Singapore Dependant's Pass Guide 2023

Work pass holders (especially Employment Pass and S Pass) have the privilege to bring in certain family members under the Dependant’s Pass (DP). There are certain requirements the Employment Pass or S Pass holder has to meet before applying for Dependant’s Passes.

Once the main pass – Employment Pass or S Pass is approved, the DP application will be smooth from thereon.

What are the requirements to obtain Dependant Pass?

Employment Pass or S Pass holder
Earn a minimum of SGD$ 6,000 monthly
Are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered Company (your employing Company)

If you’re an EntrePass holder, there’s a different requirement that needs to be met as follow:

To bring your	Your total annual business spending must be at least	You must employ at least
Spouse (common-law or legally married) Children	$100,000	3 LQS (full-time employees, formerly known as FTE) OR 1 local PME (professional, manager or executive)
Parents	$200,000	6 LQS OR 2 local PMEs

To bring your

Your total annual business spending must be at least

You must employ at least

Spouse (common-law or legally married)

Children

$100,000

3 LQS (full-time employees, formerly known as FTE)

1 local PME (professional, manager or executive)

Parents

$200,000

6 LQS

2 local PMEs

Those who meet the criteria are eligible to bring in certain family members:

Dependant’s Pass Holder

Legally married spouse (Marriage certificate is needed to apply)
Unmarried children under 21 years old, including those legally adopted

Long Term Visit Pass – Issued by MOM

Common-law spouse
Unmarried handicapped children above 21 years old
Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old
Parents of EP holder

Long Term Visit Pass – Issued by MOM

Common-law spouse
Unmarried handicapped children above 21 years old
Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old
Parents of EP holder

What are the documents needed to apply Dependant Pass?

There are two parts for this section:

Spouse:
- Marriage certificate (State EP holder full name and partner)
- Latest passport copy
- Education certificate
- Previous work pass (EP / S Pass / DP / WP – if any)
Children:
- Latest passport copy
- Previous Singapore visa (DP – if any)
- Health Promotion Board (HPB) report – Foreign born children under the age of 12 years old will need to apply this via the National Immunisation Registrybefore we can proceed with the DP application
- If applicant will be studying in Singapore, school information as well as estimated start and end date is needed (Nursery not included)
- Applicants who hold non-English documents or certificates are required to submit a copy of the original papers and the official English translation certified by the respective embassy.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Singapore Dependant Pass?

The Singapore Dependant Pass (DP) allows immediate family members of eligible individuals to reunite with them in Singapore. Here are the general guidelines for who is eligible to apply for a Singapore Dependant Pass:

Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder: The EP or S Pass holder must earn a minimum monthly salary to be eligible to bring their family members to Singapore on a Dependant Pass.
Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR): Singapore citizens and PRs can apply for a Dependant Pass to bring their family members to Singapore.
Common-law spouse, stepchild, or handicapped child of an EP or S Pass holder: In certain circumstances, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may consider granting a Dependant Pass to a common-law spouse, stepchild, or handicapped child of an EP or S Pass holder.
Unmarried or legally adopted children (aged 21 years and above) of an EP or S Pass holder: In exceptional cases, the MOM may consider granting a Dependant Pass to unmarried or legally adopted children above the age of 21, subject to certain conditions.

It’s important to note that the above guidelines are general, and there may be additional criteria and requirements specific to each individual case. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore is responsible for assessing and approving Dependant Pass applications. It is advisable to refer to the MOM website or consult with an immigration specialist for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility criteria and application processes.

How to Apply for Singapore Dependant Pass?

