Can LTVP Holders Work in Singapore? What You Need to Know

A Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holder is a foreigner who can reside in Singapore for an extended period of time. While this pass mainly caters to individuals that want to be with family members, LTVP holders might also wonder if they are allowed to work in Singapore. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

What Is an LTVP? 

An LTVP is a residence visa that allows foreigners to stay in Singapore for 1 to 2 years. The pass is usually used for family members of Singaporean Citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR)  who wish to live in the country for a longer period. 

It is commonly granted to spouses, unmarried children under 21, step-children or even parents of eligible sponsors. Alternatively, Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 or S$12,000 monthly can also become sponsors. You should keep in mind that:

• SCs and PRs must be 21 or older to be eligible sponsors. 

• EP and S Pass holders earning S$6,000 can only sponsor spouses and children, while a salary of S$12,000 is required to sponsor parents. 
  

Although the pass allows you to stay in Singapore legally, it does not automatically grant you the right to work. This is where many people get confused. 

Read More: A Complete Application Guide on Singapore Permanent Residency 

So, Can LTVP Holders Work in Singapore? 

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An LTVP holder can work in Singapore but not automatically. With that said, it is important to note that this pass was not intended for employment purposes. You will require additional approval or a valid work pass before you can legally work in Singapore.

There are two ways LTVP holders can work in Singapore:

• Work Passes

  There are 3 different work passes LTVP holders can apply for:
  

• EP - for professionals, managers and executives who meet the required salary and qualifications. This is usually for higher skilled roles in sectors like finance, IT, engineering and management.
  

• S Pass -  for mid-skilled workers such as technicians or specialists. Applicants must also meet a minimum salary requirement and have relevant qualifications or experience.
  

• Work Permit - for lower-skilled or sector-specific roles, typically in industries like construction, manufacturing, marine or domestic work.

  In this case, your employer will need to sponsor your application and submit it to the right authorities. You simply cannot apply for these passes on your own without a job offer.  
  

• Letter of Consent (LOC)

  This document allows certain LTVP holders to work in Singapore without applying for a separate work pass. However, this option is only available for specific groups. Generally, LTVP holders who are spouses of SCs and PRs may be eligible for LOC.

  The key difference is that the LOC is tied to your LTVP status, making it much simpler compared to applying for a full work pass. That said, you will still need a valid job offer before an employer can apply for the LOC on your behalf.

  Once approved, you can legally work in Singapore for that employer. It is also important to note that the LOC is subject to approval and is not guaranteed. Employers may still need to meet certain criteria, and the job role must comply with employment regulations.

Can LTVP + Holders Work More Easily?

If you hold an LTVP+, the process of working in Singapore is generally more straightforward. LTVP+ is typically granted to foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens and offers additional benefits, including better employment flexibility.

LTVP+ holders are more likely to qualify for an LOC, making it easier to secure employment without going through the more complex work pass route. This can be a major advantage, especially if you are planning to build a long-term career in Singapore.

Things to Take Note Before Working

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• You must have a valid LTVP at all times. If your pass expires or is cancelled, your right to work will also be affected.
  

• Employment is always subject to approval, whether through a work pass or LOC.
  

• Your employer plays a key role in the application process, so ensure they are familiar with the requirements.
  

• Not all jobs may be open to LTVP holders, depending on industry regulations and quotas.

Final Thoughts

So, can LTVP holders work in Singapore? Yes, they can, but only with proper approvals. Whether through a work pass or LOC, you will need to meet the necessary requirements before you can start working legally.

To ease this process, foreigners can consider applying for an LTVP + instead—which is like a immigration and work pass merged into one. All in all, it’s always best to understand your options early by speaking with potential employers about your eligibility.

This will help you avoid delays and ensure a smoother job application process.

Need help with your LTVP application? Visit hscimmigration.com or contact us to find out more!