A Guide On Applying LTVP For Your Spouse

Applying LTVP For Your Spouse

If your partner is not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, you will need more than a short-term visa to live together here. The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) makes that possible.

With the LTVP, your spouse can stay in Singapore for an extended period. It removes the stress of reapplying for entry and gives both of you the chance to settle down without disruption.

The process may feel confusing at first, but it becomes simpler when broken down step by step. This guide walks you through how to apply for an LTVP for your spouse, who can qualify, the documents required, and the application process.

Make your LTVP application stress-free and successful with Heritage Immigration Singapore. Book a consultation today or get in touch with us via email, call, and our contact form for any enquiries!

Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply for an LTVP for your spouse, it helps to know who qualifies. The rules depend on your status as the sponsoring partner and the documents you provide.

Who Can Apply

• Foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens.
  

• Foreign spouses of Singapore Permanent Residents.
  

• In some cases, spouses of certain work pass holders.

Work Eligibility

Holding an LTVP does not automatically grant the right to work. To work, the LTVP holder must apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) through an employer, which is managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Marriage Criteria

• The marriage must be officially recognised under Singapore law.
  

• You will need to submit your marriage certificate and proof of your relationship, such as photos, joint bills, or rental agreements.

Other Conditions 

• Both you and your spouse must hold valid passports.
  

• The Singapore Citizen or PR (the sponsor) must provide proof of status and, in some cases, financial stability.
  

• A residential address in Singapore is usually required.

Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment

The Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA) is an optional check offered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). 

• Couples can complete it before getting married to get a clearer idea of whether the foreign spouse is likely to qualify for an LTVP later.

• Completing the PMLA has two benefits:
  

  • It helps avoid surprises by showing potential eligibility issues early.
    

  • Couples who finish the PMLA before marriage can have their LTVP application processed in approximately six weeks, instead of the usual processing period of up to six months.
    

  • The assessment is free of charge, making it a practical first step for planning your application.

What LTVP Allows You To Do

Once your spouse has an LTVP, it opens up several possibilities, depending on the type of pass and whether they intend to work.

Residency Rights

The LTVP lets your spouse stay in Singapore for an extended period, usually between one and three years. The pass can be renewed before it expires, allowing couples to live together without interruption.

Education

LTVP holders can study in Singapore, but they are generally treated as international students for school fees. Public schools and tertiary institutions require separate applications. 

Completing the LTVP process ensures your spouse can plan long-term education without needing a Student’s Pass.

Work Rights

The LTVP does not automatically allow your spouse to work. If employment is planned, your spouse must apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) through MOM. 

Healthcare and Medical Access

Standard LTVP holders pay foreigner rates at public hospitals. LTVP+ holders may enjoy subsidised rates in some cases. Private medical insurance is recommended to cover gaps.

Other Benefits and Limitations

While LTVP holders can use public services and transport, they do not have access to government grants, voting rights, or citizen-specific subsidies. The pass is focused on residency, not full citizen privileges.

Documents You Will Need

Preparing your documents carefully makes the LTVP application smoother. The exact requirements depend on whether your spouse is applying for residency only or also for work, but generally, ICA requires the following:

Identity and Civil Status Documents

• Both the applicant and the sponsor must provide valid passports.

• Birth certificates.

• Marriage certificate.

• Proof of residential address in Singapore.

Sponsor’s Documents

• Proof of Singapore Citizenship / Permanent Resident status.

• Financial documents, such as payslips or tax statements, may be required to demonstrate stability.

Photos

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant, meeting ICA specifications.

Translations and Notarisation

• Any documents not in English should be translated and, in some cases, notarised.

Additional Supporting Documents

• Records of previous visas or passes.

• Divorce or death certificates if the applicant was previously married.

Application Process: Step by Step

Applying for an LTVP is straightforward if you know the steps and prepare in advance. Here’s what you need to do:

Where to Apply

All LTVP applications are submitted through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) e-Service. Make sure you access the official ICA portal.

Pre-Application Checks

Before submitting your application, ensure that all documents are complete and up to date, passports are valid, and you meet all eligibility criteria.

Submitting the Application

Next, complete the online application form with accurate details, upload all the required documents, and pay the application fee.

Processing Time

The standard processing time for an LTVP can take up to six months. Couples who completed the Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA) before marriage may get their application processed in around six weeks.

Notification and Outcome

ICA will notify you of the outcome via email. If approved, instructions on collecting the pass will be included. If rejected, ICA will provide reasons, and you can appeal with additional supporting documents.

Renewal / Extension

LTVPs are valid for a fixed period, usually between one and three years, and they must be renewed before they expire. To avoid any gaps in residency, it is recommended to start the renewal process at least six weeks before the pass expires.

Renewal requires updated versions of documents, including your marriage certificate, passports, proof of residential address, and, in some cases, financial documents from the sponsor. The renewal fee is generally the same as the original application fee.

Renewal is not automatic, as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will review factors such as the ongoing validity of the marriage and whether all requirements continue to be met. Renewal applications may be refused if the relationship has ended or if any submitted documents are incomplete or inaccurate.

Because lapses in validity can complicate residency and employment rights, it is important to monitor the pass expiry carefully and plan renewals well in advance.

Cost Breakdown

Applying for an LTVP comes with certain costs, but they are generally straightforward.

• Application fee: S$45 is payable at the time of submission.

• Issuance fee: S$60 is payable upon completion of formalities for the LTVP.

• Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable): S$30.

FAQs

Can an LTVP holder apply for Permanent Residency?

Yes, an LTVP holder can apply for PR, but approval is not guaranteed. The process is assessed by ICA and considers factors such as length of stay, integration into Singapore society, and financial stability.

Can children come with my spouse?

Children may be included in the LTVP application or have their own dependent passes, depending on age and relationship. Specific requirements apply, and ICA should be consulted for guidance.

What happens if the relationship ends or there is a divorce?

If the marriage ends, the LTVP may be cancelled. It is important to inform ICA promptly of any changes in marital status.

Can a spouse stay outside Singapore and return on LTVP?

Yes, but the LTVP must be valid upon re-entry. Prolonged absences may be assessed when renewing the pass.

Conclusion

For individuals looking to apply for an LTVP for your spouse, understanding the requirements and preparing documents carefully makes the process smoother. The LTVP primarily provides residency, while work, healthcare, and education access depend on the pass type and any additional approvals, such as a Letter of Consent (LOC).

Planning ahead can save time and reduce uncertainty. Always check the latest information on ICA and MOM websites to ensure your application goes smoothly and your spouse can start life together in Singapore without delays.

Make your LTVP application stress-free and successful with Heritage Immigration Singapore. Book a consultation today or get in touch with us via email, call, and our contact form for any enquiries!