Here’s how you can apply for the Singapore Dependant Pass:

Eligibility check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Dependant Pass. Typically, this involves being the spouse or unmarried child of an eligible Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder, a Singapore Citizen (SC), or a Permanent Resident (PR). Verify the specific requirements on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website
Submission by the sponsor: The sponsor, who is usually the EP or S Pass holder or the SC/PR, must initiate the application on behalf of the dependant. The sponsor will need to log in to the respective pass application system (EP Online or PR Online) using their SingPass.
Complete the application form: Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date information. You will need to provide details such as personal particulars, travel documents, employment details, and family relationships.
Required documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
- A copy of the dependant’s passport biodata page.
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for child).
- Sponsor’s employment-related documents (e.g., Employment Pass or S Pass, or proof of Singaporean citizenship or PR status).
- Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances (e.g., common-law relationship proof, handicapped child certification).
Submit the application: Once the application form and supporting documents are ready, submit them electronically through the EP Online or PR Online system. Pay the necessary application fees, which can also be done online.
Application processing: The MOM will review the application and may request additional information if needed. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. You can check the application status online.
In-principle approval (IPA): If the application is approved, the sponsor will receive an In-Principle Approval letter. This letter is valid for six months and will specify the collection instructions for the Dependant Pass.
Collection of the Dependant Pass: The sponsor or an authorized representative can collect the Dependant Pass in person from the MOM office in Singapore. The dependant will need to be present during the collection and will be required to submit biometric data (e.g., fingerprints and photo).

What is the timeline for a Dependant Pass application?

Once the Employment Pass / S Pass is approved and an In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter is issued by MOM, you can submit an application for a Dependant Pass.

The standard timeline needed for MOM to assess the initial application submitted will be 1 to 3 weeks.

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How can Dependant Pass work in Singapore?

Previously, all dependant pass holders who wish to work in Singapore can apply Letter of Consent (LOC) to start working.

However, effective from May 2021, MOM has revised the dependant pass legal framework and stated that Dependant Pass holders are no longer given the privilege to work via Letter of Consent (LOC), but instead, must apply a valid work pass.

Here are the ways to do so depending on your current situation – an employee or a business owner.

For dependent pass holders who are currently working in a Singapore-registered company

You should request for their employing company to apply for a work pass such as the Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit (WP).

Pass Type	Employment Pass	S Pass	Work Permit (WP)
Who is it for?	Foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore registered Company	Mid-skilled foreign employees	Semi-skilled foreign workers from approved source countries
Who can apply?	Employer or appointed agent	Employer or appointed agent	Employer or appointed agent
Duration of the pass?	1 to 3 years	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years, depending on validity of passport, security bond and employment period
Salary range?	SGD$ 5,000 above	SGD$ 3,000	No minimum salary
Renewable?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can bring in family members?	Yes	Yes	No
Foreign worker levy or quota?	None	Yes, employers are subject to quota and levy	Employers are limited by quota for their industry and must pay monthly levy for each worker
Medical insurance	None	Yes, employers must provide medical insurance	Yes, employers must provide medical insurance

*These salaries are effective from Sep 2022.

For Dependant Pass holders who are business owners:

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has specific conditions for LOC – DP holder to oblige if they wish to continue running their business without applying for Employment Pass (EP). The two conditions are:

A sole proprietor/partner/one of the Director of an ACRA registered Company with at least 30% of shares within the Company
The Company has at least one local Singapore or PR employee earning at least SGD$ 1,400 with CPF contribution for the recent 3 months

Steps to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for DP holders:

Employer or appointed third party agent is able to submit an online request to apply the Letter of Consent (LOC) on behalf of the dependant pass (DP) holder. This submission is for both new application as well as renewal application.
Once application is made, MOM will need at least 1 week to assess the application made before an outcome is furnished via email to requester.
If the online request is approved by MOM, the requester is now allowed to proceed with putting in a new LOC application / renewal LOC application via EP Online.
Once application is submitted via EP Online, MOM will need another 1 to 3 weeks to assess the application made.
Once approved, the requester may retrieve the LOC confirmation letter via EP Online and the candidate can start working immediately after that.

