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?
Recent Changes to Work Rights
Work rights for Dependant's Pass (DP) holders changed on 1 May 2021. Previously, many DP holders received automatic work authorisation via a Letter of Consent (LOC).
However, as of this date, DP holders must now qualify for and hold their own work pass. As a result, the process and requirements for working in Singapore as a DP holder have changed significantly.
Current Rules for DP Holders
If you are a Dependant’s Pass holder who wishes to work in Singapore, you must now hold an independent work pass. This means you cannot work automatically on your DP.
- Employment options: You may apply for an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Work Permit, depending on your job and qualifications.
- Employer’s responsibility: Your hiring company is responsible for submitting the work pass application through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Therefore, it is crucial to work closely with your employer during this process.
- Business owners: In certain cases, eligible DP holders who run their own business may still apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to continue operating. However, this is only possible if you meet specific criteria.
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 will now follow the new pass.
- However, 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): Eligibility & Requirements
What is a Dependant’s Pass?
A Dependant’s Pass (DP) allows specific family members of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders to reside in Singapore. However, eligibility, application procedures, and conditions differ depending on your relationship to the main pass holder. Therefore, it is crucial to understand all requirements before applying.
Who is eligible for a DP?
Only immediate family members of an EP or S Pass holder can apply for a DP. This includes your legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, including adopted children. As a result, other relatives, such as parents or common-law spouses, are not eligible for a DP.
Minimum Salary Requirement
To sponsor a DP, the main pass holder must earn at least S$6,000 per month. Additionally, higher salaries may allow the main pass holder to sponsor more family members through other pass types.
Dependant’s Pass vs. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
A DP is meant for a spouse and children of an EP or S Pass holder. In contrast, the LTVP is designed for other family members, including common-law spouses, step-children, or parents. Therefore, always verify which pass best suits your family’s needs before starting the application process.
Dependant’s Pass (DP): Application & Renewal
How do you apply for a DP?
You can apply for a DP either together with the main EP or S Pass application, or after the main pass is approved. In fact, applying at the same time often streamlines the process for families and reduces waiting times. Make sure all required documents are ready to avoid unnecessary delays.
Validity period of a Dependant’s Pass
The DP is valid for as long as the main pass holder’s EP or S Pass is valid. Consequently, when the main pass is renewed, the DP must also be renewed. Planning ahead can help prevent lapses in your legal stay.
What happens if the main pass holder loses their job?
If the main pass holder’s EP or S Pass is canceled, all linked DPs are canceled as well. Usually, DP holders receive a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP), which allows time to make alternative arrangements or prepare for departure. Therefore, it’s wise to have a backup plan.
Living, Working, and Studying in Singapore on a DP
Can DP holders work in Singapore?
A DP alone does not give the right to work. However, if a DP holder wants to be employed, the employer must apply for a separate work pass—such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit. Therefore, always check the latest regulations before seeking employment as a DP holder.
Can children on a DP attend school in Singapore?
Yes, children holding a DP can attend both local and international schools in Singapore. However, for local schools, a Student’s Pass from ICA is usually required after a place is offered. Consequently, it is important to clarify requirements with the school in advance.
Further resources
If you have questions about other family members or special cases, please visit the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) guidelines on the Ministry of Manpower website. Additionally, you may wish to consult an immigration specialist for complex situations.