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Moving to Singapore to live with your husband or wife is a big step. The terms can feel confusing—LTVP, LTVP+, Dependant’s Pass, PLOC, PR by family ties—but the logic is simple once you group things by who your sponsor is and which agency handles your pass. This guide keeps the language human and clear. It explains:

  • Every spouse/partner pathway (citizen/PR spouse, and expat spouse)
  • What forms you’ll actually fill (and where to fill them)
  • Processing time, validity, work rights, and practical tips
  • FAQs you can act on today
  • A single block of official links at the very end (as you asked)

1) Big picture: “spouse visa” isn’t a single label in Singapore

Singapore doesn’t issue a stand-alone “Spouse Visa” sticker. Instead, your route depends on who your partner is:

  1. Married to a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR) → apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). Some SC-spouse cases may be granted the enhanced LTVP+ (longer validity + public-hospital subsidies). ([ICA][1])
  2. Married to a work-pass holder (e.g., Employment Pass/S Pass) → your pass is handled by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) as a Dependant’s Pass (DP) if you’re a legally married spouse, or an LTVP (MOM) if you are a common-law spouse or other eligible family member. 

Why this matters: ICA family passes (for SC/PR families) and MOM family passes (for EP/S Pass families) differ in application portals, documents, validity, and work permissions.

2) Routes for spouses of Singapore Citizens or PRs (ICA)

A) LTVP for spouse of a Singapore Citizen (SC)

  • What it is: Residence permission that lets the foreign spouse live in Singapore with their SC partner.
  • Where you apply: Online, via the citizen sponsor’s Singpass login on ICA’s e-service.
  • Processing time: If you completed PMLA (Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment) before marrying, ICA often finishes in about 6 weeks; if not, expect up to 6 months. 
  • Work rights: After ICA issues the LTVP/LTVP+, you may apply for PLOC (Pre-Approved Letter of Consent) with MOM. PLOC lets you work without your employer applying for a quota-tied work pass.

B) LTVP+ (enhanced LTVP) for some SC-spouse cases

  • What it is: A stronger version of LTVP with longer validity (first grant up to 3 years; renewal up to 5 years) and public-hospital inpatient subsidies set close to PR rates. It’s designed for more stable SC-spouse families (e.g., longer marriages or families with a Singapore-citizen child). You don’t “apply” for LTVP+ as a separate form; ICA decides if you qualify when assessing your LTVP. 

C) LTVP for spouse of a Permanent Resident (PR)

  • What it is: Similar to the SC-spouse LTVP but sponsored by a PR instead of a citizen.
  • Where you apply: The PR spouse sponsors the LTVP via ICA’s e-service. Processing times vary case-by-case.

D) Permanent Residence (PR) later by family ties

  • When relevant: After you’ve settled on LTVP/LTVP+, you can consider PR via the family-ties route (sponsored by your SC/PR spouse) using ICA’s e-PR system. (It’s common—and allowed—to hold LTVP while applying for PR at the same time.)

3) Routes for spouses of work-pass holders (MOM)

A) Dependant’s Pass (DP) — if your spouse holds EP or S Pass

  • Who qualifies:Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21.
  • Salary threshold: The EP/S Pass holder must earn at least S$6,000/month (higher thresholds may apply for some schemes; always check MOM’s current table).
  • Who applies: Typically the employer (sponsor company) files the DP online through MOM’s portal.  

B) MOM-issued LTVP — for common-law spouse and certain other family members

  • Who qualifies: Common-law spouse (with proof of long-term relationship acceptable to MOM), step-children, handicapped adult children, parents (for high-earning EP holders), etc.
  • Who applies: Usually the employer via MOM’s portal; validity tracks the principal’s work pass. 

> Work rules (DP/LTVP under MOM): These family passes are not automatic work permission. If you plan to work, your employer must obtain the correct work authorisation (check MOM’s current policies). This is different from PLOC, which applies to ICA LTVP/LTVP+ holders who are spouses/children of SC/PR. 

4) What you actually fill (forms + portals)

Think in two columns:

For SC/PR families (ICA)

  • PMLA (optional but helpful): A pre-marriage assessment that can shorten the later LTVP processing time for SC-spouse cases. (It’s only an assessment; you still apply for LTVP after marriage.) ([ICA][9])
  • LTVP/LTVP+ application: Submitted online by the SC/PR sponsor using Singpass (upload marriage cert, passports, photos, proof of relationship, etc.). Pay the submission fee and, if approved, pay issuance fees at completion of formalities.
  • PLOC (work consent): After ICA issues your LTVP/LTVP+, submit a short MOM form to obtain Pre-Approved LOC. If granted, you may work; employers do their usual onboarding but don’t need to secure a separate quota-tied pass. (PLOC is tied to the expiry of your LTVP, so renew LTVP first.) 
  • PR (Family Ties): When you’re ready, file e-PR with ICA under the Spouse of SC/PR category. 

