A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
If you’re a foreign national who wants to stay in Singapore for more than 30 days, you’ll need to get a Long-Term Visit Pass (LVTP). The LTVP allows you to stay in the city-state for up to two years and is renewable for up to 6 months before expiration.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
The LTVP differs from other Singapore Immigration Visa Schemes, such as the Employment Pass or the Dependent Pass. Simply put, Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LVTP) is designed for individuals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period of time without needing to regularly apply for a new visa.
Do you wish to live in Singapore for a longer period to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy what the Lion City has to offer? From eligibility and requirements to the application process and more, this Pacific Prime article is your one-stop guide on everything you should know about the LTVP.
What Is Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass?
A Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore is a type of visa that applies to foreigners who want to stay in Singapore for a longer period of time to visit their family members who hold either an Employment Pass or an S Pass. The pass typically has the same validity period as the main pass holder.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, the LTVP is available for common-law spouses, stepchildren, or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders (more on that below). Similarly, those earning over SGD $12,000 can bring in their parents as well.
Eligibility for Long-Term Visit Pass
Along with holding either an Employment Pass or S Pass, those who are eligible for the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) must earn at least SGD $6,000 per month and be sponsored by a registered company in Singapore, which is typically their Singaporean employer.
Eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders can bring their common-law spouse, unmarried stepchild under 21 years old, or unmarried handicapped child above 21 years old to Singapore on a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). Work pass holders who earn at least SGD $12,000 can also bring their parents.
It’s important to note that an employer or appointment employment agent must apply on the candidate’s behalf. Additionally, those who are legally married or with children may be eligible for a Dependent’s Pass.
Documents Required for Long-Term Visit Pass
In addition to the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) application, LTVP applicants must submit copies of certain passport pages, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other required documents. Essentially, the documents required depend on the family member the work pass holder is applying for.
For all family member candidates, the personal particulars page of their passports is necessary to apply for an LTVP. Additional documents that may be required are as follows.
Common-law Spouse
When applying for Long-Term Visit Pass, common-law spouses have to provide one of the following additional documents:
- Common-law marriage certificate copy
- A notarized affidavit by the Employment Pass or S Pass holder and their spouse declaring they are in a common-law relationship that’s legally recognized in their home country/region
- A letter from the Employment Pass or S Pass holder or spouse’s home country/region’s embassy acknowledging that they’re in a legally recognized common-law relationship
Unmarried Handicapped Children Aged 21 and Above
An unmarried handicapped child of a work pass holder who is 21 years old or older must have a letter or report on their condition from a medical practitioner.
Unmarried Stepchildren under 21 Years of Age
Unmarried handicapped children who are under the age of 21 must provide the following documents:
- Child’s custody court order copy
- A letter from the other biological parent stating that they allow the child to be brought to Singapore
Additionally, verification of vaccination requirements is required for entry into Singapore. A document issued by the Health Promotion Board is necessary for foreign-born children who are applying for a new LTVP or aged 12 years and below.
Parents
When applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass, parents must provide a copy of the work pass holder’s birth certificate that includes the names of both parents.
Note: Additional documents may be requested upon reviewing the application. If your documents are not in English, you must upload the original document and the English translation (i.e. translations done by a translation service provider) in a single file.
How to Apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass
Employers can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for family members of their eligible Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass employees. Similarly, an appointed employment agent (EA) can apply on their behalf. In most cases, dependents of EP And S Pass holders will receive their LTVP within 3 weeks.
Step 1
The employer or EA will submit an application via the EP eService on myMOM Portal and pay SGD $105 per application. The result is either an in-principle approval letter or a rejection letter.
Step 2
If the application was approved, the employer or EA will get the passed issue via an in-principle approval (IPA) letter. The pass holder’s copy of the IPA should be sent to the candidate, as it includes a pre-approved single-entry visa for them to enter Singapore.
Step 3
The candidate must be in Singapore to carry out the next steps to get the LTVP issued, which includes providing the required information and documents and paying the SGD $225 fee per pass (or SGD $30 for a Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable).
