What is a Dependant's Pass in Singapore? A Dependant's Pass (DP) allows eligible family members of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders to live in Singapore. The sponsor must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000. Eligible dependants include the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. Application fee: S$105. Issuance fee: S$225. Processing takes 3 weeks (EP/S Pass dependants) or 6 weeks (other sponsor types).
S$6,000 fixed monthly
S$105 per pass
3–6 weeks
Key Takeaways
- S$6,000 Threshold: The sponsor must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000. Variable bonuses do not count.
- Eligible Family: Only legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for a DP.
- Work Rights: DP holders cannot work automatically; they need a separate work pass or Letter of Consent.
- Processing Time: Typically 3 weeks for EP/S Pass sponsors, but can take up to 6 weeks for others.
Fast Facts — Dependant's Pass Singapore 2026
Dependant's Pass Singapore 2026: Eligibility, Fees & How to Apply
If you are relocating to Singapore for work or planning to incorporate a company in Singapore, a Dependant's Pass (DP) is the primary mechanism to bring your spouse and children to live with you.
A Dependant's Pass is a long-term pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible family members of certain work pass holders to live in Singapore. The DP is tied to the sponsor's work pass validity — if the sponsor's Employment Pass or S Pass is cancelled or expires, the DP is also cancelled.
Unlike a tourist visa, a DP allows long-term residence and, with additional approval, limited work rights. The sponsor's employer typically initiates the application.
Table of Contents
What is a Dependant's Pass?
A Dependant's Pass (DP) allows eligible family members of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders to live in Singapore. The DP is tied to the sponsor's work pass validity — if the sponsor's work pass is cancelled or expires, the DP is also cancelled.
Who it is for
Family members of eligible EP or S Pass holders meeting the salary threshold.
What it allows
Long-term residence in Singapore for the duration of the sponsor's work pass.
Work rights
DP holders can work only after obtaining separate work authorisation from MOM.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for a Dependant's Pass has two components: the sponsor's qualifications and the dependant's relationship to the sponsor. Both must be satisfied.
Sponsor Requirements
- Hold a valid Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass
- Earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 (based on sponsor's salary only, not combined household income)
- Be employed by an established, Singapore-registered company
The MOM definition of fixed monthly salary includes basic salary and fixed monthly allowances (such as fixed food or housing allowances), but excludes variable allowances, overtime, bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, and employer CPF contributions.
MOM defines fixed monthly salary as basic monthly salary plus fixed monthly allowances. It does not include variable allowances, overtime, bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, or employer CPF contributions. If your salary is close to S$6,000, review the MOM definition carefully before applying.
Eligible Dependants
| Family member | Eligible for DP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legally married spouse | Yes | Marriage must be legally recognised in Singapore. |
| Unmarried children under 21 | Yes | Includes legally adopted children. |
| Common-law spouse / step-children | No | May qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead. |
| Parents or handicapped children | No | May qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead. |
Fees
MOM charges fees at two stages: when the application is submitted and when the pass is issued.
| Fee item | Amount (SGD) | When paid |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | S$105 | Per pass, when you submit the application |
| Issuance fee | S$225 | Per pass, when the pass is approved and issued |
| Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable) | S$30 | If required for the dependant's travel |
Payment methods: From 15 June 2026, MOM accepts PayNow, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex for online applications via EP eService.
Processing Time
MOM processing times vary by sponsor type. The estimates below apply to most straightforward cases.
EP or S Pass holders
Within 3 weeks for most cases.
EP (Sponsorship), PEP, or EntrePass
Within 6 weeks for most cases.
Complex cases or applications requiring additional document verification may take longer. Submitting complete, accurate documents with certified English translations (where required) is the most effective way to minimise delays.
Documents Required
MOM requires identity and relationship documents for each dependant. For non-English documents, upload the original together with an English translation as one combined file.
| Dependant type | Required documents |
|---|---|
| All dependants | Passport personal particulars page |
| Spouse | Marriage certificate (with English translation if not in English) |
| Child (biological) | Official birth certificate showing parents' names |
| Child (adopted) | Adoption order or relevant adoption documents |
For certain foreign-born children aged 12 and below applying for a new DP, a Verification of Vaccination Requirements document from the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) may be required. This applies where a DP expired or was cancelled for more than 30 days. Check MOM's documents page for exact criteria.
