These changes will take effect from 1 December 2025 and form part of the phased implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023, which was passed by Parliament on 18 September 2023.

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Understanding the Current REP and Entry Permit (EP) System

Every Singapore PR is issued with two key permits:

• Entry Permit (EP): Granted when PR status is approved, allowing the individual to live in Singapore.
• Re-Entry Permit (REP): Issued for a fixed validity period, enabling PRs to re-enter Singapore after temporary travel abroad.

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New REP Application Rules Effective 1 December 2025

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From 1 December 2025, a new 180-day grace period will be introduced for PRs who are outside Singapore without a valid REP.

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Key updates include:

1. 180-Day Grace Period to Apply for a REP
   
   • PRs abroad without a valid REP will have 180 days to submit a new REP application before their PR status is lost.
   • The countdown begins on 1 December 2025 (for those already overseas without a valid REP) or from the date the PR leaves Singapore without one.

2. Retention of PR Status During the Grace Period
   
   • PRs will retain their PR status during this 180-day period, even without a valid REP.
   • They may re-enter Singapore (subject to ICA assessment) using a Single-Entry Pass issued upon arrival.

3. Loss of PR Status After the Grace Period
   
   • If the REP application is approved within 180 days, PR status is retained.
   • If the REP application is rejected, PR status is lost the day after rejection.
   • If no application is made within the 180 days, PR status is lost the day after the grace period ends.

4. No More PR Reinstatement
   
   • Under the revised system, there will be no reinstatement process once PR status is lost
   • Individuals who lose PR status will need to submit a new PR application if eligible.

5. Entry Permit (EP) Updates
   
   • In addition to the above, ICA will update the conditions of the Entry Permit (EP) for all PRs. These updated conditions will be published on 1 December 2025 on ICA’s website. PRs who were not previously issued an EP will receive one that includes the new conditions by that date.

ICA encourages all PRs to:

• Renew or obtain a new REP well before travelling overseas; and
• Keep track of REP expiry dates to avoid unintended loss of PR status.

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These proactive steps will help ensure that PRs maintain their residency rights and avoid complications under the new regime. While the new 180-day grace period offers added flexibility, it also introduces stricter finality — once the period lapses or an application is rejected, PR status cannot be reinstated.

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PRs should therefore plan ahead, monitor their REP validity closely, and ensure timely renewals to safeguard their Singapore Permanent Resident status.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at gccinfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.