The Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is Singapore’s primary immigration pass for family members of Singapore citizens and permanent residents who wish to reside in Singapore on a long-term basis. This guide covers everything you need to know about the LTVP in 2026 — eligibility, the application process, rights and restrictions, renewal, and the pathway to permanent residency.

What Is the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?

The LTVP is issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. It allows eligible family members of Singapore citizens (SC) and Singapore permanent residents (PR) to live in Singapore for an extended period — typically up to two or three years per grant, with the possibility of renewal.

The LTVP is distinct from a short-term social visit pass (which allows stays of up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality) and from the Dependent’s Pass (DP), which is tied to Employment Pass or S Pass holders rather than to SC/PR sponsorship.

Since 2012, ICA also issues the LTVP+ — a variant of the LTVP with enhanced benefits for certain applicants, particularly spouses of Singapore citizens in stable long-term relationships. LTVP+ holders have a clearer pathway to PR and certain additional privileges.

Who Can Apply for an LTVP?

LTVP eligibility depends on the relationship between the applicant and the Singapore citizen or permanent resident sponsor. The following categories are eligible:

Sponsored by a Singapore Citizen

  • Spouse of a Singapore citizen (married, including same-sex partners under ICA’s expanded assessment framework in limited circumstances — note this remains a case-by-case basis)
  • Unmarried children under 21 of a Singapore citizen
  • Parents and parents-in-law of a Singapore citizen
  • Handicapped child above 21 of a Singapore citizen
  • Stepchild under 21 of a Singapore citizen (subject to conditions)
  • Common-law spouse in a genuine and stable relationship with a Singapore citizen (subject to ICA’s assessment)

Sponsored by a Singapore Permanent Resident

  • Spouse of a Singapore PR
  • Unmarried children under 21 of a Singapore PR

Parents and parents-in-law of PRs are generally not eligible for the LTVP. They would need to apply for a separate long-term social visit arrangement or seek alternative immigration pathways.

LTVP vs LTVP+: Key Differences

ICA introduced the LTVP+ to recognise the strong ties of certain applicants to Singapore. The LTVP+ is primarily targeted at:

  • Spouses of Singapore citizens who have been married for at least 3 years and have Singapore citizen children, or
  • Applicants whose Singapore citizen/PR sponsor has a strong economic profile in Singapore

Key differences between LTVP and LTVP+ include:

  • Work rights: LTVP+ holders can work in Singapore without needing a separate work pass (under the Letter of Consent scheme). Standard LTVP holders cannot work in Singapore unless they separately obtain a work pass or Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM.
  • PR pathway: LTVP+ holders are generally viewed more favourably in PR applications and may be eligible for a more streamlined assessment.
  • Validity period: LTVP+ is typically granted for a longer initial validity period.
  • MediShield Life coverage: LTVP+ holders (and certain LTVP holders) can access MediShield Life coverage.

How to Apply for an LTVP in 2026

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

The sponsor (the Singapore citizen or PR) submits the application on behalf of the applicant. You will need:

  • Completed application form (via ICA’s e-Services portal)
  • Applicant’s valid passport (biographical data page)
  • Applicant’s birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (for spousal applications) — if not in English, a certified translation is required
  • Sponsor’s NRIC (Singapore citizen or PR)
  • Sponsor’s proof of income (3 months’ CPF contribution history or 3 months’ payslips, or Notice of Assessment for self-employed sponsors)
  • Recent photographs of the applicant (passport-sized)
  • For children’s applications: birth certificate showing relationship to sponsor
  • For parental applications: birth certificate of the Singapore citizen child (to establish parent-child relationship)

Additional documents may be requested by ICA depending on the specific circumstances of the application.

Step 2: Submit the Application Online

All LTVP applications are submitted via ICA’s e-Services portal (e-LTVP). Walk-in applications are not accepted. The application fee is S$30 per application (non-refundable). Ensure all documents are uploaded in the correct format (PDF or JPEG) and within the file size limits.

Step 3: Wait for the Outcome

Processing times vary but typically range from 3 to 8 weeks for straightforward applications. Complex cases — including applications involving prior immigration infractions, short marriage duration, or unusual family circumstances — may take longer. ICA does not provide real-time case status updates; check the e-Services portal periodically.

ICA may request additional documents or schedule an interview during the assessment period. Comply promptly to avoid delays.

Step 4: In-Principle Approval (IPA)

If the application is approved, ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA is not the pass itself — it is an authorisation for the applicant to enter Singapore for the purpose of collecting the LTVP. The IPA has a validity period (typically 2 months) within which the applicant must enter Singapore and complete the pass collection process.

Step 5: Entry and Pass Issuance

The applicant enters Singapore using the IPA letter. They are then required to attend an appointment at ICA’s Visitor Services Centre to have biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) registered. The LTVP is then endorsed in the passport or issued as a separate pass card.

Validity and Renewal

A newly granted LTVP is typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s circumstances and ICA’s assessment. LTVP+ holders generally receive longer initial validity periods.

Renewing the LTVP

LTVP holders must renew their pass before it expires. Renewal applications should be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the expiry date and no later than the expiry date. Late renewal or overstaying an expired pass results in immigration offences and can prejudice future applications.

Renewal is also done via ICA’s e-Services portal. The same sponsor continues to sponsor the renewal, and ICA will reassess the circumstances at each renewal — including the sponsor’s continued residence in Singapore, the financial position of the household, and any changes to the family situation.

What Can LTVP Holders Do in Singapore?

Standard LTVP Holders

Standard LTVP holders:

  • Can reside in Singapore for the duration of the pass
  • Cannot work without a separate work authorisation (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Letter of Consent)
  • Can enrol children in Singapore schools (subject to school admission processes and International Student fees)
  • Can access medical services at subsidised rates at government healthcare facilities (B2/C class wards), though at a lower subsidy level than Singapore citizens and PRs
  • Are not eligible for CPF contributions

LTVP+ Holders

LTVP+ holders enjoy all of the above, plus:

  • Letter of Consent (LOC): May work for any employer in Singapore without a separate work pass. The employer does not need to obtain a work pass — they simply need to apply for the LOC from MOM, which is linked to the LTVP+.
  • Higher healthcare subsidies comparable to permanent residents at government hospitals
  • Eligibility to apply for MediShield Life

Can an LTVP Holder Work in Singapore?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer depends on the type of LTVP:

  • Standard LTVP: You cannot work unless you apply for a separate work pass from MOM (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit, depending on qualifications and salary). Alternatively, your employer can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) if you hold an LTVP. The LOC is employer-specific — you can only work for the sponsoring employer.
  • LTVP+: You can work for any employer in Singapore. Your employer applies for the LOC — the process is simpler than a full work pass application and does not attract a levy.

Self-employment (running your own business) is generally not permitted on an LTVP unless you hold the appropriate work pass or business pass. LTVP and LTVP+ holders who wish to set up and run their own business should discuss their situation with an immigration adviser. Our team at Singapore Employment Agency can advise on work pass options for LTVP holders.

LTVP and the Pathway to Permanent Residency

Many LTVP holders aspire to apply for Singapore PR. There is no automatic right to PR after holding an LTVP for a certain period — ICA assesses each PR application on a holistic basis, taking into account:

  • Duration and stability of relationship with the Singapore citizen/PR sponsor
  • Economic contributions to Singapore (employment, business ownership, tax contributions)
  • Social integration (children in Singapore schools, community involvement)
  • Sponsor’s profile and ability to support the family
  • Absence of adverse immigration or criminal records

LTVP+ holders generally have a stronger profile for PR applications. Holding an LTVP or LTVP+ for several years while demonstrating strong ties to Singapore — through employment, property ownership, or children in local schools — significantly improves the chances of a PR application being approved.

PR applications can be submitted through ICA’s e-PR system. There is no fee for PR applications, but the process is thorough and may take 6 to 12 months or longer.

Factors That Can Affect an LTVP Application

ICA exercises broad discretion in assessing LTVP applications. Common reasons for rejection or delay include:

  • Short duration of marriage: Applications from couples who have been married for less than 2 years are subject to closer scrutiny to guard against marriage of convenience arrangements.
  • Sponsor’s adverse immigration record: Past overstays, work pass violations, or criminal convictions by the sponsor can negatively affect the application.
  • Applicant’s adverse record: Prior immigration offences, criminal record in home country, or security concerns.
  • Low sponsor income: ICA considers whether the sponsor is able to financially support the applicant. Sponsors with very low income (or who are receiving social assistance) may face difficulties sponsoring an LTVP.
  • Incomplete documentation: Missing or untranslated documents can delay or result in rejection of the application.

Maintaining Pass Conditions

LTVP holders must comply with the conditions of their pass throughout the validity period:

  • Do not work without the appropriate work authorisation
  • Notify ICA of changes in address within 14 days via the e-Services portal
  • Ensure the sponsor remains a Singapore citizen or PR and is resident in Singapore
  • Do not engage in any activity in Singapore prohibited for LTVP holders
  • Renew the pass before it expires

If the sponsor’s citizenship or PR status changes (e.g., PR renouncement), the LTVP will be affected. Similarly, if the marriage ends in divorce, the LTVP will normally be cancelled and the former spouse will need to leave Singapore or apply for alternative immigration status.

Key Differences: LTVP, Dependent’s Pass, and Social Visit Pass

It is important to understand how the LTVP differs from other pass types:

  • LTVP: For family members of Singapore citizens and PRs. Sponsored by the SC/PR. Long-term residency in Singapore.
  • Dependent’s Pass (DP): For family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders. Tied to the work pass holder’s employment. If the work pass holder leaves Singapore or changes jobs to a role below EP/SP threshold, the DP is affected.
  • Social Visit Pass (SVP): Short-term stay (up to 30 or 90 days). No right to work. Not intended for long-term residency.
  • Long Term Social Visit Pass (for parents of EP/SP holders): A separate category for parents of work pass holders, issued by MOM, not ICA.

How to Check LTVP Application Status

Application status can be checked online through ICA’s e-Services portal using the application reference number provided at the time of submission. ICA does not proactively provide status updates by email or phone during the processing period. If you have not received a decision after 3 months, you may contact ICA to enquire about the status.

Getting Help with Your LTVP Application

LTVP applications involve nuanced assessments by ICA, and a poorly prepared application can result in rejection or significant delays. Our team handles LTVP and LTVP+ applications for families of Singapore citizens and PRs, helping with:

  • Assessing eligibility and advising on the strongest grounds for application
  • Preparing and reviewing all supporting documents
  • Drafting supporting letters to address potential concerns (e.g., short marriage duration)
  • Following up with ICA and managing requests for additional information
  • Advising on work authorisation options (LOC) for successful applicants

Contact us at [email protected] or reach us on WhatsApp at +65 8501 7133 for a free initial assessment of your LTVP situation.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services