LVTP - tax and CPF contributions

[ashtag06]

I previously left a post about my situation: I am a UK citizen, wife SG citizen who have both been living and working in the UK for the past 7 years.

We are looking to relocate when her UK visa expires in October 2021.

It's looking increasingly likely that I'd be able to continue undertaking my UK job but remotely from Singapore once we move.

However, after reading a few posts I've noticed that an LVTP seems to only be issued once the spouse can show CPF/tax contributions and that they can 'support' their partner. If I am to apply for a LVTP, would it be wise for her to make voluntary CPF/tax contributions to Singapore so that I could apply for an LVTP as soon as I arrive in SG?

[PNGMK]

I don't think it's necessary for CPF in this case. It's more important she can show she / you has the wherewithal to support you for an LTVP and that can be done via payslips etc.

[ashtag06]

I don't think it's necessary for CPF in this case. It's more important she can show she / you has the wherewithal to support you for an LTVP and that can be done via payslips etc.

I see. As she's been working in the UK and would likely need to find new work in SG, would her UK payslips be sufficient? Or would they expect her to indicate a wage in SG?

[Sbk]

My friend recently applied for LTVP and they asked for all the documents during the application itself which you need to upload, including a letter of verification from your work place stating the date you joined, gross salary and job description, you also need to upload 6 months of your salary slip. This goes for both the Singaporean and the applicant. They are not bothered if your spouse is working in Singapore or not but of course they will know since she needs to authorise them to check her cpf statements. So in this case it’s really case to case if they will approve it for you guys.

[ashtag06]

My friend recently applied for LTVP and they asked for all the documents during the application itself which you need to upload, including a letter of verification from your work place stating the date you joined, gross salary and job description, you also need to upload 6 months of your salary slip. This goes for both the Singaporean and the applicant. They are not bothered if your spouse is working in Singapore or not but of course they will know since she needs to authorise them to check her cpf statements. So in this case it’s really case to case if they will approve it for you guys.

OK, thanks for the info. I guess it is a bit more risky. We would obviously be able to provide details of her existing job and pay, but there's a chance she won't be able to continue that job remotely if and when we move to SG. I am hoping to get my work to transfer me to work in SG but given the current climate that would be dependent on me getting an LTVP + LOC to work. Otherwise I would have to wait a few months once my partner has found a local job in Singapore.

Does that sound about right to you?

[PNGMK]

Could you use a PEP? You can apply and set it up from overseas and your primary income can be from that overseas employer.
From ICA:
An overseas foreign professional and your last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least $18,000. Your last drawn salary should have been within 6 months before you apply.

[Sbk]

My friend recently applied for LTVP and they asked for all the documents during the application itself which you need to upload, including a letter of verification from your work place stating the date you joined, gross salary and job description, you also need to upload 6 months of your salary slip. This goes for both the Singaporean and the applicant. They are not bothered if your spouse is working in Singapore or not but of course they will know since she needs to authorise them to check her cpf statements. So in this case it’s really case to case if they will approve it for you guys.

OK, thanks for the info. I guess it is a bit more risky. We would obviously be able to provide details of her existing job and pay, but there's a chance she won't be able to continue that job remotely if and when we move to SG. I am hoping to get my work to transfer me to work in SG but given the current climate that would be dependent on me getting an LTVP + LOC to work. Otherwise I would have to wait a few months once my partner has found a local job in Singapore.

Does that sound about right to you?

I wouldn’t say risky, ICA works in mysterious ways, you never know what the outcome will be, I guess they care more about if your spouse is currently working regardless of the location as that will tell them if she is here in Singapore she will most likely find a job ASAP and continue working, they might issue you 1 year of the LTVP and then when it’s time to renew they will see if your spouse has already secured a job. Note that Singapore loves when their citizens are returning to stay in Singapore, so that could be an advantage for you. As for the work, yes it will be much easier when you have a LTVP + LOC as u won’t have to get a work permit to work which could prove difficult due to the current climate. If you ask me, I will say go right ahead and apply for that LTVP while your spouse is still working, but you might want to apply for the pre-LTVP which if it’s approved, you will have much higher chances of securing a LTVP within short period of just 8 weeks as oppose to not having a pre-LTVP which could take 6 months.