Common Reasons Why Dependant's Pass Applications Are Delayed or Rejected
- Salary misunderstanding – Including variable allowances, bonuses, or overtime in the fixed monthly salary calculation. MOM counts only basic salary and fixed monthly allowances.
- Incomplete marriage or birth documents – Missing pages, uncertified translations, or documents not clearly showing parents' names or marriage validity.
- Non-English documents without translations – Uploading original documents alone. MOM requires the original and an English translation as one combined file.
- Discrepancies in employment records – Sponsor's declared salary or employment history does not match CPF, bank statements, or tax filings.
- Weak sponsor profile – Newly incorporated company with no business activity, short employment history, or salary just meeting the S$6,000 threshold with no clear progression.
- Missing vaccination verification – For foreign-born children aged 12 and below, failure to obtain and submit the Verification of Vaccination Requirements document from CDA before application.
Most of these issues can be identified and corrected before submission. Terra Advisory Services reviews your documents and salary structure before filing to minimise rejection risk.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
For most families (dependants of EP and S Pass holders), the application is submitted via EP eService on the myMOM Portal. The sponsor's employer typically initiates the application.
Prepare documents
Gather passport copies, marriage certificate, birth certificates, and any required English translations.
Submit application via EP eService
Log in to EP eService on the myMOM Portal, complete the form, and upload all documents.
Pay application fee
Pay S$105 for each dependant at the time of submission.
Wait for MOM processing
Typical processing is 3 weeks (EP/S Pass dependants) or 6 weeks (other sponsor types).
Issue the pass after approval
Pay S$225 issuance fee per pass. If approved, the pass is issued electronically. The dependant must hold a valid immigration status before residing long-term in Singapore.
Can Dependant's Pass Holders Work in Singapore?
Yes, but additional work authorisation is required. A DP holder cannot work solely on the DP. Employers must apply for a separate work pass for the DP holder.
Employment Pass (EP)
DP holder must meet EP criteria. The DP must be cancelled before the EP can be issued.
S Pass
DP holder must meet S Pass criteria. The DP must be cancelled before the S Pass can be issued.
DP-Work Permit (DP-WP)
Validity tied to DP. No minimum salary. Quota and levy apply. Levy rates vary by sector, typically ranging from S$300 to S$950 per month.
Business Owner LOC (Exception)
DP holders who are sole proprietors, partners, or directors holding ≥30% shares in an ACRA-registered business can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to run their own business. Incorporate with us to facilitate this process.
Dependant's Pass vs Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
If a family member is not eligible for a Dependant's Pass, they may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead. The LTVP covers relationships not included in the DP framework, such as common-law spouses, step-children, parents, or handicapped children.
| Feature | Dependant's Pass (DP) | Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Relations | Legally married spouse, unmarried children < 21. | Common-law spouse, step-children, parents, handicapped children. |
| Sponsor Salary | Min. S$6,000 fixed monthly. | Min. S$6,000 (S$12,000+ often expected for parents). |
| Work Rights | Requires separate work pass (EP/S Pass/WP) or Business LOC. | Can apply for Letter of Consent (LOC) or Pre-approved LOC. |
| Validity | Tied strictly to sponsor's work pass. | Usually 1–2 years, renewable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Bringing Your Family to Singapore?
We can review your sponsor's pass type, salary, and family situation, then advise on eligibility and document readiness before you submit.
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If you do not fully understand the Singapore filing or documentation requirements, we will explain the relevant compliance steps before proceeding.
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Important Notice: While Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. endeavours to keep the content accurate and current, Singapore government policies, regulations, fees, and procedures may change at any time without prior notice. For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, please refer directly to official government sources. For the latest compliance and advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact Terra Advisory Services.
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Official sources used in this 2026 update: