.
What Is LTVP+ and Who Gets It?
LTVP+ is an enhanced version of the pass, available only to foreign spouses of Singapore citizens. It is generally offered where the couple has a Singaporean child, or where the marriage has lasted at least three years.
- Longer validity: LTVP+ is typically granted for three years initially, and renewals can run up to five years, which removes a great deal of annual uncertainty.
- Healthcare support: LTVP+ holders have access to certain healthcare subsidies that ordinary LTVP holders do not.
- Easier employment: LTVP+ holders may qualify for a pre-approved Letter of Consent, which makes taking up work far simpler.
Can an LTVP Holder Work in Singapore?
Not automatically. An LTVP holder who wants to work needs a Letter of Consent, which the prospective employer applies for on their behalf. Without it, working is not permitted. LTVP+ holders have a smoother route through the pre-approved Letter of Consent.
How to Apply, and What It Costs
Applications are submitted online, either through MOM or ICA depending on your sponsor. Expect to provide identity documents, the sponsor’s pass or NRIC details, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of the relationship. Translations may be required for documents not in English.
- Application fee: ICA charges S$105 per LTVP application, payable on submission. Fees are reviewed periodically, so check the current amount before paying.
- Processing time: Allow around six weeks. Submit renewals at least six weeks before the current pass expires so there is no gap in your family member’s status.
- Keep records clean: Inconsistent dates or names across documents are the most common cause of delays, and they are entirely avoidable.
From LTVP to PR: The Longer Game
For many families, the LTVP is a stepping stone rather than a destination. A foreign spouse holding an LTVP or LTVP+ sponsored by a Singapore citizen or PR can apply for permanent residency under the family ties route, and time spent living here on the pass strengthens that case. Our Singapore PR application service is built around exactly this kind of family situation, and our guide on applying for PR for your spouse covers what ICA looks for.
It also helps to understand what you are working towards. The practical advantages of the status, from housing to schooling, are set out in the benefits of becoming a Singapore PR.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not immigration, legal or financial advice. ICA, MOM, HDB and IRAS rules change from time to time, so please confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified consultant before making a decision.
Bringing Your Family Here With Confidence
The Long Term Visit Pass exists because families do not always fit neat categories. Once you know which authority handles your application, which pass suits your relationship, and what the salary and document requirements are, the process becomes far less daunting than it first appears.
If you are unsure whether an LTVP, a Dependant Pass, or a PR application is the right next move for your family, we are happy to talk it through. Reach out to us for a confidential, no-pressure conversation about your situation.
Not sure which pass fits your family? Speak to our consultants for clear, tailored guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Long Term Visit Pass in Singapore
How long is a Long Term Visit Pass valid in Singapore?
An LTVP is usually granted for up to two years at a time and is renewable, though it is often tied to the validity of the sponsor’s own pass. LTVP+ holders, who are foreign spouses of Singapore citizens, can receive three years initially and up to five years on renewal.
What is the difference between an LTVP and a Dependant Pass?
A Dependant Pass is for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder. An LTVP covers family members outside that definition, such as a common-law spouse, a step-child, a handicapped adult child, or a parent.
Can I bring my parents to Singapore on a Long Term Visit Pass?
Yes, in two situations. Employment Pass holders who meet a higher salary threshold, currently around S$12,000 a month, can sponsor their parents. Singapore citizens and PRs can also sponsor aged parents through ICA. Confirm the current threshold with MOM before applying.
Can an LTVP holder work in Singapore?
Not without permission. The LTVP holder’s prospective employer must apply for a Letter of Consent before they can take up employment. LTVP+ holders may qualify for a pre-approved Letter of Consent, which makes finding work considerably easier.
Can an LTVP lead to Singapore PR?
It can. A foreign spouse holding an LTVP or LTVP+ sponsored by a Singapore citizen or PR may apply for permanent residency under the family ties route. Time spent living in Singapore on the pass generally strengthens the application.
