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      The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced revisions to the Permanent Resident (PR) Re-Entry Permit (REP) application process for PRs outside of Singapore without a valid REP.1

      Effective 1 December 2025, PRs who are overseas without a valid REP will be granted 180 days to submit a new REP application before losing their PR status. This replaces the current one-month grace period after REP expiry and is part of the phased implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023.

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      A Singapore PR must hold a valid REP to travel abroad; it enables the individual to retain their PR status while away from Singapore.

      The change enhances clarity for PRs outside Singapore and reinforces the importance of maintaining a valid REP. If PR status is lost, reinstatement will no longer be possible.

      PRs should adhere to the new timeline and process to avoid unintended loss of PR status, which would affect the right to work in Singapore.

      More Details

      Currently, if a PR holder is overseas and their REP expires, they are considered to have lost their PR status immediately. However, a one-month grace period is granted, during which they may apply for a new REP to reinstate their PR status. PR status remains valid throughout this grace period, pending successful REP application.

      Key Changes to the REP Application Process Effective 1 December 2025:

      For PRs Outside Singapore with Expiring and Expired REPs:

      • They continue to be a PR within the prescribed period, i.e., 180 days from the date they are first physically outside Singapore without a valid REP.
      • They must apply for a new REP within the prescribed period. PR status is retained within or beyond the prescribed period until the outcome is issued. If rejected, the PR status is lost the day after the rejection outcome.  
      • If no application is made within the prescribed period, the PR loses the PR status the day after the period ends and a fresh PR application will be required (if eligible). 

      For PR Holders In Singapore with Expiring and Expired REPs:

      • PR status is retained while the PR is in Singapore.
      • They must apply for a new REP within the prescribed period should they leave Singapore with an expiring REP or without a valid REP.

      The ICA has also clarified that PRs who were not previously issued an Entry Permit (EP) will be issued an EP by 1 December 2025. 

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      With this update, companies should consider reviewing their current PR population and REP statuses to confirm an REP is valid before a PR departs from or returns to Singapore.

      To minimize disruption to an individual’s right to work and avoid affecting business continuity, employers could consider the following actions:

      • Review travel and mobility policies to align with the updated REP requirements.
      • Provide clear guidance and support for PR employees on the implications of the updated REP application process.
      • Consider and implement the tracking of REP validity for all PR holders.

      Employers are encouraged to engage and consult with their usual immigration adviser or a member of the KPMG Singapore Immigration team (see the Contacts section) for guidance.

      FOOTNOTE:

      1  Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs press release “Revisions to Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit Application Process from 1 December 2025,” published 29 September 2025.

      RELATED RESOURCE

      Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website: Apply for/Renew Re-Entry Permit.

      Contacts
      Murray Sarelius
      Murray Sarelius

      Head of Personal Tax & Global Mobility Services, Regional Lead, Global Mobility Services, ASPAC

      KPMG in Singapore

      Barbara Kinle
      Barbara Kinle

      Partner

      KPMG in Singapore

      Eugenia Tay
      Eugenia Tay

      Partner

      KPMG in Singapore

      Hallie Toh
      Hallie Toh

      Director

      KPMG in Singapore

      More Information

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      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Singapore.

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