Singapore PR and Re-Entry Permit
A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) who leaves the country needs a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) to keep PR status. From 1 December 2025 the rules on losing PR are stricter. This page describes Singapore rules. Based on the official ICA guidance (ica.gov.sg), September 2026.
PR and the REP together
- A PR who leaves Singapore needs a valid REP.
- Leaving, or staying abroad, without a valid REP can cause loss of PR status.
- The REP is not a renewal of the old permit; a new REP runs from the date it is issued.
The 1 December 2025 change
From 1 December 2025, under the Immigration Act 1959, PR is lost if you leave or remain outside Singapore without a valid REP, or if the REP expires while you are abroad and is not applied for, or is refused, within 180 days.
Renewing the REP
| Online window | Within 3 months before expiry |
| Abroad without Singpass | Nearest Singapore overseas mission, at least 2 months ahead |
| Fee | S$10 per year (a part year counts as a full year) |
| Eligibility | PR with a travel document valid for at least 3 months |
New passports and translations
- After getting a new passport, update the REP with a transfer of REP.
- Translations are accepted only from an embassy or notary; ICA does not endorse private translations.
National Service (male PRs)
Male citizens and PRs must serve National Service. Renouncing or losing PR without having served or completed NS can seriously affect work, study and long-term immigration facilities, family applications, REP renewal and citizenship applications.
Common ways PR is affected
- Believing PR is permanent and letting the REP lapse.
- Not renewing within 3 months of expiry, or staying abroad beyond 180 days.
- Not updating the REP after a new passport.
- Using a private (non-embassy/notary) translation.
- Not completing NS before losing PR.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore PR permanent?
Not automatically. A permanent resident who leaves Singapore or stays abroad without a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) can lose PR.
What changed on 1 December 2025?
From that date, under the Immigration Act 1959, PR is lost if you leave or stay abroad without a valid REP, or if the REP expires while abroad and is not applied for or is refused within 180 days.
How much does REP renewal cost?
S$10 per year; a part year is charged as a full year.
When should I renew?
Online, within 3 months before the REP expires, if you have Singpass. If you are abroad without Singpass, apply through the nearest Singapore overseas mission at least 2 months ahead.
What happens if I get a new passport?
Update the REP with a transfer of REP so the new passport details are linked; otherwise you may face problems on entry.
Does National Service matter?
Yes. For male citizens and PRs, not having served or completed National Service before renouncing or losing PR can seriously affect work, study and long-term immigration facilities, family applications, REP renewal and citizenship applications.
Related: the Singapore PR documents checklist, document translation and copies, and the guides hub.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore (ica.gov.sg), "Apply for REP" and PR pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules change, so confirm the current position on the official page at the time you apply.