If you are a foreign national planning to stay longer in Singapore, say for visiting your family members who are citizens or PRs of Singapore or other long term purposes, you will require a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP). Through this guide, you will find the information about LTVP visa requirements, application process details and distinct features of the LTVP different in comparison with other Singaporean visas.
Content Outline
What Is a Long Term Visit Pass in Singapore?
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues a type of visa referred to as Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP). It is meant for visitors staying in Singapore on a long term basis, probably to visit their family members who are citizens of Singapore (or permanent residents), or other reasons such as employment, business or study.
LTVP is also provided to such categories of applicants as common-law partners, step-children, disabled children of Employment Pass or S pass holders and parents of Singaporean citizens or permanent residents. The pass is sponsored by a Singapore citizen or permanent resident meeting certain criteria in terms of income and housing.
Types of Long Term Visit Pass
There are two types of LTVP in Singapore, each with distinct purposes and issuing authorities:
LTVP Issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
This form of LTVP is an extension of the current Short-Term Visit Pass that permits foreign visitors to extend their stay in Singapore beyond the 30-day allowance by a Short-Term Visit Pass.
LTVP Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
The LTVP is given to families who do not meet the requirements for Dependant’s Pass, yet they want to live with their foreign employees in Singapore.
Eligibility for Long Term Visit Pass
Eligibility criteria for the LTVP depend on the issuing authority:
For LTVP Issued by the ICA:
- Spouse of a Singaporean citizen
- Spouse of a Singapore Permanent Resident
- Dependant child (below age 21) of a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Parent of a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Graduate from a Higher Learning institution seeking employment in Singapore
- Mother or grandmother of a young foreigner studying in Singapore with a Student’s Pass
- Foreigner seeking permission to give birth in Singapore
For LTVP Issued by the MOM:
- Hold a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass
- Earn a fixed monthly income of S$6,000 based on personal income
- Employed by a Singapore-registered, established company
The eligibility criteria vary based on the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor and the specific LTVP type.
Required Documents for a Long Term Visit Pass
The required documents for an LTVP application differ based on the issuing authority. Here’s an overview of the key documents:
For LTVP Issued by the ICA:
- Passport bio-data page photocopy
- Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) number
- Recent passport-size photo
- Additional documents depending on the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor
For LTVP Issued by the MOM:
- Documents specific to the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor
- Identity card, income tax records, CPF statement, and employment letter for the sponsor
- Registration certificate and company financial records for self-employed sponsors
Each document must be in English or translated by a professional translator if not originally in English.
Renewal of the Long Term Visit Pass
Renewal of the LTVP does not guarantee approval. Renewal of LTVP issued by ICA must be done at least ten days to expiry. You can apply six months in advance for LTVPs issued by the MOM before the current pass expires.
Differences Between LTVP, Employment Pass, and S Pass
In Singapore, work visas are separate into the LTVP, Employment Pass and S Pass. Here’s a brief comparison:
- LTVP: Family member visa; allows stays but not work.
- Employment Pass: Definition for foreign professional, manager and executive hired by Singapore-registered companies.
- S Pass: For middle-tier foreign employees.
Eligibility requirements for each visa type differ from the other, as do their benefits and validity periods.
Differences Between LTVP and Dependent Pass
The LTVP and Dependant’s Pass are both visas for family members of foreigners in Singapore. Key differences include:
- Eligibility: Dependant’s Pass is for legally married spouses and unmarried children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders, while LTVP covers a broader range of family members.
- Employment: Dependant’s Pass holders can work with a separate work visa; LTVP holders are not allowed to work.
- Benefits and Validity: Dependent’s Pass duration matches the main pass holder’s visa, while LTVP has an initial validity of up to two years and is renewable.
Steps for Applying for the Long Term Visit Pass
The application process for the LTVP involves several steps:
- Gather the required documents.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit the application.
- Await notification from the MOM.
- Upon approval, obtain the in-principle letter of approval.
- Bring your family members to Singapore.
- Have passes issued for your family members.
LTVP Extensions and Related Passes
There are additional options related to LTVP:
- Pre-approved Letter of Consent (PLOC): Allows the holder to work legally in Singapore without a job offer, tied to LTVP or LTVP+ eligibility.
- Letter of Consent (LOC): Requires a job offer and provides the right to work for a Singapore-registered business.
- Employment Pass: Family members with LTVP can apply for Employment Pass to gain more flexibility and even hold directorial roles in a Singapore-registered business.
If you would like to work in Singapore, why not leave it to our experts at FastLane to help you apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
Conclusion
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a valuable visa option for family members of Singaporean citizens, Permanent Residents, or work visa holders who intend to stay in Singapore for an extended period. Although LTVP holders cannot work in Singapore, they can enjoy the country’s high standard of living, healthcare, education, and other benefits. The application process involves eligibility assessment, online submission, fees, medical examination, and pass collection. If you need more assistance, book an appointment with a Fastlane expert or contact us now.