If you are a foreign national who wants to live in Singapore long-term — whether as the spouse of a Singapore Citizen, the family member of a work pass holder, or in another qualifying capacity — the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is likely the first residence pass you will encounter. This guide explains who qualifies for an LTVP in 2026, how to apply, the difference between an LTVP and an LTVP+, and what rights LTVP holders have while in Singapore.
What Is the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a multi-year residence pass issued to foreign nationals who have a qualifying family connection to a Singapore Citizen (SC), Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), or certain work pass holders. It allows the holder to reside in Singapore for an extended period without needing to apply for a new short-term visitor’s pass each time they enter the country.
LTVPs are issued by two different government authorities depending on the applicant’s circumstances:
- Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — issues LTVPs to family members of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — issues LTVPs to certain family members of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), or EntrePass holders
The issuing authority matters because the application process, eligibility criteria, validity periods, and working rights differ between ICA-issued and MOM-issued LTVPs.
ICA-Issued LTVP: Family Members of SCs and PRs
The ICA issues LTVPs to the following categories of applicants:
- Foreign spouse of a Singapore Citizen or PR
- Foreign children (unmarried, under 21) of a Singapore Citizen or PR
- Foreign parents of a Singapore Citizen
- Foreign parents-in-law of a Singapore Citizen (subject to additional conditions)
- Foreign step-children or handicapped children who are unmarried and are dependants of a Singapore Citizen
ICA assesses applications holistically, taking into account factors including the length and stability of the relationship (for spousal applications), the sponsor’s income, and the applicant’s background. There is no fixed income threshold, but applications from sponsors with low or unstable income are less likely to succeed.
LTVP vs LTVP+
ICA issues two tiers of pass for qualifying spouses and parents of Singapore Citizens:
| Feature | LTVP | LTVP+ |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 2 years | Up to 3–5 years |
| Who qualifies? | All qualifying applicants | Applicants with stronger ties to Singapore (e.g., longer marriage, children born in Singapore) |
| Working rights | Require a Letter of Consent (LOC) | LOC not required — can work with a valid LTVP+ |
| Healthcare subsidies | Not automatically eligible | Eligible for some subsidies (CHAS, Medisave) |
| PR pathway | Can apply for PR | Stronger indicator for PR; some schemes facilitated |
The LTVP+ is generally granted to spouses of Singapore Citizens who have a stronger integration profile — for example, those who have been married for longer, have children who are Singapore Citizens, or have lived in Singapore for extended periods. If you are granted an LTVP+ instead of a standard LTVP, this is a positive indicator for eventual PR eligibility.
MOM-Issued LTVP: Family Members of Work Pass Holders
The MOM issues LTVPs to the following family members of eligible work pass holders:
- Common-law spouse of an EP, PEP, or EntrePass holder (earning S$6,000/month or more)
- Step-child or handicapped child of an EP or S Pass holder (earning S$6,000/month or more)
Note that legally married spouses and children of qualifying EP, PEP, or EntrePass holders who earn S$6,000 or more per month are eligible for a full Dependant’s Pass (DP) rather than an LTVP. The LTVP from MOM is specifically for those in a qualifying family relationship who do not meet the DP criteria — primarily common-law partners and step-children.
MOM-issued LTVPs are tied to the main pass holder’s work pass. If the EP, PEP, or EntrePass is cancelled or expires, the associated LTVP is cancelled simultaneously. For this reason, the LTVP holder should always be kept informed of the main pass holder’s renewal status. See our guide on Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Singapore 2026 for details on the main pass that often sponsors family members.
Can LTVP Holders Work in Singapore?
The working rights of LTVP holders depend on which authority issued the pass:
- Standard LTVP (ICA-issued): Cannot work without a separate Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM. The employer must apply for the LOC on the LTVP holder’s behalf before employment commences.
- LTVP+ (ICA-issued): Can work without a separate LOC — the LTVP+ itself confers working rights. The employer simply needs to verify the LTVP+ status before engaging the individual.
- MOM-issued LTVP: Requires a separate work pass or LOC to work legally in Singapore.
