You have gone through a lot to obtain Singapore permanent residency (PR), but you have to travel outside this country for years. It is necessary to hold a valid Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP) before departure. Supposing that you don’t have the permit or it expires, you might lose your PR status. In this passage, we are going to talk more about REP renewal, including its eligibility, requirements, cost, processing time, how to renew it, etc.
What is a Re-Entry Permit?
It is an international travel document issued to Singapore permanent residents to re-enter Singapore after traveling and staying abroad for tourism, business, work, study and so forth. Any Singapore permanent resident who leaves the country without a valid REP will lose the permanent residence status and will be treated as a common foreign visitor when returning to the country again. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to your REP validity and renew it in time. If you don’t plan to travel internationally, this permit is not necessary.
📚 Read Also: Singapore PR Benefits & Application Guide
When Do You Need to Renew Your REP?
When to renew the Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP) depends on whether it is valid or not. If it has expired, you can renew it anytime in person at the ICA office. If not, you can renew it up to 3 months before the expiry date online.
Who Can Apply for a Re-Entry Permit or Singapore PR Renewal?
Only a Singapore permanent resident with a valid passport or certified travel document with at least 3 months validity is allowed to apply for or renew a Re-Entry Permit.
How Long Will a Re-Entry Permit Remain Stay Valid?
Although your Singapore PR status remains valid for a lifetime, REP has an expiry date and needs to be renewed. Its standard validity period is 5 years. However, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is likely to reject your renewal application or issue to shorter permit after reviewing your residency in Singapore and your contribution to the country’s economy.
What to Prepare for Applying for a Re-Entry Permit?
To make things go smoothly, it is suggested to prepare both an original copy and photocopy of the following supporting documents and information.
✅ A valid travel document with at least 3 months validity, such as a passport.
✅ Singapore Blue Identity Card or Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Identity Card for National Service Full-time Personnel.
✅ Proof of employment in Singapore (required for applicants obtaining the Singapore PR status under the PTS Scheme).
If you are being employed, please submit a letter from your employer addressed to the Controller of Immigration (written in the last 1 month and indicating the date of employment, company name, job position, and monthly income), a statement from the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) indicating your CPF contribution for the last 1 year, or an Income Tax Notices of Assessment for the last 1 year.
If you are self-employed or a business owner, please submit an Income Tax Notices of Assessment for the last 1 year, or a valid Business Registration Certificate from the Instant Information Service, Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- Original copy of marriage certificate and your spouse’s Singapore identity card (required for applicants obtaining the Singapore PR status as the spouse of a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident.
- If you are a dependent child under 21, present your travel document and your parents’ Singapore identity cards.
- Existing Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP)
- Proof of the highest academic qualification
Any non-English documents must be submitted along with a translation certified by the Embassy of the document-issuing country or a local Notary.
Fee & Process Time of REP Renewal
The Re-Entry Permit (REP) fee is SGD10 per year. Each permit is charged separately. The payment methods differ depending on the way of application. When renewing online, you should pay within 14 days after approval through a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, American Express (AMEX) credit card,
Internet direct debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore), or PayNow.
When renewing at the ICA building, you can pay through NETS, Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay.
It usually takes up to one week to process your renewal application (the day of submission not included) in Singapore, and 4 – 6 weeks outside Singapore. The result can be checked with e-Service or by email. However, on the condition that extra documents are requested or there are too many applications, you might wait for a longer time.
How to Renew Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP)
The ICA will send a letter to remind you of the renewal before your Singapore PR expires. Online and in-person renewal is currently available depending on where you are and the status of your REP.
Renew Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP) Online
It can be renewed on the ICA portal within 3 months before expiration. A Singpass account is required
Step 1. Go to ICA e-Service.
Step 2. Read the instructions for required information which usually includes UIN, a valid travel document, employment details, academic qualification, and bank account information.
Step 3. Choose the service that fits you among “Apply for / Renew REP for Self”, “Apply for / Renew REP for Self and Family”, or “Apply for / Renew REP for Family”.
Step 4. Register or log in with Singpass.
Step 5. Provide necessary information and documents as required.
Step 6. Pay for the renewal fees.
Renew Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP) in Person
Supposing that you are outside Singapore and don’t have a Singpass account, the REP must be renewed at least 2 months before expiry at a Singapore Overseas Mission. There are more than 50 Singapore overseas missions around the world, including Embassy, High Commission, Permanent Mission, Consulate-General/Consulate and Trade Offices.
You can use a locator to find the nearest one and bring all supporting documents. Please note that an online appointment is usually required before visiting there. Just check the official website of the overseas mission.
How to Check My Singapore PR Renewal Status?
The renewal status can be checked online. Go to ICA e-Service and click on the “Enquire Application Status”. If you have provided an email address, you will be informed of the result through email.
Can ICA Reject My Renewal Application?
Yes. The ICA might shorten, prolong, or even reject your Re-entry Permit. The Singapore government hopes that every Singapore resident can blend into the Singapore community and contribute to the country’s development. If a Singapore permanent resident plans to leave Singapore or spend more time staying abroad, the authorities will think it unnecessary to retain their PR status. Here are some possible reasons for the rejection or shortening.
- You are below retirement age and unemployed at the time of renewal.
- You are above retirement age and the authority questions your previous contribution to the local economy.
- You stay outside Singapore for too long and have no ties to the country.
- You are traveling abroad too frequently.
- You failed to provide any required documents.
FAQ
Q1: What happens if my Singapore Re-Entry Permit is not renewed?
A: If you exit Singapore or stay overseas with an invalid REP, you will be deprived of your Singapore PR status. At the time of re-entering Singapore, you will be assessed as a foreign visitor and subject to current entry requirements.
Q2: Can I renew my PR card before expiry?
A: Yes, you can renew it within 3 months in advance in Singapore and 2 months in advance outside Singapore.
Q3: How many times PR can be renewed?
A: There is no restriction on the number of renewal times as long as your Singapore PR status remains valid.
Q4: How can I speed up my PR renewal?
A: You should renew the REP online within 3 months of the expiry date. If you do have to renew it earlier, please take the supporting documents to the ICA building in person and explain why you need the early renewal to the officer.
Q5: Can I renew my PR online?
A: Yes, but you need a Singpass account first.
Q6: Can you travel with an expired PR?
A: Yes, but without a valid REP, you might lose your PR status after leaving Singapore and be asked for an extra entry permit to return to the country.
Q7: If I get a new passport, do I need to apply for a new REP?
A: Yes, you should transfer your REP to the new travel document through e-Service, which is free of charge and takes about 3 working days.
Summary
Although your Singapore PR status usually remains valid for a lifetime, the Singapore Re-Entry Permit (REP) has an expiry date. It is valid for 5 years. A Singapore permanent resident holding an expired REP to leave Singapore and stay overseas might risk losing the PR status. Therefore, it is necessary to renew your REP up to 3 months before it expires, which can be done on ICA e-Service or at the Singapore Overseas Mission. However, the authority might reject your renewal application. To ensure that your application is approved, please get all supporting documents ready, and don’t keep staying abroad for too long.
Dolores Xiao