Singapore Expats

I come from Scotland. If I marry a Singaporean woman what type of entry visa would I be permitted as I plan to live here. I work offshore Indonesia at present but I have been a regular visitor to Singapore for the past 6 months.

norsam wrote:I come from Scotland. If I marry a Singaporean woman what type of entry visa would I be permitted as I plan to live here. I work offshore Indonesia at present but I have been a regular visitor to Singapore for the past 6 months.

Probably the best you could hope for initially is a LTSVP (longterm social visit pass). That said, once you start a family here (kids with Singapore Citizenship - to put it bluntly) you could apply for PR based on family ties (but the fact that you don't work here won't help).

I did the same route many, many years ago. Married a local girl, had two kids, worked in indonesia in the oil industry. Finally had to quit and find a job here in Singapore so I could get an EP (employment pass) and then apply for PR. Even then it took one rejection and a subsequent application 2 years later to get mine. I then went offshore for a couple more years but finally gave it up so I could watch the kids grow up (they do that soooooo fast), my daughter got married last month!

I know it's not what you want to hear and maybe they have loosened up a bit but I don't think so in the case of people not working on these shores. Why should they give you benefits when you contribute nothing tax wise?

sms

So is it better to get married first and apply for the LTSVP or get EP before marriage?

Thanks for the advice and taking the time to answer

My friend who's from Switzerland married a Singapore woman in Australia now they are both living in Singapore. He told me he planned to apply for PR through his marriage. The immigration officer examed his case and answered he's eligible to get PR via marriage even he has no job at this moment, but he must participate in National Service. When he thought he would be the most funny soldier in the troop as a caucasian joining training with locals and he's not as that young now, reaching 40 soon, he called off. While I am not a Singaporean, when he told me about this, I was very surprized too. Why not just go to the ICA to check it out by yourself? It seems really case-by-case.
Good luck!

Hi MusicFever,

I suppose your friend must have a special case! Can i know if they register here or in Australia ?

MusicFever wrote:My friend who's from Switzerland married a Singapore woman in Australia now they are both living in Singapore. He told me he planned to apply for PR through his marriage. The immigration officer examed his case and answered he's eligible to get PR via marriage even he has no job at this moment, but he must participate in National Service. When he thought he would be the most funny soldier in the troop as a caucasian joining training with locals and he's not as that young now, reaching 40 soon, he called off. While I am not a Singaporean, when he told me about this, I was very surprized too. Why not just go to the ICA to check it out by yourself? It seems really case-by-case.
Good luck!

I think your friend mixed up a few things and didnot listen well.

No NS for any PR above 35 years of age, and no PR because of marriage whatsoever. The only reason for the PR is that you contribute to Singapore's wealth, or better said, you have a good track record in work and education. And then it will also benefit that you are married to a Singaporean, but I know of quite a few who are married to Singaporeans, trying to get a PR here (no jobs yet in Singapore, still in Holland), but do not get through, as they do not have a degree and/or job history.

And age seems to be of influence, younger couples stand better chances I was told by the officer back then, as they might be planning to have children and kids are what Singapore needs...

Eric

MusicFever wrote:My friend who's from Switzerland married a . When he thought he would be the most funny soldier in the troop as a caucasian joining training with locals and he's not as that young now, reaching 40 soon, he called off. While I am not a Singaporean, when he told me about this, I was very surprized too. Why not just go to the ICA to check it out by yourself? It seems really case-by-case.
Good luck!

Could it be a mistake, at the age of 40 yet still need to serve NS.. Most of the Singaporean by the age of 40 could have completed their re-service...