Bringing your parents to live with you in Singapore is possible through the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), but it has a higher bar than sponsoring a spouse or child. This guide explains who can sponsor parents, the salary you need, the documents, and how to apply, whether you are a work pass holder or a Singapore citizen or PR. It also fits the wider Singapore PR picture.
Quick answer: You can sponsor your parents on an LTVP if you are an Employment Pass or S Pass holder earning at least S$12,000 a month (the application goes through MOM), or if you are a Singapore citizen or PR (through ICA). You provide proof of the parent-child relationship and your income, and the sponsor submits the application online. An LTVP for parents does not include the right to work.
Can you bring your parents on an LTVP?
Yes, but the parent route is the most demanding of the family passes. Singapore allows you to sponsor your parents on an LTVP, but it wants to see that you can genuinely support them, which is why the salary bar is higher than for a spouse or child.
Who can sponsor parents
| Your status | Can sponsor parents? | Route |
| Employment Pass or S Pass holder | Yes, if you earn at least S$12,000/month | MOM |
| Singapore citizen | Yes | ICA |
| Singapore PR | Yes (assessed case by case) | ICA |
The key threshold: as a work pass holder, you generally need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 to sponsor a parent, double the S$6,000 needed for a spouse or child.
Eligibility and the salary requirement
- Work pass holders: a fixed monthly salary of S$12,000 or more. If you earn between S$6,000 and S$12,000, you can sponsor a spouse and children, but not parents.
- Citizens and PRs: parents apply through ICA, which assesses the relationship, your financial stability, and housing.
A stable, sufficient income and suitable housing strengthen a parent application.
Documents you need
- Your NRIC or work pass, and proof of income (payslips, employer letter).
- Your parent’s passport.
- Proof of the parent-child relationship, usually your birth certificate naming the parent.
- Marriage certificate of your parents, if needed to establish the relationship.
Non-English documents need an official, notarised translation.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your eligibility (the S$12,000 salary, if you are a work pass holder).
- Prepare the documents, including relationship and income proof.
- Submit online: a work pass holder’s employer files through MOM, or a citizen/PR sponsor logs in to ICA’s e-Service with Singpass.
- Wait for the outcome, then complete issuance if approved.
Processing time and validity
Processing generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the route and how complete your documents are. An LTVP for parents is tied to the sponsor and renewed alongside your pass or status. See our guide on LTVP processing time.
Can parents work on an LTVP?
No, not without a Letter of Consent, which is uncommon for elderly parents. In practice, a parent’s LTVP is for residence, not employment. See our guide on whether LTVP holders can work.
Healthcare for parents on an LTVP
LTVP holders are not covered by public healthcare subsidies, so medical costs fall on the family. It is wise to arrange private health insurance for parents on an LTVP, since a hospital stay can be expensive without cover.
The PR alternative for aged parents
If you are a Singapore citizen (aged 21 or above), you can also sponsor an aged parent for PR, not just an LTVP. Note that a PR cannot sponsor a parent for PR; that route is for citizens only. See our guide on the Family Ties Scheme.
How First Immigration can help
Parent applications hinge on proving the relationship and your ability to support them. First Immigration helps you:
- Confirm whether you meet the salary and eligibility bar.
- Prepare a complete, well-documented application.
- Advise on the LTVP or, for citizens, the aged-parent PR route.
Explore our LTVP application service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my parents to live in Singapore?
Yes, on a Long-Term Visit Pass, if you are an EP or S Pass holder earning at least S$12,000 a month, or a Singapore citizen or PR.
What salary do I need to sponsor my parents?
As a work pass holder, generally a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000. If you earn between S$6,000 and S$12,000, you can sponsor a spouse and children but not parents.
How do I apply for an LTVP for my parents? Confirm your eligibility, prepare relationship and income documents, and submit online (your employer files through MOM, or a citizen/PR sponsor via ICA’s e-Service).
Can my parents work on an LTVP? No, not without a Letter of Consent, which is uncommon for elderly parents. The LTVP is for residence.
Do parents on an LTVP get healthcare subsidies? No. LTVP holders do not get public healthcare subsidies, so private health insurance is strongly recommended.
Can a PR sponsor a parent for PR? No. Only a Singapore citizen can sponsor an aged parent for PR. A PR can sponsor a parent for an LTVP, assessed case by case.
What documents do I need? Your NRIC or work pass and proof of income, your parent’s passport, and proof of the relationship (usually your birth certificate). Non-English documents need notarised translations.
How long is a parent’s LTVP valid? It is tied to the sponsor and renewed alongside your pass or status, usually up to about two years at a time.
