Immigration Status REP

Re-Entry Permit (REP): Meaning and 180-Day Rule

A Re-Entry Permit (REP) is a travel document for Singapore permanent residents that supports retention of PR status while they are outside Singapore; it is not a document for Singapore citizens.

Key facts

  1. A PR should hold a valid REP when leaving and remaining outside Singapore.

  2. From 1 December 2025, an affected PR outside Singapore without a valid REP has 180 days from the relevant date to apply for a new REP.

  3. During that period, the person remains a PR. If no application is made in time, or if the application is rejected, PR status is lost under the applicable process.

  4. A PR in Singapore whose REP expires remains a PR while in Singapore, but overseas travel without a valid REP brings the statutory rules into play.

  5. ICA decides REP validity and renewal; a further full five-year REP is not automatic.

What changed on 1 December 2025

The amended framework replaced immediate loss of PR status in the affected overseas situations with a defined 180-day period to submit an REP application. Missing the deadline or receiving a rejection can still result in loss of PR status.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Re-Entry Permit for citizens as well as PRs?

No. The REP discussed in Singapore immigration law is for permanent residents.

Does PR status disappear immediately when an REP expires overseas?

Under the rules effective from 1 December 2025, affected overseas PRs have a 180-day period to apply for a new REP. The exact start date depends on the circumstances.

Related terms

ICA

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is the Singapore government agency responsible for immigration, border control, registration services and identity documents.
PR / SPR

Singapore Permanent Residence

Singapore permanent residence (PR) is an immigration status that lets a non-citizen reside in Singapore on a permanent basis and work without an employer-sponsored work pass.
SC

Singapore Citizenship

Singapore citizenship is the legal status of being a Singapore citizen, with rights and obligations that differ from permanent residence, including passport, voting and National Service rules where applicable.