The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) lets a foreign family member live in Singapore long term, whether they are the spouse, child, or parent of a work pass holder, citizen, or PR. It comes in different forms, is issued by different authorities, and has its own rules on who can sponsor and who can work. This complete guide covers everything about the LTVP in 2026, and how it fits the path to Singapore PR.
Quick answer: The LTVP is a residence pass for the family of work pass holders, citizens, and PRs. It is issued by MOM (for the wider family of EP and S Pass holders) or ICA (for the family of citizens and PRs). Sponsors generally need to earn at least S$6,000 a month for a spouse or child, and S$12,000 for parents. The enhanced LTVP+ is for foreign spouses of citizens. An LTVP does not include the right to work without a Letter of Consent.
What is the Long-Term Visit Pass?
The LTVP regularises the long-term stay of an eligible foreign family member. It is the pass Singapore uses for family who fall outside the Dependant’s Pass, and for the foreign family of Singaporeans and PRs. It lets the holder live here, tied to a sponsor, and is renewed alongside the sponsor’s status.
LTVP, LTVP+, and Dependant’s Pass
Three passes cover family, and choosing the right one first matters.
| Pass | Who it is for | Issued by |
| Dependant’s Pass | Legal spouse and children under 21 of an EP or S Pass holder (earning at least S$6,000) | MOM |
| LTVP | Common-law spouse, stepchild, or parent of a work pass holder; or foreign family of a citizen or PR | MOM or ICA |
| LTVP+ | Foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen (longer validity, work and healthcare benefits) | ICA |
See our detailed comparison of the Dependant Pass vs LTVP.
Who can apply for an LTVP?
| Family member | Sponsor | Route |
| Foreign spouse | Work pass holder, citizen, or PR | MOM or ICA |
| Common-law spouse / stepchild | EP or S Pass holder | MOM |
| Unmarried child under 21 (outside DP) | Citizen or PR | ICA |
| Handicapped child over 21 | EP or S Pass holder | MOM |
| Parents | EP or S Pass holder (earning at least S$12,000), or citizen/PR | MOM or ICA |
For parents specifically, see our dedicated guide on applying for an LTVP for parents.
The two routes: MOM or ICA
- MOM route: for the wider family of an EP or S Pass holder (common-law spouse, stepchild, parents).
- ICA route: for the foreign family of a Singapore citizen or PR (foreign spouse, children, parents).
Which authority issues your LTVP affects the process, the fees, and the work options, so identify your route first.
Eligibility and sponsor salary
The sponsor’s income is central:
- Spouse or child: the sponsoring work pass holder generally needs to earn at least S$6,000 a month.
- Parents: the sponsor generally needs to earn at least S$12,000 a month.
For the family of citizens and PRs (ICA route), ICA assesses the relationship, the sponsor’s finances, and housing.
Documents you need
- The sponsor’s NRIC or work pass, and proof of status or income.
- The applicant’s passport.
- Proof of relationship: marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child or parent).
Non-English documents need an official, notarised translation.
How to apply
- Confirm the route (MOM or ICA) and the right pass.
- Prepare documents, including relationship and income proof.
- Submit online: the sponsor logs in (Singpass for ICA, or the employer via MOM) and files the application.
- Wait for the outcome, then complete issuance if approved.
Processing time
An ICA LTVP typically takes about 6 weeks, or up to 6 months for the spouse of a citizen without the Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA). MOM LTVPs for EP or S Pass dependants take around 3 weeks. For the full breakdown, see our guide on LTVP processing time.
Validity and renewal
A standard LTVP is usually valid up to about two years and renewed alongside the sponsor. The LTVP+ for a citizen’s spouse runs three years initially, then renewals up to five years. Renew before expiry to avoid a lapse.
Can an LTVP holder work?
Not automatically. An LTVP holder needs a Letter of Consent (LOC), which an employer applies for through MOM. Foreign spouses of citizens and LTVP+ holders may receive a pre-approved LOC. See our guide on whether LTVP holders can work.
LTVP+ for spouses of citizens
The LTVP+ is the enhanced pass for foreign spouses of Singapore citizens, with a longer validity, a pre-approved right to work, and additional healthcare benefits. You are automatically considered for it when you apply. See our guide on the LTVP for spouses.
The LTVP as a bridge to PR
For many families, the LTVP is a step toward Permanent Residence. A foreign spouse on an LTVP can later apply for PR through the family route. See our guides on LTVP vs PR and how to apply for Singapore PR.
How First Immigration can help
The LTVP has several routes and rules, and the wrong pass or weak relationship evidence causes delays. First Immigration helps you:
- Confirm the right pass and route for each family member.
- Check the sponsor’s eligibility and income.
- Prepare a complete, credible application.
- Plan the path from LTVP to PR.
Explore our LTVP application service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Long-Term Visit Pass?
A residence pass that lets a foreign family member (spouse, child, or parent) of a work pass holder, citizen, or PR live in Singapore long term.
Who can sponsor an LTVP?
An EP or S Pass holder (earning at least S$6,000 for a spouse or child, S$12,000 for parents), or a Singapore citizen or PR for their foreign family.
What is the difference between an LTVP and a Dependant’s Pass?
The Dependant’s Pass (MOM) is for the legal spouse and children under 21 of an EP or S Pass holder. The LTVP (MOM or ICA) covers wider family and the family of citizens and PRs.
What is LTVP+?
An enhanced pass for foreign spouses of citizens, with longer validity and a pre-approved right to work. You are considered for it automatically.
Can an LTVP holder work?
Not automatically. They need a Letter of Consent, though spouses of citizens and LTVP+ holders may get a pre-approved one.
How long does an LTVP take?
About 6 weeks for a typical ICA LTVP, around 3 weeks for a MOM dependant, or up to 6 months for the spouse of a citizen without the PMLA.
How long is an LTVP valid?
Usually up to about 2 years for a standard LTVP; the LTVP+ runs 3 years, then renewals up to 5.
Can an LTVP lead to PR?
Yes. A foreign spouse on an LTVP can apply for PR through the family route.
