Singapore Expats

Hi folks,

Looking to see if anyone had a similar experience.

I transferred to Singapore under Intra corporate transfer scheme, which essentially entails I can stay in Singapore and work as an EP holder for a maximum period of five years. Well, that duration is now approaching its end and I’m curious to know if anyone has successfully converted their ICT EP to a normal EP.

I’m aware that MOM states that holders of ICT EP are generally not eligible for future employment in Singapore, nor PR. Still, looking to see if anyone has ever done it? My employer wants me to stay and my wife and I wish to remain and build a life here.

Some quick contexts, in case it’s useful to give an opinion:
- MOM has already rejected my current EP extension, suggesting I can let it expire and re-apply
- I’m married to a Singaporean citizen
- we have applied for PR through spousal route, waiting for outcome still
- European
- I’m in my early 30s and hold a director position, making around 250k base a year

Any input/advice is appreciated!

ICT Employment Passes exist under Singapore’s trade commitments (WTO / FTAs).
They’re meant for temporary assignments of foreign staff from an overseas HQ to a Singapore branch — not as a long-term immigration or local employment route.

That’s why MOM explicitly states:

“ICT holders are not eligible for permanent employment in Singapore or for permanent residency.”

In practice, MOM tracks ICT EPs separately from normal EPs. When your five-year cap is up, the system blocks renewal.

Have you considered LTVP?

Hi @Outofbounce .. I am in a similar situation..Can help to confirm did it work for you

Hi @SwiftyDaz16 I have gotten an IPA LTVP, which took about 4 months to receive without any PMLA. We kept visiting the MP for help and to appeal to ICA. Next week I’m visiting ICA to formalise the new pass.

My PR application is still pending (7months now).
@malcontent thank you for the suggestion! Yes we did consider it throughout, initially we were advised to not pursue LTVP while the PR application was pending (I guess they thought my chances of getting PR in time was rather good and applying for LTVP could be seen as confusing for ICA). In the end, we felt that my time was running out and we applied for LTVP - let’s see what happens with the PR application.

@Outofbounce, does it mean that you applied for PR 7 months ago, 3 months later you applied for LTVP, and already got IPA LTVP?

@Outofbounce Thanks for your reply! Hope your PR application works out. By the way, I'm curious - is it possible to apply for an EP after holding LTVP with prior record of ICT. Hoping it works

Just to close the loop on the initial topic:

- IPA LTVP took about 2.5 months
- IPA PR took roughly 8 months

Through my wife sponsorship, we rather frequently visited the MP which I perceived as very supportive and proactive in supporting my applications.

Thank you for your suggestions and wish anyone in a similar situation best of luck - it’s possible after all!

Congratulations

congratz! good to know that ICT EP can ultimately be converted to LTVP with spouse sponser.