Singapore’s migration program largely depends on work passes, permanent residence, and a handful of family visas that allow long-term stays. In 2023, according to government population data, non-residents accounted for more than one-fourth of the total population, and a significant proportion of marriages registered each year involved at least one foreign spouse.
As permanent residence approvals have been selective, the majority of families have opted for a long-stay temporary arrangement, particularly among foreign professionals and business owners who relocate to Singapore through employment or company incorporation.
Long Term Visit Pass, which is generally referred to as the LTVP, is for family members whose relationship can be maintained in Singapore, but they are not allowed to work and cannot be given linked dependent passes or permanent residence. The pass is managed by two different authorities, and eligibility, processing time, and documentation depend on whether the sponsor is a citizen, a permanent resident, or a work pass holder.
What Is a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore?
In Singapore, the term “LTVP” refers to two different kinds of tracks under the Long Term Visit Pass framework-
1) Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by ICA (family connection with Singapore Citizens or PRs).
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is the authority responsible for LTVP requests from people such as the foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens, spouses of PRs, eligible dependent children, and certain parents or grandparents under particular schemes, subject to Singapore immigration procedures. Besides that, the agency runs the premarriage assessment, which some couples use to figure out their chances before they tie the knot.
2) Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by MOM (a family of work pass holders).
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) grants an LTVP to the loved ones of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder who are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass. MOM’s LTVP is mostly the instrument of a common-law partner, a stepchild, an unmarried handicapped child aged 21 and above and sometimes parents of high-income pass holders.
In case you do not know which one it is, a clue that is the quickest here: If your sponsor is a Singapore Citizen or PR, you are most likely with ICA. If your sponsor is an EP or S Pass holder and you are not eligible for the Dependants Pass, then you are with MOM.
How Does ICA Assess Relationship Eligibility in Singapore?
ICA is explicit about one factor which most couples are unprepared for: marriage does not automatically ensure LTVP approval. Therefore, ICA advises engaged couples to undergo the Pre, Marriage Long, Term Visit Pass Assessment, or PMLA, prior to their marriage. This is a free online assessment giving a non-binding indication of eligibility, and if the result is positive, a Letter of LTVP Eligibility valid for one year can be issued.
The real reason for the couple is the time saved. According to ICA, the application for an LTVP by the foreign spouse of a Singapore Citizen can take up to six months; however, if the couple has done the PMLA before marriage, the waiting period can be shortened to about six weeks.
For a great number of families, this is a substantial difference. It impacts the plans for housing, work decisions, childcare arrangements, and whether a spouse is forced to be on short visits while waiting for the result.
Who Qualifies for a MOM-Issued LTVP in Singapore?
MOM’s LTVP is more limited than what most people think. The intention behind it is to cater to family members who cannot be Dependants Pass holders. Besides, the eligibility criteria are linked to the main passholder’s status and salary.
MOM specifies the sponsor standard distinctly. Normally, someone sponsoring you should be:
- A holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass
- Having a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000
- Sponsored by a Singapore-registered company that is established, which is usually the employer
While the eligible family members are:
- Common law spouse
- Unmarried handicapped children who are 21 years old and above
- Unmarried step, children under 21 years of age
- Parents, only if the sponsor has at least S$12, 000 fixed monthly salary
MOM’s application instructions are also important when you are planning: MOM indicates that the processing time is usually within 8 weeks for most applications, but they also note that there can be longer times for some cases.
To begin this journey, you must first ensure your business foundation is solid through a proper company registration in Singapore. Once established, your firm can then effectively sponsor key talent under an Employment Pass or an S Pass to facilitate these family reunions.
What Does LTVP+ Cover?
LTVP+ is not a separate pass you apply for as an upgrade. It is a policy instrument that helps to consolidate families that are citizen-led.
In order to reflect its commitment to citizens’ welfare, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) came up with the LTVP+ scheme for foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens. The first thing an ICA media release clarifies about the offer is: the initial duration of the pass will be three years, and subsequently, up to five years for renewals, work access will be easier, and healthcare subsidies for inpatient services at restructured hospitals will be given at a level close to that of PRs as at the time of the announcement.
Moreover, the significant limitation of the most important boundary is made very clear: LTVP+ is extended only to the spouses of Singapore Citizens. Hence, parents, parents, in, law, and children cannot be the beneficiaries.
Fees and Processing Timelines for LTVP Applications in Singapore
The following table summarises standard LTVP fees and processing timelines published by ICA and MOM.
| Authority | Category | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ICA | Application Fee | S$45 payable at submission (per application). Non-refundable and paid online. |
| ICA | Issuance Fee | S$60 payable upon approval of the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). |
| ICA | Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable) | S$30 payable separately where required. |
| ICA | Processing Time (Foreign Spouse of Singapore Citizen) | Up to 6 months under the standard processing framework. |
| ICA | Processing Time with PMLA | Approximately 6 weeks if the Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Assessment (PMLA) was completed prior to marriage. |
| ICA | Processing Time (Other ICA Categories) | Generally within 6 weeks if all supporting documents are complete, although some applications may require a longer assessment period. |
| ICA | Post-Approval Formalities Deadline | All required forms and docum |
What Documents Are Required for an LTVP Application in Singapore?
When it comes to immigration in Singapore, the authorities focus a lot on the consistency of the story: the narrative of your documents should be the same when it is checked across the forms, passports, marriage certificates, addresses, work history, and timelines.
The exact document checklist for the ICA varies by category and is provided with the application. Still, new applicants usually prepare the basics in advance: identity documents, relationship documents, and supporting documents that prove the relationship is real and stable and that the sponsor is able to support the stay. The PMLA and spouse guidance of the ICA clearly indicate that the evaluation is based on eligibility and does not consider marriage as an automatic approval.
