Crucial Change for Singapore PRs: New 180-Day Re-Entry Permit Renewal Window Implemented

Singapore has introduced a major policy shift affecting its Permanent Residents (PRs) who are overseas without a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP). Starting December 1, 2025, the previous flexible reinstatement process will be replaced by a stringent 180-day deadline to apply for or renew the REP.

This critical change, part of the phased operationalisation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023, aims to streamline the residency framework and reinforce the commitment expected from PRs.

PRs who are outside Singapore when their REP expires, or who leave without a valid REP, will now have a prescribed 180-day window to submit their REP application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Failure to submit a successful REP application within this 180-day period will result in the automatic, permanent loss of Permanent Residence status.

Crucially, under the new framework, there will be no avenue for reinstatement once the PR status is lost. Those who lose their status must submit a fresh PR application, starting the process from scratch.

PRs who apply for their REP within the 180-day limit will retain their PR status while their application is pending, even if the processing extends beyond the 180-day mark.

During the 180-day period, a PR without a valid REP will still be allowed to re-enter Singapore with a Single-Entry Pass, provided they meet the standard immigration clearance requirements. This is a temporary measure and does not guarantee the retention of PR status.

The new rule removes the discretionary flexibility that ICA previously exercised in reinstating PR status for those who missed the one-month grace period under the old system. The emphasis is now squarely on proactive compliance and a demonstrable commitment to Singapore's long-term residency framework.