An Employment Pass (EP) holder can bring parents to Singapore on a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) only by meeting a higher salary threshold than other family members. This guide sets out the official eligibility, who must file the application, how the pass duration works, and renewal, based on Ministry of Manpower (MOM) pages.
Who can sponsor parents
The sponsor must hold a valid Employment Pass or S Pass. The sponsor must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000 to bring in parents. This $12,000 threshold is based on the sponsor’s own pay, not combined household income. The sponsor must be sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company, usually the employer. Parents are covered under the LTVP route, not the Dependant’s Pass route.
One boundary applies. Family members of EP holders who apply as an overseas intra-corporate transferee (ICT) under WTO GATS or an applicable free trade agreement are not eligible for LTVP, except where specifically covered by an applicable FTA and meeting the prevailing criteria.
Salary thresholds by family member
The $12,000 figure applies only to parents. A lower threshold applies to other family members. An EP holder earning at least $6,000 a month can bring a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a Dependant’s Pass. The same $6,000 minimum applies to an S Pass holder sponsoring a Dependant’s Pass. Parents require the higher $12,000 threshold under the LTVP. MOM defines these as fixed monthly salaries.
Which family members get which pass
The LTVP covers family members who do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass. Eligible LTVP holders can apply for a common-law spouse, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, and unmarried step-children under 21. Parents are included only for those earning at least $12,000. The Dependant’s Pass covers a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children, at the $6,000 threshold. If a family member fits neither route, other immigration options may apply.
Who applies and how the pass is issued
An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the candidate. The application can be submitted together with the EP application or separately. The LTVP duration is tied to the validity of the main work pass, or up to the duration requested, whichever is shorter. The pass is renewable. Eligible LTVP holders may be able to work in Singapore. No foreign worker levy or quota applies to the LTVP.
Application steps
The employer or employment agent submits the application. Before applying, confirm the eligibility and the documents required. Then follow the official sequence:
- Apply for the LTVP through MOM’s eService.
- Wait for the outcome.
- If approved, get the in-principle approval letter.
- Ensure the dependant meets the latest travel requirements.
- On arrival, get the pass issued.
- If required, register the dependant’s fingerprints and photo.
- Receive the pass card 5 working days after registration or document verification.
These steps reflect MOM’s stated pass map for the LTVP. The sponsor should confirm current document requirements on the official pages before submitting.
Renewal
The LTVP is renewable. MOM directs holders to its renewal process for the pass. The duration of any renewal stays tied to the main work pass validity or the requested duration, whichever is shorter. Sponsors should review the current renewal steps on the official LTVP pages before the pass expires.
Official sources
This article is based on the following official Ministry of Manpower pages:
