By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
Singapore has no retirement visa. Foreigners who want to retire here need another route: family ties, such as a Long-Term Visit Pass as the parent of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident; permanent residence earned while working here; or the Economic Development Board’s Global Investor Programme, which is for investors with very large sums. Without one of these, a retiree can only visit on short-term passes.
Singapore is safe, clean, English-speaking and well run, which is why so many people ask this question. The honest answer is that it is built for people who work, study or have family here, and retirement plans need to start from one of those.
Retiring in Singapore: quick facts
| Retirement visa | None |
| Family route | A parent of a Singapore citizen or PR can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass through ICA; parents-in-law are not eligible |
| Work route | Permanent residence gained while working here continues into retirement |
| Investor route | EDB’s Global Investor Programme, for substantial investors and business owners |
| Visitor route | Short-term visit passes only; no long stays |
| Healthcare | Foreigners pay non-resident rates; private insurance is essential |
The WahLiao Verdict
| The straight answer | No retirement visa, so plan from family, work or investment. |
| Most common route | Parents joining a child who is a citizen or PR. |
| The cost | High rent and full-price healthcare for foreigners. |
| Planning ahead | PR earned while working is the most secure route. |
| Worth checking | Your insurance cover for older ages before you move. |
The family route
ICA lets the parent of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass, sponsored by their child; parents-in-law are not eligible. Parents of Employment Pass and S Pass holders can come on a Long-Term Visit Pass issued by MOM if the child earns at least S$12,000 a month; see bringing your family. PRs who are aged parents of a citizen can also apply for citizenship.
The work and investment routes
People who become permanent residents while working here keep that status in retirement, provided they keep a valid Re-Entry Permit when they travel. The Global Investor Programme, run by the Economic Development Board, grants PR to investors and business owners who meet its investment and track-record requirements; check EDB’s current criteria.
The cost of retiring here
Housing is the largest cost; see a monthly household budget. Foreigners pay non-resident rates at public hospitals and are not covered by MediShield Life, so private health insurance that continues into old age is essential; see healthcare and insurance.
Retiring in Singapore: FAQ
Does Singapore have a retirement visa?
No. Foreigners need a family, work or investment route to live here long term.
Can I retire in Singapore if my child is a citizen?
You can apply to ICA for a Long-Term Visit Pass as the parent of a Singapore citizen or PR, sponsored by your child.
Can my parents-in-law get a Long-Term Visit Pass?
Not through ICA’s family route; ICA excludes parents-in-law.
Is healthcare free for foreign retirees?
No. Foreigners pay non-resident rates and need private insurance.
Read next
This page belongs to Moving to Singapore. Citizens and PRs planning their own retirement should read The Ledger’s CPF Explained.
Sources checked 29 September 2026: ICA, who can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass; Wise on retiring in Singapore; Expatica on retirement routes. General information, not immigration or financial advice. Last updated 29 September 2026.
