LTVP Plus vs LTVP: Key Differences, Benefits & Which to Choose

WeaveAsia SEO
Nov 10
5 min read

If you’re a foreign spouse or family member of a Singaporean or Permanent Resident, you’ve probably heard of two types of passes: the Long-Term Visit Pass, or also known as LTVP, and the LTVP Plus.

Both allow you to stay in Singapore for an extended period, but they’re not the same. Each pass comes with different rights, benefits, and conditions. Understanding how they differ helps you choose what suits your situation and long-term plans.

In this guide, we’ll look at how the LTVP and LTVP Plus work, what makes them different, and how to decide which one fits your needs best.

Need help with your LTVP/LTVP Plus application? Book a consultation today or get in touch with us via email, call, and our contact form for any enquiries!

LTVP vs LTVP Plus: What They Are and Who They’re For

What Is LTVP?

The Long-Term Visit Pass, or LTVP, is a residence pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to foreigners who have close family members in Singapore. It’s most commonly granted to:

foreign spouses of Singaporeans or Permanent Residents
stepchildren of Singapore citizens or PRs
parents of Singapore citizens

The LTVP allows you to stay in Singapore for one to two years at a time, and you can renew it before it expires. While it allows you to stay with your family, it doesn’t provide the same level of stability or local benefits as other passes.

If you wish to work, your employer must apply for a Letter of Consent on your behalf. You won’t receive CPF contributions, and you’re not automatically eligible for healthcare subsidies at public institutions.

To qualify, you’ll also need:

a local sponsor, usually your Singaporean or PR family member
proof that your sponsor can support you financially
a clean record and valid documentation of your relationship

What Is LTVP Plus?

The LTVP Plus, or LTVP+, is a step up from the regular LTVP. It was introduced to give foreign spouses of Singapore citizens more stable, long-term residence. The idea is to support families who have shown stronger commitment and ties to Singapore.

You may qualify for the LTVP+ if:

you’ve been married to a Singapore citizen for at least three years, or
you have a Singaporean child with your spouse

ICA usually considers upgrading you to LTVP+ during your renewal, especially if you already hold an LTVP and meet the criteria.

The LTVP+ offers a three-year validity, which can be renewed for up to five years. It gives you:

the freedom to work without needing employer sponsorship
access to healthcare subsidies at public hospitals and polyclinics
a stronger pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

To maintain eligibility, ICA looks at factors such as the length of your marriage, your living arrangements, and your spouse’s ability to provide financial support.

Benefits of LTVP and LTVP Plus

LTVP

The Long-Term Visit Pass helps foreign family members of Singapore citizens or PRs live together for a longer period. It’s often the first step before applying for something more permanent.

The LTVP is best suited for newly married couples or families who’ve just started building their life in Singapore and want time to settle before upgrading their status.

Here’s what it offers:

Stay validity: The LTVP typically lasts one to two years and can be renewed if your family situation remains stable.
Employment access: You can work in Singapore once your employer secures a Letter of Consent from MOM. It’s a practical way to gain local experience or contribute to household income.
Education opportunities: You can enrol in private or international schools, and in some cases, local institutions depending on the programme.
Housing eligibility: You can live in your Singaporean spouse’s HDB flat or a rental property, but you cannot co-own an HDB flat. Ownership must remain under the Singaporean spouse’s name. You can, however, be listed as an occupier in the flat application.
Healthcare access: You can receive medical care at any clinic or hospital, but you’re not eligible for government healthcare subsidies. Most LTVP holders rely on private insurance or employer-sponsored medical coverage to manage medical costs.
Renewal flexibility: The pass can be renewed before it expires, as long as your marriage or family relationship remains valid.

LTVP Plus

The LTVP Plus is designed for foreign spouses who have been married to a Singapore citizen for some time or have a Singaporean child. It gives more certainty and better access to local benefits.

Here’s what it includes:

Longer stay duration: Valid for three to five years, meaning fewer renewals and more stable residency.
Job flexibility: You'll still need a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work, but approval is more straightforward since LTVP+ holders are automatically eligible for it. Employers don’t have to meet quota or levy requirements.
Healthcare benefits: LTVP+ holders are eligible for inpatient subsidies at public hospitals, similar to Permanent Residents. The subsidies apply mainly to B2 and C-class wards, and you can still use private insurance for broader coverage.
Education access: Your children with Singaporean citizenship can enjoy local school placement and subsidies, while you can study at local institutions if you wish.
Housing stability: Like the LTVP, you can’t co-own an HDB flat. Only your Singaporean spouse can hold ownership, while you can be listed as an essential occupier.
PR consideration: LTVP+ holders often have stronger grounds when applying for Permanent Residency, as it reflects longer-term ties to Singapore.
Family assurance: It reduces the stress of renewals and helps foreign spouses integrate more comfortably into daily Singaporean life.

couples checking passport and flight ticket

Which One Should You Choose For?

Choosing between the LTVP and LTVP Plus depends on where you are in your relationship and how settled your family life is in Singapore.

LTVP might suit you if:

You’ve recently moved to Singapore and are still adjusting to life here.
You’re exploring job opportunities or trying to understand how work life fits into your new routine.
You and your spouse are still finding balance between two homes, two families, or two cultures.
You want some flexibility as you figure out whether you’ll be here for the short or long term.

LTVP+ might suit you if:

You’ve been in Singapore for a while and your life already feels rooted here.
You’ve built a sense of rhythm with work, family, community, daily life.
You want stability, fewer renewals, and the comfort of knowing you can plan ahead.
You see Singapore not just as a place to stay, but as home.

It’s also worth checking ICA’s latest eligibility rules before you apply, as policies sometimes change.

Conclusion

Both the LTVP and LTVP+ give foreign family members a way to live together in Singapore. They differ in duration, access, and flexibility but both exist for the same reason: to help families stay connected.

Take time to think about what stage you’re in, and what kind of support you need right now. Whether that’s flexibility or permanence, both passes can serve you well.

If you’re still unsure which one fits, check ICA’s latest guidelines or talk to an immigration consultant who can look at your situation more closely.