Overview
Singapore Citizens (SCs) may sponsor their foreign spouse for long-term residence through the Spouse of an SC scheme, which provides structured pathways for family reunification. If you are a foreign spouse, you must obtain a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) under this scheme to reside in Singapore long-term.
Before marriage: You and your SC partner are strongly encouraged to complete the free online Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA) to check your chances of getting an LTVP (as marriage does not guarantee LTVP approval). Eligible couples will receive a Letter of LTVP Eligibility (LLE) valid for 1 year. Submitting this LLE with your LTVP application after marriage shortens the processing time from 6 months to just 6 weeks.
Eligibility
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Local Sponsor: You must be legally married to an SC. Your SC spouse must act as your local sponsor for the application.
- Work Permit Holders: If you are an existing or former Work Permit holder (including Training Work Permit), you must obtain approval from the Controller of Work Passes before marrying an SC or PR in Singapore or overseas, regardless the type of marriage (civil, religious or customary). Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of your work privileges and you may be prevented from entering Singapore for a period of time. Visit the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for details.
Documents Required
Refer to the checklist on the documents required(PDF, 88KB) for your application.
You will need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English).
ICA accepts:
- Translations provided by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document
- Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
- Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.
Procedure
You may apply for an LTVP after marriage. Your SC spouse must log in with Singpass to sponsor your application.
If you are unable to complete or submit your LTVP or LTVP renewal application due to unique circumstances, you may contact us via the enquiry form for further assistance.
Fees
| At Submission | At Completion of Formalities |
|---|---|
| S$45 for each application | S$60 for issuance of LTVP S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa |
All fees are non-refundable.
You can pay online using any of the following:
- Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card
- American Express (AMEX) credit card
- Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore)
- PayNow
Successful applicants will be notified of other applicable fees subsequently.
Processing Time
ICA processes applications within 6 months, provided you submit all the required documents. If you completed the PMLA before applying, the processing time is shortened to 6 weeks. Some applications may take longer.
Application Status
You will be informed of the outcome of the LTVP application via email. You can also log in to check the LTVP application status online or via MyICA portal.
Completion of Formalities
Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and must complete the formalities for the issuance of your LTVP.
FAQs
You can apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore if you are an LTVP or LTVP+ holder who is the spouse or unmarried child of a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. Please refer to MOM for further information.
If you are unable to submit your LTVP renewal application due to unique circumstances, you can submit a request for further assistance.
Foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens may be eligible for LTVP+ if the foreign spouse has at least 1 child who is a Singapore Citizen from the marriage; or is pregnant.
Other consideration factors may include the marriage duration, ability of the sponsor to financially support the family, and good conduct of both the sponsor and the applicant. In general, applicants may be considered more favourably for LTVP+ if they have been married for at least 3 years.
An LTVP+ provides the holder with a greater certainty of stay and a longer period of residency in Singapore.
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