For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available:

Incorporate a Company and apply an employment pass to be the sole owner of said Company [Highly recommended solution]
Incorporate a Company and become a sole proprietor or partner or one of the directors who holds at least 30% of shares within the Company. The Company must also have at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR) employee who earns SGD$1,400 with CPF contribution for the next 3 months

Renewing Your Singapore Dependant Pass

If you are currently holding a Singapore Dependant Pass and it is expiring soon, you may need to renew it to continue staying in Singapore legally. Here are the general steps to renew your Singapore Dependant Pass:

Eligibility check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for renewing the Dependant Pass. Typically, this involves being the spouse or unmarried child of an eligible Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder, a Singapore Citizen (SC), or a Permanent Resident (PR). Verify the specific requirements on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Application submission: The renewal application can be submitted through the same EP Online or PR Online system that was used to apply for the original Dependant Pass. The sponsor, who is usually the EP or S Pass holder or the SC/PR, must initiate the renewal application on behalf of the dependant.
Complete the renewal form: Fill out the renewal application form with accurate and up-to-date information. You will need to provide details such as personal particulars, travel documents, employment details, and family relationships.
Required documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
- A copy of the dependant’s passport biodata page.
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for child).
- Sponsor’s employment-related documents (e.g., Employment Pass or S Pass, or proof of Singaporean citizenship or PR status).
- Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances (e.g., common-law relationship proof, handicapped child certification).
Submit the renewal application: Once the renewal application form and supporting documents are ready, submit them electronically through the EP Online or PR Online system. Pay the necessary renewal fees, which can also be done online.
Application processing: The MOM will review the renewal application and may request additional information if needed. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. You can check the application status online.
In-principle approval (IPA): If the renewal application is approved, the sponsor will receive an In-Principle Approval letter. This letter is valid for six months and will specify the collection instructions for the renewed Dependant Pass.
Collection of the renewed Dependant Pass: The sponsor or an authorized representative can collect the renewed Dependant Pass in person from the MOM office in Singapore. The dependant will need to be present during the collection and will be required to submit biometric data (e.g., fingerprints and photo).

It is crucial to apply for the renewal before the current Dependant Pass expires to avoid any penalties or potential legal issues. The application process and requirements may change over time, so it is advisable to visit the MOM website or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

Cancelling Your Singapore Dependant Pass

You may wish to cancel your Dependant Pass when you want to relocate to other countries or go back to your original country. The termination process is straightforward and it should be done completely before you exit from Singapore. On this note, we have prepared the following steps as a guideline for you to follow:-

1. Notify the sponsor: Promptly inform the sponsor, typically the Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder, or the Singapore Citizen (SC)/Permanent Resident (PR), about your decision to cancel the Dependant Pass. Provide them with a formal written notification, expressing your intent to cancel and indicating the desired cancellation date. It is essential to maintain clear and professional communication throughout the process.
Gather required documentation: Review the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) guidelines to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information for the cancellation process. These may include your passport copy, Dependant Pass card, and any other supporting documents as specified by the MOM.
Contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Initiate contact with the MOM by either calling their designated helpline or sending an official email. Clearly state your intention to cancel the Dependant Pass, provide your personal details, and request guidance on the subsequent steps to follow.
Submit required documents: Prepare and submit the required documentation as outlined by the MOM. This may involve completing specific forms provided by the MOM, furnishing a copy of your passport identification page, returning the Dependant Pass card, and supplying any other supporting documents deemed necessary. Ensure that all submitted documents are accurate, complete, and adhere to the MOM’s guidelines.
Monitor the cancellation process: Maintain regular communication with the MOM and inquire about the status of your cancellation request. Promptly respond to any additional requests for information or clarification that may arise during the process. Adhering to deadlines and providing timely responses will facilitate a smooth cancellation process.
Confirm the cancellation: Upon receiving confirmation from the MOM regarding the successful cancellation of your Dependant Pass, make note of the cancellation date provided. Ensure that you cease all activities related to your Dependant Pass and make appropriate arrangements to depart Singapore or transition to an alternative immigration status, if necessary.

