SINGAPORE — Singapore permanent residents (PRs) who are overseas without a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) will have up to 180 days to apply for one before losing their status, under new rules taking effect on December 1, 2025.

The change is part of the phased implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023, which was passed by Parliament in September last year, the island-nation’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement today.

“These amendments make it clear that PRs must apply for a REP within 180 days of them being outside Singapore without a valid REP, failing which they will lose their PR status,” MHA said.

Currently, PRs who leave Singapore without a valid REP are deemed to have lost their status immediately, though they may apply for reinstatement within one month, a process the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has sometimes applied flexibly.

Under the revised system, a person will remain a PR during the 180-day grace period and may re-enter Singapore with a Single-Entry Pass, even if their REP has lapsed.

If the application is approved within the prescribed period, PR status will be retained, but if it is unsuccessful or not submitted within the deadline, the person will lose PR status with no avenue for reinstatement.