LTVP while overseas — tax, renewal, health insurance

[nlnlnl]

Hi,
I (Singaporean) and my spouse (EU citizen) are currently working and living in Europe, we are exploring relocating to Singapore. We applied LTVP for him first, so that it may be easier to find a job with a SG employer (than if he was just a foreigner that comes under quota). If he secures a satisfactory job offer, we will then formally relocate to SG.

1) Is there any SG tax implication for LTVP, if he is still employed and resident in EU, and only working remotely <<183 days in SG?

2) To renew the LTVP, do we have to go through exactly the same process as the first-time application? (Translated salary slips, TB & HIV medical report, in-person appointment at ICA)? Or are there some steps that can be skipped? How many years validity is the renewal, and how many times can it be renewed?

3) he has in-principle LTVP approval now, we have to travel to SG for the final in-person appointment at ICA, and we will find out then if he is granted the LOC to work. Is the LOC validity period the same as the LTVP?

4) Any recommendations for insurance providers to talk to? He has Crohn’s disease, a chronic health condition that is stable & well-managed enabling a normal lifestyle, but requires regular medication and checkups, and occasional surgery/hospitalization in the very small chance that things may go wrong. Where can we get a estimate of how much it will cost, as this is an important consideration (vs the free healthcare in Europe)?

Thank you

[MOCHS]

Didn’t know LTVP can be done while both parties are overseas now. Last time the foreigner spouse has to be in SG to kickstart the process.

If you let this LTVP in-principle approval lapse aka don’t take the LTVP and you two change your minds and wanna apply again, I don’t think ICA will be very lenient on the second application. Don’t burn bridges with ICA.

1. Don’t know. Other members can advise. I guess if he doesn’t fulfil the stay in SG for >183 days criteria during his first year here, I suppose won’t get taxed? Can always ask IRAS to confirm.

2. Both of you gotta be living in Singapore in order to be renewed, no? I don’t seem them renewing if both of you are not physically in SG at all.

But if you do relocate here and need to renew the LTVP then you as the sponsor have to show you’re employed in SG and yes, all appointments are done in person and both parties need to be there.

Renewal validity depends on what ICA wants to give you. Sometimes 1 year. Sometimes 2 years. If married for more than 3 years usually given LTVP+ of 3 or 5 years validity.

3. PLOC is tied to LTVP validity.

4. Not familiar with this as not a lot of insurance companies cover LTVP holders but it doesn’t hurt to ask them.

When my hubby was on LTVP, he was covered by my company insurance as my dependent which is something you can look into. He only bought insurance after becoming PR.

[malcontent]

Hi,
I (Singaporean) and my spouse (EU citizen) are currently working and living in Europe, we are exploring relocating to Singapore. We applied LTVP for him first, so that it may be easier to find a job with a SG employer (than if he was just a foreigner that comes under quota). If he secures a satisfactory job offer, we will then formally relocate to SG.

1) Is there any SG tax implication for LTVP, if he is still employed and resident in EU, and only working remotely <<183 days in SG?

2) To renew the LTVP, do we have to go through exactly the same process as the first-time application? (Translated salary slips, TB & HIV medical report, in-person appointment at ICA)? Or are there some steps that can be skipped? How many years validity is the renewal, and how many times can it be renewed?

3) he has in-principle LTVP approval now, we have to travel to SG for the final in-person appointment at ICA, and we will find out then if he is granted the LOC to work. Is the LOC validity period the same as the LTVP?

4) Any recommendations for insurance providers to talk to? He has Crohn’s disease, a chronic health condition that is stable & well-managed enabling a normal lifestyle, but requires regular medication and checkups, and occasional surgery/hospitalization in the very small chance that things may go wrong. Where can we get a estimate of how much it will cost, as this is an important consideration (vs the free healthcare in Europe)?

