What’s in this article
- What is a Dependant’s Pass?
- What are the Requirements to Obtain Dependant Pass?
- What are the Documents Needed to Apply Dependant Pass?
- Who is Eligible to Apply for the Singapore Dependant Pass?
- Can a Dependant Pass Holder work in Singapore?
- Dependant Pass Holders vs. Business Owners
- Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore
- Letter of Consent (LOC) Application Process for DP Holders
- DP Holders: Start Your Business with These 2 Options
- Your Path from DP to an EP
- Why choose Paul Hype Page?
- FAQs
Employment Pass and S Pass holders can bring family members on Dependant’s Passes. 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 is a Dependant’s Pass?
Dependant’s 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 for them to bring their dependents into this country.
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.
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 follows.
| Family Member | Total Annual Business Spending (Minimum) | Employee Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Individuals who satisfy the eligibility criteria may petition for specific family members to join them.
| Dependant’s Pass Holder |
|
| Long-Term Visit Pass – Issued by MOM |
|
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 will need to apply this via the National Immunisation Registry before we can proceed with the DP application
- If studying in Singapore, provide school information and estimated dates (excluding nursery).
- Applicants with non-English documents need certified English translations.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the 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 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.
Can a Dependant Pass Holder work in Singapore?
Previously, all dependant pass holders who wish to work in Singapore could apply Letter of Consent (LOC) to start working.
Since May 2021, Dependant Pass holders can no longer work on LOCs. They must get a work pass. Here are the ways to do so depending on your current situation – an employee or a business owner.
For Dependant Pass Holders 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:
Letter of Consent (LOC) Application Process for DP Holders
For Dependant Pass (DP) holders who have the intention to start a business, there are two options available.
Renew your Dependant Pass before it expires to avoid penalties. Check MOM’s website or consult a professional for the latest information.
Dependant Pass Holders vs. Business Owners
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has specific conditions for LOC – DP holders to oblige if they wish to continue running their business without applying for Employment Pass (EP). The two conditions are:
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 get an LOC, you must be a sole proprietor, partner, or director owning at least 30% of an ACRA-registered company.
Since May 1, 2021, Dependant Pass holders must have an EP, S Pass, or Work Permit to work in Singapore. Existing holders with valid LOCs can continue until they expire.
Letter of Consent (LOC) Application Process for DP Holders
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Once application is submitted via EP Online, MOM will need another 1 to 3 weeks to assess the application made.
- 5
Once approved, the requester may retrieve the LOC confirmation letter via EP Online and the candidate can start working immediately after that.
DP Holders: Start Your Business with These 2 Options
Your Path from DP to an EP
Traditionally, DP holders opt for LOC instead of Employment Pass because of the rigid requirements. As they are unable to furnish most of the potential documentation needed to support the application.
Existing Businesses
If your business has been operating on a Letter of Credit (LOC) for several months, you may qualify for an Employment Pass. 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. Your company should easily provide the required documentation to its long-term clients.
New Businesses
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 in the documentation:
Existing LOC Holder with an Active Company
DP Holders: Company Incorporation
Why choose Paul Hype Page?
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
If you’re currently holding an LOC to operate your business, then yes, you definitely can!
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.
Yes you can! If you are already a company shareholder.
As a DP holder, you can own a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) in Singapore. 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.