For EP/S-Pass families (MOM)

  • DP or MOM-LTVP application: Filed online by the employer through MOM’s portal (you’ll upload marriage cert or common-law proofs, passports, photos). Salary and company-sponsorship conditions apply. 

5) Documents that actually matter (simple checklist)

Identity & civil status

  • Passports (bio pages + validity) for both spouses
  • Marriage certificate (English or with certified translation)
  • Any previous divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
  • Passport-sized photos per ICA/MOM specs

Relationship & residence

  • Evidence you live together / joint commitments (tenancy, bills, bank/insurance letters) if requested
  • Singapore-address proof of the sponsor (NRIC for SC/PR; employment letter/contract + company details for work-pass sponsors)

Income & work

  • For SC/PR sponsorship: basic income/address documents if prompted (e.g., sponsor’s NRIC, proof of employment/income may be requested in some cases)
  • For DP/MOM-LTVP: principal’s EP/S Pass details and salary must meet MOM thresholds; the employer usually supplies company docs

Extra but useful

  • Birth certificates for any children
  • Explanatory letter (short timeline: how you met, when you married, current living arrangements)
  • For common-law spouse (MOM-LTVP): proof of long-term relationship as per MOM’s accepted list

6) Processing time, validity, and renewals (what to expect)

  • SC-spouse LTVP: with PMLA, ICA often processes in about 6 weeks; without PMLA, up to 6 months (some take longer if documents change mid-stream).
  • LTVP+: if granted, first issue up to 3 years, and up to 5 years on renewal.
  • PR-spouse LTVP: validity varies; renew via ICA before expiry (keep passports and marriage docs current).
  • DP/MOM-LTVP: validity normally tracks the principal’s EP/S Pass; renew together with the principal’s pass cycle. 

7) Work rights — plain truth, no jargon

  • LTVP/LTVP+ (ICA) for SC/PR families: you can work with PLOC. Apply after ICA issues your LTVP/LTVP+. If your LTVP is close to expiring, renew LTVP first, then file PLOC (because PLOC’s validity is tied to the LTVP end date).
  • DP or MOM-LTVP (for EP/S-Pass families): these are stay passes. To work, your employer needs to secure the right work authorisation with MOM. Don’t start work until that is approved. (This is different from PLOC.)

8) Smart, practical tips

  • Do PMLA if eligible. It’s optional but can cut the later LTVP timeline dramatically for SC-spouse cases. Keep your situation stable between PMLA and LTVP filing.
  • Use a clean PDF pack. Title files clearly: `MarriageCert.pdf`, `Passports.pdf`, `Sponsor-NRIC-or-EP.pdf`, `Address-Proof.pdf`.
  • Match names across documents. If your marriage cert or passport name changed, include the legal change documents.
  • Watch expiry chains. Most dependent family permissions follow the principal pass. Renew early if your spouse changes job or pass category. ([Ministry of Manpower Singapore][11])
  • If you’ll work, plan the sequence. (ICA LTVP → PLOC; or, for DP/LTVP under MOM, line up the employer’s application early.)
  • PR is possible later. Many LTVP/LTVP+ holders file PR by family ties after some time living in Singapore. You may apply for LTVP and PR concurrently if ready.

9) Step-by-step: Spouse of a Singapore Citizen

  1. (Optional) PMLA: complete the Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment together.
  2. Marry and prepare your ICA checklist (passports, marriage cert, photos, address/income, any divorce/death certs if applicable).
  3. Apply for LTVP: SC spouse logs in with Singpass; fill details, upload scans, pay the submission fee. Keep the acknowledgment.
  4. Wait for ICA’s email on outcome (timeline depends on whether you did PMLA).
  5. Complete formalities: bring originals, do fingerprints/photo if asked, pay issuance fees; collect the LTVP (and LTVP+ if ICA grants it).
  6. If you plan to work: apply for PLOC with MOM (it’s tied to your LTVP validity).
  7. Maintain/renew: keep passports valid, update address if you move, renew LTVP/LTVP+ before expiry; later consider PR.

10) Step-by-step: Spouse of a Singapore PR

  1. Marry and gather documents (passports, marriage cert, photos, PR’s NRIC, address, income if requested).
  2. Apply for LTVP: PR spouse sponsors via ICA e-service; pay fees.
  3. Outcome + formalities: on approval, complete issuance steps.
  4. Work: you may apply for PLOC if you hold an ICA LTVP as spouse of PR.
  5. PR later: consider e-PR by family ties once you’ve settled.

11) Step-by-step: Spouse of an Employment Pass / S Pass holder

  1. Make sure the principal (your spouse) meets MOM’s salary and sponsorship conditions.
  2. The employer files your DP (if legally married spouse) or MOM-LTVP (if common-law spouse/other eligible family), uploading the marriage proof or long-term-relationship evidence.
  3. Receive in-principle approval; enter Singapore (if you’re outside) and complete issuance (photo/fingerprint at a card collection point).
  4. Work planning: if you intend to work, line up the correct authorisation with MOM —don’t start work until approved.
  5. Renew together with the principal pass cycle or when the company changes your spouse’s pass.

12) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What’s the difference between LTVP and LTVP+?

LTVP is the standard family pass from ICA for SC/PR families. LTVP+ is an enhanced version for some SC-spouse cases, offering longer validity (up to 3 years first, then 5 years on renewal) and public-hospital inpatient subsidies near PR levels. ICA 3 y decides eligibility when it assesses your LTVP.

Q2. Do I need PMLA before marriage?

No—it’s optional, but if you did PMLA, ICA indicates your later LTVP process can be much faster (about 6 weeks vs up to 6 months without PMLA).

Q3. Can I work on LTVP?

If your LTVP/LTVP+ is from ICA (because your spouse is SC/PR), you can apply to MOM for PLOC and then work. If your family pass is from MOM (because your spouse has an EP/S Pass), your employer must obtain the proper work authorisation—PLOC does not apply there.

Q4. How long will ICA take to decide my LTVP?

ICA says 6 weeks if you completed PMLA, and up to 6 months if you didn’t (some cases take longer). You’ll be notified by email and can check the status online.

Q5. Can I apply for PR and LTVP at the same time?

Yes. ICA confirms you may apply for PR and LTVP concurrently if you wish. 

Q6. Who applies for Dependant’s Pass—me or my spouse’s company?

Usually the employer (your spouse’s company) applies through MOM’s system; they will guide the process and fees. 

Q7. I’m a common-law spouse of an EP holder. Which pass is mine?

Common-law spouses of EP holders generally apply for MOM-issued LTVP (not DP), if they meet MOM’s documentation rules for common-law status. 

Q8. If ICA gives me LTVP+, do I still need PLOC to work?

Yes. LTVP+ is residency, not a work pass. You still apply for PLOC (the process is straightforward), and the PLOC will expire when your LTVP/LTVP+ expires, so always renew the LTVP before renewing PLOC. 

Q9. How long are DP and MOM-LTVP valid?

They typically follow the principal’s pass validity (e.g., EP/S Pass). Renewals are usually filed together by the employer. 

Q10. Can I switch from MOM family pass to ICA LTVP later?

If your spouse later becomes PR/Citizen, you can then apply under the ICA path (LTVP/LTVP+). You’ll follow the then-current rules and timelines when you switch.

13) Quick, copy-ready checklists

If your spouse is Singapore Citizen

  • Do PMLA (optional but useful).
  • Prepare marriage cert, passports, photos, NRIC (sponsor), address/income proofs if asked.
  • Apply LTVP via ICA (sponsor’s Singpass).
  • On approval, complete formalities; if granted LTVP+, note the longer validity/subsidies.
  • If you’ll work, file PLOC with MOM.
  • Renew LTVP/LTVP+ on time; consider e-PR later.

If your spouse is PR

  • Prepare marriage + identity docs; sponsor applies LTVP via ICA.
  • Complete formalities; apply PLOC if you’ll work.
  • Consider e-PR by family ties later.

If your spouse has EP/S Pass

  • Confirm salary threshold and employer sponsorship are met.
  • Employer files your DP (legally married) or MOM-LTVP (common-law spouse/other eligible).
  • For work, your employer must secure the right authorisation.
  • Renew with the principal pass.

14) Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

  • Thinking “spouse visa” is one form. It’s LTVP/LTVP+ with ICA if your spouse is SC/PR; it’s DP or MOM-LTVP if your spouse has EP/S Pass. Different portals, different rules. 
  • Skipping PMLA then expecting a 6-week decision. Without PMLA, expect up to 6 months (sometimes longer). Plan travel and leases with realistic timelines. 
  • Mixing up PLOC.Only ICA LTVP/LTVP+ holders (spouse/child of SC/PR) use PLOC. DP/MOM-LTVP holders need a work pass route via MOM.
  • Name/translation gaps. If your marriage cert isn’t in English, provide a certified translation. Keep names consistent across all documents.
  • Renewals left too late. Many approvals are tied to the principal’s status or to your LTVP end-date. Set reminders 3–4 months ahead.

15) Disclaimer (please read)

This article is general information, not legal advice. Singapore’s immigration and work-pass rules (thresholds, documents, processing times, and online portals) change. Your exact route depends on who your sponsor is (SC/PR or EP/S Pass) and your own circumstances (marriage documents, common-law evidence, prior travel history, employer sponsorship, etc.). Before applying, always confirm the latest requirements on the official pages below—especially ICA’s LTVP/LTVP+, PMLA, and PR pages, plus MOM’s Dependant’s Pass, family-pass tables, and PLOC information. If your case is complex (name changes, common-law evidence, prior refusals, job changes mid-application), speak with the relevant agency or a qualified immigration professional. Your filings and decisions are your responsibility; rely on the official links beneath for the most current rules.

Official links (headings & main points only)

  

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