Differences Between A Long-term Visit Pass (ltvp) And Permanent Residence In Singapore

By Author: Liew Hui Xian
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Navigating the nuances between a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Permanent Residence (PR) status can be complicated for those looking to extend their stay in Singapore. The LTVP is a pass that enables non-residents to have a longer tenure within the country. When granted, the LTVP allows the pass holder to reside in Singapore for an extended period compared to a regular visitor's pass. The LTVP application process involves several requisites, including a qualifying relationship with a Singapore citizen or an Employment Pass holder.

On the other hand, obtaining permanent residence in Singapore results in a more stable status, negating the need for continued renewal of your stay, as required with an LTVP. A PR status permits the holder the liberty to live and work in Singapore and enjoy many of the same benefits that a citizen might enjoy. However, securing approval for permanent residency is often more complex than for an LTVP and depends greatly on the application status evaluated on the basis of stringent stipulations like the applicant's financial stability, family ties to Singapore, and more.

Long ...
... Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

An LTVP card or Long Term Visit Pass is a special type of pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore. Unlike a short-term visit pass, an LTVP permits the holder to remain in Singapore for an extended period, usually up to a year, with the possibility of renewing it as necessary. The LTVP card is a viable option for foreigners who have ties to Singapore as permanent residents or citizens and wish to stay in the country for a longer term. If you are a spouse, parent, or child of a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident, you could be considered for LTVP.

The introduction of the LTVP card has been instrumental in allowing family members to stay closer together for longer periods. For instance, if your spouse or parent is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, the family members' LTVP is a feasible option in comparison to the regular Dependant Pass. It's important to note that a Dependant pass is normally provided for immediate families of Employment Pass or S pass holders. The LTVP, on the other hand, is not exclusively based on employment but caters more directly for family ties. The pass card also helps the holder enter Singapore, thus offering a different set of privileges and conditions compared to the dependant's pass.

Permanent Residence in Singapore

Permanent residence in Singapore is a prestigious status that allows individuals greater flexibility in terms of employment and stability in residency. The Singapore PR is granted through a specific application process that often requires patience due to the considerable duration of processing time. After submitting the application, the applicant has to wait for working days, which can range from weeks to months, to know the outcome. During this period, one cannot apply for a renewal of a visit pass issued, such as a Long Term Visit Pass(LTVP).

The approval of the Singapore PR can offer the applicant freedom from LTVP renewals and the physical LTVP card. Furthermore, it can avail more promising and wider prospects in the Singaporean job market. The array of eligibility includes the Personalised Employment Pass, a prestigious pass designed for high-earning individuals. Although the Personalised Employment Pass is harder to come by than the regular work permit, its rewards are more significant, including the flexibility to switch jobs without reapplying for a new pass and a dependant pass for immediate family members. On a different tangent, when an LTVP is issued, the applicant needs to secure employment first and then convert it to a suitable work pass, limiting the options available.

Key Differences Between LTVP and PR Status

The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Permanent Residence (PR) status in Singapore offer different levels of residency rights and benefits, both regulated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The LTVP is primarily issued to immediate family members of Singapore citizens, PR holders, and certain work pass holders, allowing them to reside in Singapore for up to one to three years, with the possibility of renewal. Applications can be submitted online via the ICA portal or in person at the ICA building. While the LTVP provides a temporary solution for extended stays, pass holders need to apply for separate approval for employment in Singapore, often via a Letter of Consent from the Ministry of Manpower.

In contrast, PR status allows holders to live, work, and study in Singapore without the need for additional visas, offering greater long-term stability and benefits akin to those enjoyed by citizens. PR applicants must meet stricter eligibility criteria, typically reserved for Employment Pass holders, entrepreneurs, investors, and immediate family members of Singapore citizens or PR holders. The PR application process is rigorous and requires submission through the ICA portal with all relevant documents. For those who do not meet the criteria for PR, the LTVP offers a viable alternative, though it does not provide the same level of security or rights as PR status. Both options are designed to ensure that only qualified individuals contribute to Singapore's socio-economic landscape.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between LTVP and PR Status

When deciding between applying for an LTVP or becoming a Singapore permanent resident, several factors play a crucial role. An individual who plans to live in Singapore long-term may consider the LTVP, which requires a separate application through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. However, the eligibility for LTVP is not available to everyone. It is specifically tailored for spouses of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents, parents of citizens who are on a visit pass-plus, and work pass holders earning a minimum annual salary.

On the other hand, becoming a Singapore permanent resident has its own set of requirements and advantages. It is a different application process and permits the individual to live, work, and own property in Singapore without needing any sponsor. However, not everyone might be able to meet the stringent qualifications. Therefore, whether it's better to secure an LTVP or go to Singapore as a Permanent Resident depends on your circumstances and eligibility for the respective visas. Making a decision involves weighing the benefits of each category, from freedom of employment for Singapore permanent residents to the ease of application via LTVP for specific categories.