SC planning on marrying my Japanese girlfriend, need advice on steps going forward

[SaulBadman]

Hi everyone, I'm a Singaporean Citizen (32) and have been dating with my Japanese girlfriend (30) for a while now. She is on work pass which will expire in 2024, and she would need to return back to Japan to continue working for 1 year before her contract is completed. Our long term goal is to move out of Singapore.

We are planning on getting married next year and from what I have read so far, the best way to apply for the LTVP is to get the PMLA done. After marriage, I am planning on applying for a resale HDB to rent out the bedroom (from what I understand only bedrooms are allowed to be rented out unless MOP of 5 years have been fulfilled). During which, I intend to stay with her in Japan until her contract ends.

How reasonable is my above plan and is there anything I might have missed?

[MOCHS]

Long term visit pass is for the applicant to stay in SG long term. What’s the point of applying LTVP for her if she’s not going to be in SG long term? Save on the application fee and she can just stay on her work pass until 2024 after you two get married. If she has any expat package on her work pass, stay on the work pass.

In the event that she gets LTVP, you guys move overseas & somehow decide to come back to SG, you’ll have a hard time getting her LTVP renewed since she already spent a good portion of her time outside SG. ICA would be unlikely to renew LTVP for someone who isn’t in SG for most of their LTVP validity.

Don’t try to play with the system, man. I rather let the resale HDB be bought by someone who needs a roof over their head instead of not staying there and using it as an investment. I know a number of people do it but I personally frown upon it. Of course, it’s your choice in the end and don’t let my opinion stop you lol.

Your future spouse doesn’t need LTVP for you to buy HDB under non-citizen spouse scheme anyway, valid work pass will do. Or buy a condo which doesn’t have any restrictions on whether you can rent out the whole unit.

[Pantsgrenadier]

Long term visit pass is for the applicant to stay in SG long term. What’s the point of applying LTVP for her if she’s not going to be in SG long term? Save on the application fee and she can just stay on her work pass until 2024 after you two get married. If she has any expat package on her work pass, stay on the work pass.

In the event that she gets LTVP, you guys move overseas & somehow decide to come back to SG, you’ll have a hard time getting her LTVP renewed since she already spent a good portion of her time outside SG. ICA would be unlikely to renew LTVP for someone who isn’t in SG for most of their LTVP validity.

Don’t try to play with the system, man. I rather let the resale HDB be bought by someone who needs a roof over their head instead of not staying there and using it as an investment. I know a number of people do it but I personally frown upon it. Of course, it’s your choice in the end and don’t let my opinion stop you lol.

Your future spouse doesn’t need LTVP for you to buy HDB under non-citizen spouse scheme anyway, valid work pass will do. Or buy a condo which doesn’t have any restrictions on whether you can rent out the whole unit.

As an EP holder with SC wife, who is currently looking for a roof over our heads, I feel grateful that you share the same sentiment. With the current climate, any action that may jack up resale or rental price will definitely cause me heart pain lol.

However, I won't judge if the action itself is legal, and without knowing the full circumstance of the person. Who knows maybe in the future, I may find myself doing the same thing in my home country.

[MOCHS]

I won’t say it’s illegal but more of… making the best out of the current situation. HDB is already subsidised housing but people are flipping after 5 years for a profit or not staying in their house at all and renting for side income. Do I think it is in bad taste? Yes. Is it illegal? Not really.

You can’t please everyone but I like I said, don’t let anyone’s opinion stop you as long you’re not doing anything illegal lah.