Appealing Your Singapore Dependant Pass

In case your application for a Singapore Dependant Pass has been rejected by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), you have the option to submit an appeal. Here’s a suggested approach to follow:

Thoroughly examine the rejection letter: Carefully review the contents of the rejection letter issued by the MOM. Pay close attention to the specific reasons provided for the denial. This will enable you to gain a clear understanding of the grounds on which your application was turned down, allowing you to structure your appeal effectively.
Assess your eligibility for an appeal: Verify whether you meet the criteria for filing an appeal. Typically, MOM entertains appeals when there are compelling circumstances or additional information that was not previously considered. Evaluate whether your case fits these conditions before proceeding with the appeal process.
Address the reasons for rejection: Develop a strong case by addressing the concerns raised in the rejection letter. Take the opportunity to provide any relevant information or documentation that can help refute or clarify the points mentioned by MOM. Ensure that your appeal demonstrates how you meet the eligibility requirements and effectively addresses any previous shortcomings identified in the initial application.
Construct a well-structured appeal letter: Prepare a formal and concise appeal letter addressing the MOM. Start with a professional salutation and state the purpose of the letter clearly. Briefly summarize the reasons for the rejection, emphasizing your intention to provide additional information to support your case. Present your arguments logically, with supporting evidence, and maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout.
Include supporting documents: Attach any relevant supporting documents that strengthen your case. This could include updated employment details, additional financial documentation, educational certificates, testimonials, or any other information that enhances your appeal. Ensure that all documents are properly organized and clearly labeled for easy reference.
Follow up: After submitting your appeal, it is advisable to follow up with MOM to confirm receipt of your appeal and inquire about the timeline for the review process. This demonstrates your commitment and allows you to stay informed about the progress of your appeal.

Remember to tailor your appeal to your specific circumstances, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in your written communication. While appealing a decision can be a challenging process, presenting a well-structured case and providing compelling evidence may increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

For Dependant Pass holders who are business owners:

A sole proprietor/partner/one of the Director of an ACRA registered Company with at least 30% of shares within the Company
The Company has at least one local Singapore or PR employee earning at least SGD$ 1,400 with CPF contribution for the recent 3 months

What is a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore:

In Singapore, a Letter of Consent (LOC) is an official certificate of authorisation issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It permits eligible Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or LTVP+ holders and certain categories of business owners to work for a Singapore-based company.

To qualify for a LOC, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include being a sole proprietor, partner, or company director with a minimum 30% shareholding stake in an ACRA registered business.

As of May 1st, 2021, Dependant Pass holders are no longer eligible for a LOC and must obtain an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Work Permit to work in Singapore. However, existing Dependant Pass holders with a valid LOC can continue working until it expires, after which their employer will need to apply for a suitable work visa.

Steps to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for DP holders:

Employer or appointed third party agent is able to submit an online request to apply the Letter of Consent (LOC) on behalf of the dependant pass (DP) holder. This submission is for both new application as well as renewal application.
Once application is made, MOM will need at least 1 week to assess the application made before an outcome is furnished via email to requester.
If the online request is approved by MOM, the requester is now allowed to proceed with putting in a new LOC application / renewal LOC application via EP Online.
Once application is submitted via EP Online, MOM will need another 1 to 3 weeks to assess the application made.
Once approved, the requester may retrieve the LOC confirmation letter via EP Online and the candidate can start working immediately after that.

For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available:

Incorporate a Company and apply an employment pass to be the sole owner of said Company [Highly recommended solution]
Incorporate a Company and become a sole proprietor or partner or one of the directors who holds at least 30% of shares within the Company. The Company must also have at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR) employee who earns SGD$1,400 with CPF contribution for the next 3 months

Converting your Singapore Dependant’s Pass to Employment Pass

Traditionally, DP holders opted for LOC instead of Employment Pass because of the rigid requirements and they are unable to furnish most of the potential documentation needed to support the application.