Details of the sponsoring person’s work pass and the salary conditions are the main focus of MOM’s LTVP, as the eligibility is based on fixed monthly salary thresholds and the sponsor’s status.
Document requirements for an LTVP application in Singapore vary by category and issuing authority.
1. Identity and Travel Documents
- Valid passport of the applicant (personal particulars page)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (as per ICA or MOM specifications)
- Birth certificate of the applicant, where applicable
2. Relationship Documents
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Proof of relationship for common-law spouses, where necessary
- Birth certificates of children
- Adoption papers, where necessary
- Family registry or household records, if needed
3. Sponsor’s Documents
- Sponsor’s NRIC (for Singapore Citizens or PRs)
- Sponsor’s passport and valid work pass (for EP or S Pass holders)
- Sponsor’s employment details, where appropriate
- Sponsor’s income details if demanded under the relevant scheme
4. Supporting Records
- Evidence of shared residence or address
- Records showing the duration of the relationship or caregiving responsibility
- Documents supporting dependency, where relevant
Applicants should submit only documents relevant to their eligibility category, as excessive or unrelated material does not strengthen an application.
5. Additional Documents After In-Principle Approval
- Medical examination report, if needed
- Signed declarations or forms are requested during the completion of formalities
- Payment confirmation for issuance and related fees
A practical tip in Singapore: provide exactly what the authority requires, present it nicely, and verify that the dates and names correspond. Giving an application a large number of unnecessary files will not make it more powerful.
What Happens After LTVP Approval in Singapore?
Many first-time applicants mistakenly assume that receiving the approval email signifies completion of the process. In reality, this communication indicates that an additional administrative step is required—one that marks the formal commencement of the application’s final phase rather than its conclusion.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) makes this distinction explicit. An In-Principle Approval (IPA) is not a valid immigration pass and does not, on its own, grant the right to reside in Singapore. Applicants must complete all post-approval requirements within the prescribed timeframe, which may include submitting additional declarations, undergoing a medical examination (if required), and completing the payment and issuance formalities. Failure to do so may result in the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) application being deemed abandoned.
This distinction is critical. Under Singapore’s immigration framework, documentation confers legal status only upon formal issuance—not at the approval stage. Until the LTVP is officially issued, the applicant remains legally bound by their existing visit status or short-term pass.
Additionally, the process has been going through changes for some time now, and it is becoming more digital every year. The ICA decided to completely do away with the issuance of the physical long-term pass cards and shift to digital long-term passes for permits, which are under the purview of the ICA, from 27 February 2023. A person who has a certain status is no longer able to hold the physical card, which is now replaced by official digital platforms, and the way in which they confirm their status in everyday activities has had to be altered.
Can an LTVP holder work in Singapore?
This is where people lose months by assuming the answer is “yes.”
1) If you hold an ICA-issued LTVP or LTVP+
MOM states you can work if you obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC), applied for by the employer, for eligible categories such as spouses of Singaporeans or PRs and certain unmarried children under 21 holding an LTVP.
There is also a “Pre-approved Letter of Consent” option in certain situations when applying for or renewing an LTVP/LTVP+ with ICA. MOM explains that eligible applicants can apply for a PLOC, which allows work without first finding a job, though restrictions apply to certain occupations.
2) If you are a parent accompanying a child studying in Singapore
MOM’s guidance includes a specific restriction: an LTVP holder accompanying a child studying in Singapore is not allowed to work during the first year, with the intent of encouraging parental support during the child’s adjustment period.
Work rights are one of the most policy-sensitive parts of the system. If your plan depends on income, read the MOM guidance early and plan for a period where you may be unable to work.
Conclusion
Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass system is designed to be precise rather than flexible. Eligibility is determined by defined categories, income thresholds, and documentation standards, with applications assessed through either ICA or MOM, depending on the sponsor’s status. For families, the difference between approval timelines, work eligibility, and renewal outcomes often turns on whether the application aligns closely with those administrative rules rather than on personal circumstances.
This is where professional guidance can reduce uncertainty. 3E Accounting assists applicants by clarifying the correct LTVP track, reviewing documentation for consistency, and managing submissions in line with current ICA and MOM requirements. In a system where outcomes depend on accuracy and process rather than discretion, that preparation can make the difference between delay and resolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Delays are most often linked to inconsistencies rather than missing documents. Small mismatches in addresses, employment dates, or name formats across passports, marriage certificates, and forms frequently trigger follow-up checks. Applicants who submit documents exactly as requested, without extra or irrelevant material, tend to see smoother processing. The issue is rarely volume and more often alignment.
Based on shared experiences from foreign spouses, applicants who complete the PMLA prior to marriage often report shorter processing timelines after marriage. Although the assessment is non-binding, it serves as an early eligibility screening mechanism and helps manage expectations at an early stage. In practice, it can significantly reduce uncertainty for couples, particularly those making forward-looking decisions related to housing, employment, or long-term relocation planning.
MOM evaluates LTVP cases through a labour and income lens, while ICA focuses more on family structure and long-term integration. This explains why fixed monthly salary thresholds are central to MOM-issued LTVPs but not to ICA spouse applications. Understanding which authority is reviewing the case helps explain why similar family situations can be assessed very differently.
Many applicants underestimate the time needed to secure a Letter of Consent. Even when eligibility exists, work cannot begin until the LOC is issued, and some categories face waiting restrictions. Families relying on dual income often report gaps of several months before employment becomes legally possible.
Many applicants assume approval letters grant immediate stay rights. In reality, missed deadlines for medical checks, declarations, or payments can cause approvals to lapse. This stage is procedural but unforgiving, and applicants who monitor digital notifications closely tend to avoid problems. The shift to fully digital passes has increased reliance on online portals rather than physical reminders.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
