What’s in this article
- What are the requirements to obtain Dependant Pass?
- What are the documents needed to apply Dependant Pass?
- Who is Eligible to Apply for Singapore Dependant Pass?
- How to Apply for Singapore Dependant Pass?
- What is the timeline for a Dependant Pass application?
- How can Dependant Pass work in Singapore?
- Renewing Your Singapore Dependant Pass
- Cancelling Your Singapore Dependant Pass
- Appealing Your Singapore Dependant Pass
- For Dependant Pass holders who are business owners:
- What is a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore:
- Steps to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for DP holders:
- For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available:
- Converting your Singapore Dependant’s Pass to Employment Pass
- I am not a Degree holder, will I have the chance to hold an Employment Pass?
- I have tried applying for an Employment Pass before and it was rejected. How will engaging Paul Hype Page make a difference?
- FAQs
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?
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 |
Those who meet the criteria are eligible to bring in certain family members:
Dependant’s Pass Holder
Long Term Visit Pass – Issued by MOM
Long Term Visit Pass – Issued by MOM
What are the documents needed to apply Dependant Pass?
There are two parts for this section:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Steps to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for DP holders:
For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available:
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:
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:-
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:
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:
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:
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:
For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available:
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:
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:
There will be two scenarios on the documentations:
Existing LOC holder with Active Company:
DP holder who wishes to incorporate a Company:
I am not a Degree holder, will I have the chance to hold an Employment Pass?
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:
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.
FAQs
Can, if you are already a company shareholder.
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.
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: