For your Spouse
Coming home should be an exciting journey and you’ll want the process to be as hassle-free for your spouse as well.
Citizenship and Permanent Residence
If your spouse is a non-Singaporean, you may sponsor your spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years old for Singapore citizenship. They will need to submit their application in person and undergo an interview by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Each application costs S$90 and takes three to six months to be processed.
You may also apply for your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 to be Permanent Residents (PRs). Each application costs S$100 and takes an average of three months to be processed. They will be issued with Entry Permits and will need to apply for the Blue Identity Cards in person when they arrive in Singapore.
For more information on becoming a Singapore citizen or PR, visit the ICA website.
Social and Employment Passes
If you do not wish for your spouse and children to become Singapore citizens or PRs, you have two options:
Applications for the Long-Term Social Visit Pass and Student Pass must be made online at eVP and SOLAR respectively. An interview may be required and all applicants for a Visit pass beyond six months must undergo a medical check-up.
As a non-Singaporean, your spouse has to apply for an Employment Pass before being able to work in Singapore.
First, he/she will need a local sponsor, usually the prospective employer. Then you’ll need to figure out the type of Employment Pass to apply for, depending on the expected salary range. You can refer to the list here.
You may submit the application online (preferred – processing is quicker!) or manually at a post office. An acknowledgement letter will be sent to your spouse’s employer via fax or post. Details on the application process can be found here.
If your spouse is a Singaporean, he/she may take up any form of employment in Singapore.