| Visa Type | Singapore PR | Short Term Visitor | Long Term Visit Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | Completely Permanent Only requires valid re-entry permit to travel | May apply for an extension which lasts up to 90 days | Needs to be renewed every two years |
| Who can apply | • Spouse of Singapore citizen/ Singapore PR • Unmarried child under the age of 21 of Singapore citizen/ Singapore PR • Parents of Singapore citizen |
• Immediate family member • Relative • Spouse of Singapore citizen/ Singapore PR |
• Spouse of a Singaporean citizen/Singapore PR • Child (aged under 21) of a Singaporean citizen or a Singapore PR • Parent of a Singaporean citizen or Singapore PR • Graduate from an Institute of Higher Learning seeking employment in Singapore • Mother or Grandmother of a child or grandchild studying in Singapore on Student’s pass • Visitor seeking permission to give birth in Singapore. |
Under this option your parents will be allowed to remain in Singapore for up to 90 days. This will be subject to their nationality. This is suitable if your parents are physically capable of making regular trips to Singapore. However as they age there is a chance that they may not be fit to travel. If you are their sole caregiver you want them to spend more time with you in Singapore than alone in your home country. Thus this visa might be undesirable for you.
Many foreigners who are the parents of Singapore citizens/PRs live comfortably on the LTVP. However, the LTVP is only valid for a maximum of 2 years. This pass is significantly easier to obtain than the Singapore PR. You must renew the LTVP 3 months before its expiry. You must also allow about 2 months to allow the relevant authorities to process the application.
With the Singapore PR elderly parents are able reside in Singapore for up to 5 years (subject to renewal). During this period your elderly parents can travel in and out of Singapore on an unlimited basis (subject to the presence of a valid re entry permit). The Singapore PR gives elderly parents many other benefits. Elderly parents who are PRs and above the age of 65 enjoy reduced domestic worker levies. This can help reduce the burden of caring for parents who may have disabilities or age related illnesses. As PRs, you parents will also have access to $500 SkillFuture credit. They can then use this to sign up for accredited courses in their area of interest. Further your parents will also get access to the National Silver Academy. This offers courses which are specifically catered to seniors needs. For example they have programmes which do not have any examinations. this allows seniors to learn at their own pace. Courses are also affordably priced.