Step 4
The notification letter states whether the applicant must register their fingerprints and photo taken for the card registration. Unless an extension is requested, the notification letter for dependents of EP holders and S Pass holders is valid for 1 month from the date of issue.
Employers or EAs must make an appointment for the candidate at either the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) or Ministry of Manpower Services Centre – Hall C depending on whether they’re a dependent of an EP holder or S Pass holder, respectively.
The applicant should bring their original passport, appointment letter, and notification letter to the appointment.
Step 5
Lastly, the foreigner or an authorized recipient will receive the Long-Term Visit Pass card within 5 working days after document verification or registration. If registration isn’t required, the LTVP card will be delivered within 5 working days after checking the documents.
Authorized recipients will receive an email or SMS with the delivery information at least 1 working day before the card is delivered.
Note: The foreigner should only be brought to Singapore once the pass is approved since they don’t have to be in the country for the application process and their visit pass cannot be extended. Employers or EAs can submit the LTVP application along with the main pass holder’s work pass application.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) Application Costs
Submitting a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) costs SGD $105 per pass, which the work pass holder’s employer or appointed employment agent (EA) must pay when submitting the LTVP application.
Once the pass is issued, it costs an additional SGD $225 per pass, and SGD $30 for each Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable.
How Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) Holders Can Work in Singapore
If you wish to work in Singapore as a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holder, then you will have to obtain a work permit. However, the first step is to get a job offer in the city-state, as your prospective employer will be the one to apply for the appropriate work pass or permit for you.
Regardless of whether your employer applies for an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit for you, you’ll have to meet all the requirements for the pass that they are applying for.
The Best Types of Insurance for Long-term Visit Pass (LTVP) Holders
Health insurance, personal accident insurance, and critical illness insurance are three fundamental types of insurance for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders since they can’t access MediShield Life insurance coverage or the same government subsidies as Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents.
- Health Insurance: Hospitalization coverage is a common feature of most health insurance plans, which makes it crucial for a place like Singapore that has exorbitant medical costs.
- Personal Accident Insurance: From food poisoning and car accidents to permanent disability and accidental death, a robust accident insurance policy goes the extra mile in protecting your dependent and offers reimbursement for accident-related medical treatments.
- Critical Illness Insurance: Heart attacks, stroke, and other medical emergencies are covered by a critical illness policy, which can be essential for financial protection from costly medical bills, loss of income, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a type of visa that the common-law spouse, stepchild, or handicapped child of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder can obtain. Pass holders who earn over SGD $12,000 can get a pass for parents as well.
How long can I stay in Singapore with a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
The validity of the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is typically the same as the main pass holder. With that said, LTVP holders can stay in the city-state for up to two years, and the pass is renewable for up to 6 months before expiration.
How much does a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) cost?
Upon submitting a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), an employer or appointment employment agent must pay SGD $105 per pass. Once the pass is issued, it costs an additional SGD $225 per pass, and SGD $30 for each Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable.
Can Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders work in Singapore?
As a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holder, you can work in Singapore as long as you get a work permit. Note that you must first receive a job offer in Singapore since your prospective employer will have to apply for a work permit for you.
Conclusion
If you’re hoping to visit your family who’s living in Singapore on an Employment Pass or an S Pass, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) could be the answer you’re looking for. With an LTVP, you are likely to be able to stay in the Lion City for as long as the work pass holder.
Since an employer or an appointed employment agent must apply on your behalf, it’s worth taking the time to understand the different visa types to decide which is suitable for you. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend extra time comparing health insurance since Pacific Prime does that for you.
You can use our handy online quotation tool for a free plan comparison or contact our expert advisors with your insurance-related questions and get impartial insurance advice. You can also read our blog for the latest news and interesting articles for our global expat audience!
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
- Expat Insurance Providers In Singapore - October 9, 2024
- VUMI: Top Thailand Insurance Provider For Expats - September 24, 2024
- A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) - June 21, 2024
Helpful Articles
VUMI: Top Thailand Insurance Provider For Expats
Health Insurance For Thailand Expats
How To Get Travel Insurance For Thailand: 7 Steps For Travelers
Travel Insurance For Thailand Resident: Types Of Plans
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!