New REP Rules for Singapore PRs: What You Need to Know (Effective 1 Dec 2025)

October 3, 2025
Immigration
Re-Entry Permit

Singapore is introducing a major update to the Re-Entry Permit (REP) rules for Permanent Residents (PRs), effective 1 December 2025.
These changes provide greater clarity and fairness for PRs who are based overseas for work, study, or family reasons.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the old rules versus the new rules under the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023, followed by key takeaways for PRs and advisors.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Old vs New REP Rules

CategoryOld Rule (Before Dec 2025)New Rule (From Dec 1, 2025)
When PR status is lostIf a PR was outside Singapore without a valid REP, their PR status was immediately lost. No grace period.PRs outside Singapore without a valid REP will have up to 180 days (6 months) to apply for renewal before losing PR status.
Grace period❌ None✅ 180 days from REP expiry while abroad, or from 1 Dec 2025 (whichever is later).
Eligibility to apply for REP abroadNot allowed — if REP expired while overseas, the PR was considered to have lost PR status.Allowed — PRs can now apply for REP renewal from overseas within the 180-day period.
Status during pending applicationPR status considered lost immediately once REP expired abroad.PR status is retained during the 180-day grace period and while REP application is being processed.
If application is approvedN/A (since application could not be made abroad).PR status remains valid, and REP continues as usual.
If application is rejectedN/APR status is lost upon rejection (even if within 180 days).
If no application filed within 180 daysN/APR status will automatically lapse after 180 days.
Re-entry to SingaporeNot allowed — PR lost status and treated as foreigner.PR may still enter Singapore once using a single-entry PR pass during the grace period or while REP application is under review.
ReinstatementICA sometimes reinstated PRs on appeal (e.g. medical or compassionate cases).❌ No reinstatement allowed. If PR status lapses, must reapply for PR from scratch.
Legal clarityAmbiguous — ICA handled on case-by-case basis.Clear — codified in Immigration (Amendment) Act 2023, effective Dec 2025.

What This Means for PRs

If You’re in Singapore

  • Continue to renew your REP early (ideally 3–6 months before expiry).
  • Always check your REP expiry date on MyICA portal.

If You’re Overseas

  • If your REP expires while abroad after 1 Dec 2025, you now have a 6-month window to renew online.
  • You’ll retain PR status during the 180-day grace period, even if you cannot return immediately.
  • If you don’t renew or if your renewal is rejected, your PR will automatically lapse after 180 days — with no reinstatement.

If Your REP Already Expired Before 1 Dec 2025

  • You’ll receive a fresh 180-day window starting 1 Dec 2025 to submit a REP renewal (if abroad).
  • Failing to act by 30 May 2026 means losing PR permanently.

Expert Tip (for Immigration Advisors & PR Holders)

This change benefits PRs working or studying abroad, as it introduces a clear grace period and allows renewal from overseas.

However, note that REP approval is still discretionary. ICA will continue to assess a PR’s ties to Singapore, including:

  • Active CPF contributions
  • Consistent tax records
  • Demonstrated intent to reside (e.g. family in Singapore, property ownership)

The new rules provide a safety net, but PRs should still maintain strong connections to Singapore to secure smooth REP renewals.

This update ensures fairness and legal clarity for PRs, but it also removes any possibility of reinstatement if REP renewal is neglected. In short: renew early, maintain ties, and avoid last-minute risks.

Ready to Secure Your PR Future?

If you want to make sure your PR journey stays on track and your REP renewal reflects your strongest ties to Singapore, we’re here to guide you.

Contact us at: marketing@xignam.com for a consultation.

Let’s ensure your path to a successful life in Singapore is as smooth and secure as it can be.

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