Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs will implement stricter re-entry rules for permanent residents (PRs) from December 1, 2025. Under the new framework, Permanent Residents who are living outside Singapore without a valid re-entry permit will have a 180-day window to apply for or renew their permit, according to a report by Fragomen.
Failure to do so will result in automatic loss of permanent residence status. The Ministry has emphasised that the change is aimed at ensuring better alignment with Singapore’s long-term residency framework and reducing administrative discretion in reinstating expired permits.
Those who lose their PR status may still enter the country on a Single-Entry Pass, but returning under this arrangement does not automatically reinstate permanent residence.
New 180-day grace period to replace current rule
At present, PRs without a valid re-entry permit are granted a one-month grace period to renew their permit. In some cases, authorities have reinstated PR status at their discretion.
Under the new rule, however, there will be a 180-day window to submit an application. Once this period expires, permanent residence cannot be reinstated.
Status to continue for pending applications
PRs who submit their re-entry permit applications within the 180-day period will continue to hold their status while their applications are processed, even if they are overseas without a valid permit.
Those who fail to apply in time or whose applications are denied will lose their status and must reapply for permanent residence or obtain a company-sponsored work pass to return to Singapore for employment.
Re-entry allowed under single-entry pass
Individuals who lose their PR status may still re-enter Singapore under a Single-Entry Pass, subject to meeting checkpoint requirements.
However, permanent residents, especially frequent travellers, must renew or obtain re-entry permits in advance to avoid complications.
The update forms part of the phased implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act passed in 2023. The reform aims to streamline the re-entry process and bring it in line with Singapore’s long-term residency framework.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will revise the entry permit conditions for all PRs when the new framework takes effect on December 1, 2025.
Failure to do so will result in automatic loss of permanent residence status. The Ministry has emphasised that the change is aimed at ensuring better alignment with Singapore’s long-term residency framework and reducing administrative discretion in reinstating expired permits.
Those who lose their PR status may still enter the country on a Single-Entry Pass, but returning under this arrangement does not automatically reinstate permanent residence.
New 180-day grace period to replace current rule
At present, PRs without a valid re-entry permit are granted a one-month grace period to renew their permit. In some cases, authorities have reinstated PR status at their discretion.
Under the new rule, however, there will be a 180-day window to submit an application. Once this period expires, permanent residence cannot be reinstated.
Status to continue for pending applications
PRs who submit their re-entry permit applications within the 180-day period will continue to hold their status while their applications are processed, even if they are overseas without a valid permit.
Those who fail to apply in time or whose applications are denied will lose their status and must reapply for permanent residence or obtain a company-sponsored work pass to return to Singapore for employment.
Re-entry allowed under single-entry pass
Individuals who lose their PR status may still re-enter Singapore under a Single-Entry Pass, subject to meeting checkpoint requirements.
However, permanent residents, especially frequent travellers, must renew or obtain re-entry permits in advance to avoid complications.
The update forms part of the phased implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act passed in 2023. The reform aims to streamline the re-entry process and bring it in line with Singapore’s long-term residency framework.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will revise the entry permit conditions for all PRs when the new framework takes effect on December 1, 2025.
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