LTVP holders who wish to work must ensure they have the correct authorisation before commencing employment. Working without the required authorisation is an immigration offence, and both the employee and employer can face penalties.
How to Apply for an LTVP
ICA LTVP Application (Family Members of SCs/PRs)
Applications for ICA-issued LTVPs are submitted online through ICA’s e-Service portal. The sponsor (the Singapore Citizen or PR) must submit the application on behalf of the applicant. Key documents typically required include:
- Sponsor’s NRIC, passport, and proof of Singapore Citizenship or PR status
- Applicant’s passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay)
- Marriage certificate (for spousal applications) — translated to English if not originally in English
- Birth certificate of the applicant or relationship proof
- Sponsor’s latest 3 months’ CPF contribution history and/or payslips
- Photographs of the couple together (for spousal applications) documenting the relationship
Processing time for ICA LTVP applications is typically 6 months for spouses of Singapore Citizens. However, if the couple completed the Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Application (PMLA) before marriage, the processing time can be shortened to approximately 6 weeks.
MOM LTVP Application (Family Members of Work Pass Holders)
MOM-issued LTVP applications are submitted by the employer or the work pass holder through MOM’s EP Online (EPOL) system. The application requires documentation of the qualifying family relationship and the main pass holder’s current employment and pass details. Processing typically takes 3 weeks for straightforward applications.
LTVP Renewal
LTVP holders should apply for renewal at least 3 months before the pass expires. Any remaining validity on the current pass is forfeited upon renewal — it is not carried forward to the new pass. For ICA-issued LTVPs, renewals are submitted through the same ICA e-Service portal used for the initial application.
For MOM-issued LTVPs, the pass is automatically cancelled if the main work pass holder’s EP, PEP, or EntrePass expires or is cancelled. Renewals must be coordinated with the renewal of the main pass and submitted through EPOL. If the main pass holder switches employers, the LTVP does not automatically transfer — a new LTVP must be applied for under the new employer’s sponsorship.
LTVP and the Path to Permanent Residency
Many LTVP holders — particularly spouses of Singapore Citizens — eventually apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) through the ICA’s Permanent Resident application portal. Holding an LTVP is a prerequisite for many PR applicants in the family tie category, as it demonstrates that the applicant has been lawfully residing in Singapore for a period before applying.
LTVP+ holders in particular are viewed more favourably in PR applications, as the LTVP+ itself signals a strong qualifying relationship and integration into Singapore society. However, PR approval is discretionary and there is no guaranteed timeline. Many LTVP holders hold their passes for several years before PR is granted.
For those seeking PR through other routes — such as the Global Investor Programme — see our separate guides on investment-based immigration pathways in Singapore. Singapore’s immigration ecosystem also includes the EntrePass and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) for entrepreneurs and senior professionals.
Common LTVP Application Pitfalls
- Submitting incomplete documentation: ICA and MOM may reject or return applications that are missing required documents. Always use the official document checklist before submitting.
- Working without LOC or LTVP+: LTVP holders on a standard pass who commence employment before an LOC is granted commit an immigration offence.
- Letting the pass lapse: Overstaying an expired LTVP is an immigration offence. Set a calendar reminder to begin renewal at least 3 months before expiry.
- Not notifying ICA/MOM of change in circumstances: Significant changes — such as divorce, job loss by the sponsor, or death of the main pass holder — must be reported to the issuing authority promptly.
Conclusion
The Long-Term Visit Pass is the gateway to family reunification in Singapore for many foreign nationals. Whether you are a spouse of a Singapore Citizen applying through ICA, or the common-law partner of an EP holder applying through MOM, understanding the correct pathway, eligibility requirements, and working rights is essential to a smooth and compliant stay in Singapore. As Singapore continues to attract global talent and international families, navigating the LTVP framework correctly from the outset avoids unnecessary delays and complications.
Raffles Corporate Services works with companies and individuals on Singapore work pass and immigration matters, including EP, S Pass, and associated LTVP and DP applications. Contact us today for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services