If you have an existing business

If your business has been operational for a few months to a year while you were on LOC, you definitely have the chance to boost for an EP approval. As an active company, you would be able to provide these:

Tax filing records with IRAS
Annual return filing records with ACRA
Proof of invoice issued to clients
Proof of payments made into company bank account

MOM can track the Company records such as tax filing and annual return filing via ACRA and IRAS directly. Then, since your Company has managed to secure and maintain contracts with your clients throughout the years, it will be a piece of cake to furnish them the proof of documentations needed.

If you wish to start your own new business

DP holders in Singapore who wish to start a new business have two prominent advantages in applying for an EP:

Physical presence in Singapore allows you to search for business opportunities or clients easier
Easily open a company bank account to inject paid up capital

Tips: We are able to fund the company with up to $300,000 to secure a higher approval rate.

There will be two scenarios on the documentations:

Existing LOC holder with Active Company:

Dependant pass (front and back) – Ensure still valid for at least 6 months
Latest passport copy
Latest Company ACRA bizfile
Education certificate (If its not in English, kindly furnish the official translated copy together with the original copy)
Membership card (if any)
Contracts secured with clients – Ensure the duration and contract value is available
Tenancy agreement

DP holder who wishes to incorporate a Company:

Dependant pass (front and back) – Ensure still valid for at least 6 months
Latest passport copy
Latest Company ACRA bizfile
Education certificate (If its not in English, kindly furnish the official translated copy together with the original copy)
Membership card (if any)
Business plan
Letter of intents with potential clients
Tenancy agreement

I am not a Degree holder, will I have the chance to hold an Employment Pass?

If you’re currently holding an LOC to operate your business, then yes, you definitely have the chance.

MOM will be most likely to request additional documents to support your Employment Pass application. By engaging with Paul Hype Page team, we will ensure that the documents requested by MOM are well prepared according to the guideline and ensure it covers the potential red flags to smoothen the EP process.

I have tried applying for an Employment Pass before and it was rejected. How will engaging Paul Hype Page make a difference?

Paul Hype Page has continuously been processing Employment Passes for clients, while maintaining high 85% success rates. This is largely contributed by our insight:

We identify potential documents MOM would likely request
Preparation of documents based on MOM guidelines (we know what they want to see)
Our working templates for business plans etc. To help you along
Customised tenancy agreements
Funding solutions

Overall, our mission has always been to find solutions for our clients. If MOM were to reject the application, we will discuss with MOM to understand further on the reason behind it and prepare the expected documentations to boost up the approval chance.

Tips: MOM officers prioritise speaking to employment agents instead of individuals. They have such high traffic, speaking with experienced agents moves their cases along faster.

FAQs

As a Company Shareholder can I Apply for Employment Pass?Timothy2020-06-22T14:49:13+08:00

As a Company Shareholder can I Apply for Employment Pass?

Can, if you are already a company shareholder.

Can Dependent Pass Holder Start A Business In SingaporeTimothy2020-06-22T14:48:45+08:00

Can Dependent Pass Holder Start A Business In Singapore

As a DP holder, you can own a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore. There are several advantages choosing to incorporate a Private Limited Company. A Pte Ltd enjoys more favorable tax rates, legal protection and easier access to capital. The downside of a Private Limited Company is they come with high compliance and operation costs.

What is a Dependant Pass?Timothy2020-06-22T14:47:11+08:00

What is a Dependant Pass?

Dependant Pass (DP) is a permit that allows spouses and kids of individuals who possess an Employment Pass or SPass to join them in Singapore. Legally married partners and children who are under the age of 21 are allowed to apply for this permit. However, holders of the employment pass must be earning a minimum of S$6,000 per month (as of 1 January 2018) for them to bring their dependents into this country.

NOTE: If a member of your immediate family (spouse and children) is a holder of the Singapore S Pass, he or she will not qualify for a Dependant Permit (DP).

An individual with a DP is eligible for employment in any organization or industry in Singapore. The marriage partner of an individual with employment pass (EP) can get a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore.

Before you can be issued with a Dependant Pass, you must meet certain criteria:

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Singapore Dependant’s Pass: Requirements, Documents & Work Opportunities

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