Singapore Dependant's Pass Guide
Eligibility, Application & Work Rights
What is the Dependant’s Pass?
The Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a vital visa for the families of foreign professionals, allowing the legally married spouse and children of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders to live together in Singapore. Consequently, it strengthens family unity and makes relocation a smoother process.
Who Can Apply for a Dependant’s Pass?
To qualify for a Singapore Dependant’s Pass, both the main work pass holder (sponsor) and the dependent must meet specific requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Therefore, understanding these rules is the first step.
Dependent Pass (DP): Sponsor & Family Eligibility
Meet these rules to qualify for a DP. Alternatively, if you do not meet them, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) may be an option.
EP or S Pass Holder Requirements Sponsor
- Hold a valid Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass.
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000.
- The employer or an approved employment agency submits the DP application.
Eligible Family Members Dependants
Dependants who can apply include:
- Spouse: Must be legally married.
- Children: Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.
How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass
The application process is simple — however, careful preparation helps prevent delays.
Step 1 – Prepare Documents
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First, you must gather all necessary documents. For instance, this includes:
- Dependant's passport details page.
- Marriage certificate (for spouses).
- Birth or adoption certificates (for children).
- Vaccination records (for children, if required).
- English translations for non-English documents.
Step 2 – Submit the Application
After that, the employer or an authorised agency applies through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) myMOM portal.
Step 3 – Wait for Processing
Subsequently, MOM typically processes Dependant's Pass applications in about three weeks.
Step 4 – Receive Approval
If approved, MOM then issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that allows dependants to enter Singapore..
Step 5 – Complete Registration
Following this, dependants may need to register their fingerprints and photo at MOM's Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
Step 6 – Collect the DP Card
Finally, once registration is complete, the Dependant's Pass card is mailed to the employer or authorised representative.
Dependant’s Pass for Newborns
- You must apply for a DP within six weeks of birth.
- First, register the birth with ICA to obtain a Special Pass (42 days).
- Then, secure the baby's passport and submit the DP application before the Special Pass expires.
Ultimately, you must act quickly to ensure the newborn's stay in Singapore remains legal and uninterrupted.
Can Dependant’s Pass Holders Work in Singapore?
Work rights for Dependant's Pass (DP) holders changed on 1 May 2021. As a result, DP holders no longer receive automatic work authorisation via a Letter of Consent (LOC). Instead, they must now qualify for and hold their own work pass..
Current Rules for DP Holders
Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to work in Singapore must now hold an independent work pass.
- Employment options: Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Work Permit.
- Employer’s responsibility: The hiring company submits the work pass application through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- Business owners: In some cases, eligible DP holders who run a business may apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to continue operating.
How Work Pass Affects the DP
- It is important to understand how getting a new work pass impacts your Dependant's Pass. For instance, when a DP holder is granted an Employment Pass or S Pass, their Dependant's Pass is cancelled. Their right to stay and work now follows the new pass.
- There is a notable exception for Work Permits. If a DP holder is approved for a Work Permit, they may hold both a DP and a Work Permit at the same time. Nevertheless, the Work Permit's validity still depends on the DP remaining valid.
Benefits and Limitations of the Dependant's Pass
- Keeps your family together in Singapore.
- Provides access to healthcare and education services.
- Offers a clear pathway for dependants to work, provided they obtain their own pass.
Important Limitations
- No automatic work rights.
- Dependant’s Pass validity depends entirely on the sponsor’s work pass.
- Sponsor must meet the salary requirement of at least S$6,000 per month.
Dependant’s Pass (DP) – Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Requirements
1. Who is eligible for a Dependant’s Pass?
A Dependant’s Pass is specifically for the immediate family members of an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder. Consequently, eligible family members include your legally married spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years of age (including legally adopted children).
2. What is the minimum salary required to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass?
In order to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass for your family members, you must be an Employment Pass or S Pass holder earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000. Ultimately, this ensures you have the financial capability to support your dependants in Singapore.
3. What is the difference between a Dependant’s Pass and a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
A Dependant’s Pass is for the spouse and children of an EP or S Pass holder. In contrast, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applies to other family members such as common-law spouses, step-children, or parents who do not qualify for a DP. Therefore, the eligibility and salary criteria differ for each pass type.
Application & Validity
4. How long is a Dependant’s Pass valid for?
The Dependant’s Pass validity is directly tied to the main pass holder’s Employment Pass or S Pass. As a result, when the main pass is renewed, the Dependant’s Pass must also be renewed.
5. What happens to the Dependant’s Pass if the main pass holder loses their job?
If the main Employment Pass or S Pass is canceled, then all linked Dependant’s Passes will also be canceled. In this situation, DP holders usually receive a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) to arrange departure or find alternative stay options.
6. Can I apply for a Dependant’s Pass at the same time as the main work pass?
Yes, you can certainly apply for the Dependant’s Pass concurrently with the main Employment Pass or S Pass application, or separately after approval. In fact, submitting both together often streamlines the process for families.
Living in Singapore: Work & Study
7. Can a Dependant’s Pass holder work in Singapore?
Yes, but they cannot work with the Dependant’s Pass alone. For instance, if a DP holder wishes to work in Singapore, their prospective employer must apply for a separate work pass, such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit — depending on qualifications and the job offered.
8. Can my child study in a local school on a Dependant’s Pass?
Yes, a child on a Dependant’s Pass can attend a local or international school in Singapore. However, for local schools, a Student’s Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is typically required after a school place is offered.