Thank you

1. There should be a tax advantage to establish residency in SG and sever residency in EU as soon as possible. The IRAS website should have all the information you need about who is deemed a tax resident, and you can always contact them if you still have doubts. The fact that he is still working for his EU employer after moving probably won’t factor into the tax residency determination. I do know that many EU countries have surprisingly strict and complex laws on job location and residency — it’s important to work with the relevant authorities early in the process. I had a French guy in my team who was working in the Netherlands and we agreed for him to move back to France and keep the same job. He hadn’t completed all the paperwork and within a few weeks after moving, we were informed that he was working illegally in France! How can a French person be an illegal in France? And, what if his move was just a visit… surely a few weeks wouldn’t matter. All I can say is, welcome to the EU.

2. I wouldn’t worry about renewals at this stage, as long as he’s married to you and keeping his nose clean, it shouldn’t be an issue.

3. He should be automatically considered for LTVP+ and if approved should not need LOC (others can correct me, but that is my understanding). If he does not get LTVP+ you may want to march down there and appeal. That is what my wife would do… and knowing her, she would probably get my LTVP+ approved on the spot.

4. This is a good reason to appeal if LTVP+ is not automatically given, as not having it could add financial hardship without the subsidies. As far as health insurance, the best deal is probably an Integrated Shield Plan… some of them can be extended to cover immediate family who are LTVP holders (one oft cited example is the Malaysian parent who moves in with their children here and needs coverage, but it is equally relevant in your case). Make sure you study the fine print around preexisting conditions.

[MOCHS]

LTVP+ is only for those married for at least 3 years, mal.

OP didn’t state how long they’ve been married for.

Usually ICA only gives 1 year for the first application because they need to see if the couple/applicant is stable or serious enough to be in SG long term. Then they can give longer validity.

On this forum, I’ve seen ICA give this UK dude (Sunjackal, I think) only one year LTVP even though he’s been married for at least 5 years and has a kid. The interesting is that his SC wife wasn’t working, only he was. I suspect that’s why they only have him one year to see if the family can “survive” here. Too often transnational families just uproot and go elsewhere. I recall Sunjackal had PR application ongoing at the same time too and it was approved in the end.

LTVP+ still needs PLOC! Other than SC or PR, there is no other passes that would let you work in SG without additional paperwork.

[nlnlnl]

Thanks very much!
Yes we kickstarted LTVP application while overseas and now we have in-principle approval and just need to travel to ICA in person within 3 months for the final step.
We’ve been married <3Y, so until the final ICA appointment, I have no idea what validity I have, or if the LOC is even granted. I really hope it’s not just 1 year, as it can take some time to find a job.

Good idea to push to appeal for the LTVP+ in any case esp for the reduced healthcare, will also ask IRAS re tax.

[MOCHS]

Until you are married for more than 3 years or have a SC kid, the request for LTVP+ will definitely be turned down.

So don’t bother arguing with the officer at the counter or else the LTVP is rescinded altogether.

Usually first application is 1 year LTVP, that’s the norm. Like I said, ICA gives this one year to see if the couple are indeed serious to settle here. There is no point giving 2-3 years LTVP and then having the couple relocate elsewhere. ICA is covering its bases here.

If not all newly married SC-NR couples will be demanding for LTVP+ too. I know it’s bloody unfair but that’s the reality. Play the SG system right and you’ll be rewarded.

[Sunjackal]

LTVP+ is only for those married for at least 3 years, mal.

OP didn’t state how long they’ve been married for.

Usually ICA only gives 1 year for the first application because they need to see if the couple/applicant is stable or serious enough to be in SG long term. Then they can give longer validity.

On this forum, I’ve seen ICA give this UK dude (Sunjackal, I think) only one year LTVP even though he’s been married for at least 5 years and has a kid. The interesting is that his SC wife wasn’t working, only he was. I suspect that’s why they only have him one year to see if the family can “survive” here. Too often transnational families just uproot and go elsewhere. I recall Sunjackal had PR application ongoing at the same time too and it was approved in the end.

LTVP+ still needs PLOC! Other than SC or PR, there is no other passes that would let you work in SG without additional paperwork.

I did ask the ICA about LTVP+, and they sent me a long email of formal explanation - but the officer did underline this part:

Other factors that we consider include the ability of the sponsor to financially support the family…

So as you say, in my case it was because of the unusual circumstances of where my sponsor wasn’t actually employed.

[blackhole_tenor]

Hi @nlnlnl, out of curiosity, how long was your husband's LTVP valid for?