Re-Entry Permit Singapore: Your essential guide

If you’re a Permanent Resident (PR) in Singapore, you’ll have many of the same rights and privileges as a citizen. However, you’ll also need to follow certain rules and procedures.

⚠️One of these is making sure you apply for a Re-Entry Permit (REP) when you leave Singapore and want to come back. Without this crucial document, you could potentially lose your Permanent Resident status.

To make the process nice and straightforward, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to apply for a Re-Entry Permit for Singapore. We’ll cover the process, the documents you’ll need, how long it takes and of course, how much it costs.

Plus, a handy extra tip for your travels outside of Singapore. Get the Wise account and you can spend and send money in 200+ countries with low fees, and at the mid-market exchange rate. It’s contactless, so you can just tap, spend and go wherever Mastercard is accepted.

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Table of contents:
Who needs a Re-Entry Permit? How to apply for or renew a Re-Entry Permit for Singapore Do I need to provide any documents? How long does it take to get my permit? Fees for Singapore Re-Entry Permit - how much does it cost? ❗️Money saving tip

But more on this later. For now, let’s get your Singapore REP sorted.

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Who needs a Re-Entry Permit?

The rules on leaving Singapore and Re-Entry Permits are pretty tight for Permanent Residents.

⚠️ If you leave Singapore for any length of time, and for any reason, you’ll need to have a valid REP. Otherwise, you risk losing your permanent residence and you’ll be treated as a foreign visitor.

The good news though is that REPs can last up to five years¹. So, you don’t necessarily need to apply for one each year or each time you plan to leave the country. Just make sure that yours is still valid before you travel. Once you have three months validity remaining², you’ll need to renew your REP.

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How to apply for or renew a Re-Entry Permit for Singapore

You can renew your REP for Singapore online, using the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. There’s an e-Service portal, through which you can complete your application online from start to finish. You’ll need to verify your digital identity using Singpass, and will need to provide certain information - we’ll look at what you’ll need in just a moment.

You’re eligible to apply for or renew a Re-Entry Permit for Singapore if you are a Permanent Resident.

It is also possible to apply for an REP in person at the Singapore Embassy, but this process can take much longer.

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Do I need to provide any documents?

You shouldn’t need to submit any documents to apply for or renew your REP if you use the e-Service portal, unless the ICA specifically requests it².

But you should have the following ready just in case³:

• A valid travel document with at least 3 months’ validity
• Your Identity Card Number (UIN)
• Details of your employment and highest academic qualification (if applicable)
• A valid payment method - debit/credit card or internet banking details.

If you’re applying to transfer your REP to a new travel document (for example, a new passport), you’ll need both your old and new travel documents to hand³.

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How long does it take to get my permit?

The standard time to process REP applications is just one working day². However, it does vary from case to case, and some applications can take longer.

You’ll receive an email once your application has been processed, and you can also check in on progress using the e-Service portal.

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Fees for Singapore Re-Entry Permit - how much does it cost?

The fee for your Re-Entry Permit is S$10 per year², which makes it S$50 in total if you have a 5-year REP.

You can pay this fee using credit/debit card, direct debit or PayNow when you apply for your REP online. Alternatively, you can pay via NETS or CashCard if applying in person at the Embassy.

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Leaving Singapore? Save money on international spending with Wise 🚀

If you’re planning an international trip, you’ll need to find a cost-effective way to spend while you’re away.

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After reading this guide, you should be all set to apply for or renew your Re-Entry Permit for Singapore. You should only have to do it every 5 years, but it is important - as you risk losing your permanent resident status otherwise.

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Sources used for this article:

1. ICAS - Immigration regulations application for a permit to re-enter Singapore
2. ICAS - Apply for/Renew Re-Entry Permit
3. ICAS e-services - Apply for/Renew/Transfer of Re-entry Permit

Sources checked on 30 March 2021