What Is a Dependant Pass (DP)?
A Dependant Pass is issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), allowing eligible family members (spouse and children) of S Pass or Employment Pass (EP) holders to live in Singapore. It enables families to stay together and provides access to healthcare and education.
Note: DP holders are not automatically allowed to work. They must apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) or other relevant work permits.
Family Relationship Requirements:
To qualify, the main pass holder must hold an EP or S Pass. Eligible dependants include:
- Spouse – Legally married.
- Children – Unmarried and under 21 years old, including stepchildren and adopted children.
Example:
Emma, an Australian marketing manager working in Singapore on an Employment Pass, can sponsor her legally married husband and their 8-year-old son for Dependant Passes. However, her 23-year-old daughter from a previous marriage does not qualify due to the age limit and would need to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass instead.
- The sponsor must earn at least SGD 6,000/month (subject to MOM updates).
- CPF contributions must be met.
- The sponsor is responsible for applying on behalf of their dependants and submitting accurate documentation.
Required Documents for DP Application
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Marriage or birth certificate (to prove relationship)
- Sponsor’s employment details (pass type, number, salary, etc.)
- Additional documents may be needed for adopted children.
Always refer to the MOM website for the most updated document checklist.
- Submit Online Application
Sponsor completes and submits via MOM’s portal. - Upload Supporting Documents
All required files must be scanned clearly and in the correct format. - Pay Application Fee
A non-refundable processing fee is required (usually paid by the employer or sponsor). - Wait for Processing
Applications generally take a few weeks. - Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Once approved, an IPA letter is issued, valid for six months. - Collect the Pass
After a biometric appointment, the physical pass is issued within a week. The applicant must be in Singapore to receive it.
- DPs can be renewed up to 6 months before expiry, but only after the main pass is renewed.
- Apply via MOM’s online portal.
- Updated documents (e.g., passport, marriage certificate) may be required.
Working:
DP holders can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) or work pass, depending on eligibility.
Studying:
DP holders can study full-time in Singapore without a Student Pass if enrolled in an approved institution.
Check with the institution for specific admission policies and tuition rates.
To qualify for an LOC, the applicant must:
- Hold a valid Dependant Pass.
- Have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
- Ensure the employing company submits the LOC application on their behalf.
Note: Since May 1, 2021, only DP holders who are business owners or working in key positions in their own companies are typically eligible for an LOC. Other DP holders may need to apply for a Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass instead, depending on the job role.
- Job offer secured – The DP holder must first find an employer willing to hire them.
- Employer applies – The hiring company submits the LOC application to MOM.
- Processing time – LOCs are usually processed within 1–3 weeks.
- Start work – Once approved, the DP holder can begin working.
Applying for a Dependant Pass (DP) in Singapore involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the main pass holder’s profile and your family’s plans. Requirements and approval chances may differ case by case. We recommend consulting with our advisors for more information on Pass applications and gaining a clearer understanding of the eligibility criteria and process.
