Many Singapore Permanent Residents are travelling abroad for a certain number of years. In order to establish that you did not intend to abandon the PR status, you have to obtain a Singapore Re-Entry Permit which is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
So, if you are one of those aspiring to apply PR and plan to apply Singapore citizen later on or a Permanent Resident who wishes to travel overseas, you have to read this.
This article explains the process of re-entry permit renewal in Singapore. As your PR Application Agency, we provide information about what this re-entry permit renewal is all about, why this permit renewal is necessary, what you need to complete it, and how much time and effort are involved.
What Is A Re-Entry Permit (REP)?
The Singapore PR Re-entry Permit is a valid permit issued to permanent residents in Singapore who leaves the country or remain overseas for reasons such as employment, business trips, study and so forth. The main objective of the permit is to allow holders to re-enter Singapore.
If you travel out of Singapore without a valid REP, you will lose your permanent residence status. Upon entry back into the country, you will be assessed along with the current re-entry requirements.
However, if you don’t frequently travel outside Singapore, there’s no need to obtain that permit.
When Should I Renew My REP?
Provided that the REP is valid, applicants must submit their application online to ICA through the Electronic Re-Entry Permit System (e-REP) at least three (3) months prior to its expiry date.
If you do not have a Singpass account, you have the option to submit your application through the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission. Forms must be submitted at least two months before your current Re-Entry Permit expires.
In case the permit expires, you’ll need to book an appointment online with ICA to apply personally.
What are the Criteria and Eligibility?
Generally, you must be a PR and must hold a valid travel document to apply for or renew a REP. But apart from these, you will be required for the following in order to have your permit successfully renewed.
- Complete Application Form 6 (downloadable on ICA’s website)
- Identity Card Number (UIN)
- Valid travel document (with at least 3 months validity)
- Income Tax Statements
- Spouse Identity Card Number (UIN), if applicable
- Parent’s Identity Card and Birth Certificate, if applicants are below 21 years old
- Proof of employment (with details such as company name, address, position held and monthly salary), if applicable
- Highest academic qualification attained and country where the qualification was attained, if applicable
- Visa or Master/Debit Card, American Express Card or Internet Banking Details
You are not required to submit documents other than stipulated unless otherwise requested by ICA.
How much do I need to pay?
A S$10 fee is required for each year, or part thereof, of your Re-Entry Permit.
For each REP issued, a separate fee is charged.
How Long is the Processing Time?
The general processing time for a Re-Entry Permit application (REP) takes about a week. The day of submission is not counted. Some applications, however, may take longer to process.
For applications submitted online, the progress can be monitored on the e-Service. If an email address is provided, you will receive notifications in your email for the outcome.
Can ICA Reject My Renewal Application?
Yes, it’s possible. Although the reasons for Re-entry Permit disapproval are not elaborated by ICA, circumstances may be due to but are not limited to a longer period of staying in overseas after obtaining their Singapore PR.
With that, ICA may shorten, prolong, or not even renew your Re-entry Permit at all.
What If I Obtain A New Travel Document?
If you are a PR with a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) and have received a new travel document, you will have to transfer your REP to the new travel document.
Conclusion
If you need a Singapore PR Re-entry Permit to travel outside Singapore and return after a short period, you need to know the rules. Even if you are eligible for a PR re-entry permit, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically be granted entry into Singapore.
You must still go through the application process and submit all relevant documents to obtain a permit. So, before you go, make sure you know the rules so that you will not face unnecessary complications when you enter the country.