[ashtag06]

My friend recently applied for LTVP and they asked for all the documents during the application itself which you need to upload, including a letter of verification from your work place stating the date you joined, gross salary and job description, you also need to upload 6 months of your salary slip. This goes for both the Singaporean and the applicant. They are not bothered if your spouse is working in Singapore or not but of course they will know since she needs to authorise them to check her cpf statements. So in this case it’s really case to case if they will approve it for you guys.

OK, thanks for the info. I guess it is a bit more risky. We would obviously be able to provide details of her existing job and pay, but there's a chance she won't be able to continue that job remotely if and when we move to SG. I am hoping to get my work to transfer me to work in SG but given the current climate that would be dependent on me getting an LTVP + LOC to work. Otherwise I would have to wait a few months once my partner has found a local job in Singapore.

Does that sound about right to you?

I wouldn’t say risky, ICA works in mysterious ways, you never know what the outcome will be, I guess they care more about if your spouse is currently working regardless of the location as that will tell them if she is here in Singapore she will most likely find a job ASAP and continue working, they might issue you 1 year of the LTVP and then when it’s time to renew they will see if your spouse has already secured a job. Note that Singapore loves when their citizens are returning to stay in Singapore, so that could be an advantage for you. As for the work, yes it will be much easier when you have a LTVP + LOC as u won’t have to get a work permit to work which could prove difficult due to the current climate. If you ask me, I will say go right ahead and apply for that LTVP while your spouse is still working, but you might want to apply for the pre-LTVP which if it’s approved, you will have much higher chances of securing a LTVP within short period of just 8 weeks as oppose to not having a pre-LTVP which could take 6 months.

Thanks! - I wasn't aware the turnaround for an LTVP was so long, I had assumed from what I had read that it was a relatively short period of time. I've not read about pre-LVTP - any idea where I can find out about that on official SG gov websites? Like you said, sounds like the best thing us to do.

In your opinion is it worth us applying before we head to Singapore? I know they typically say you can't apply for an LTVP until you're in Singapore

[PNGMK]

I think he means a pre-assessment. There is that available on the ICA website somewhere.

[MOCHS]

I think he means a pre-assessment. There is that available on the ICA website somewhere.

Official name is PMLA and that’s before getting married. OP is already married so he can only just apply for LTVP. If married for more than 3 years, maybe he might be granted LTVP+.

[ashtag06]

I think he means a pre-assessment. There is that available on the ICA website somewhere.

Official name is PMLA and that’s before getting married. OP is already married so he can only just apply for LTVP. If married for more than 3 years, maybe he might be granted LTVP+.

We've been married for nearly 6 years. Can I just clarify, because we are already married that I'd only be eligible for LVTP/LVTP+?

[PNGMK]

I think he means a pre-assessment. There is that available on the ICA website somewhere.

Official name is PMLA and that’s before getting married. OP is already married so he can only just apply for LTVP. If married for more than 3 years, maybe he might be granted LTVP+.

We've been married for nearly 6 years. Can I just clarify, because we are already married that I'd only be eligible for LVTP/LVTP+?

Yes. However there is a small risk that this may change due to rising unemployment in Singapore.

[Sbk]

Apologies, I missed the part that you were already married in which case not eligible for the PMLA, so you can only apply for the LTVP,
As for been married for 6 years is a good thing if you have at-least 1 child from the marriage which will give u a much higher rate of getting a LTVP+ compared to not having a child from the marriage. It’s really hard to predict how ICA do there reviews, you can only apply and see what the outcome is. If ICA rejects your LTVP application, then be rest assured it could be due to your spouse not working in SG, if she can gain employment ASAP it will make a difference. Good luck