Dependant's Pass Singapore: Eligibility, Application & Renewal Guide
Updated: Aug 25
TL;DR: A Dependant's Pass (DP) in Singapore allows the immediate family members of eligible work pass holders to live in Singapore. Eligible sponsors include Employment Pass, S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, and EntrePass holders who meet minimum salary thresholds. The DP must be renewed in line with the main pass holder's pass validity.
For many professionals relocating to Singapore, bringing their family along is not optional—it is essential. Singapore's Dependant's Pass scheme exists precisely for this purpose: to allow eligible work pass holders to bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to live in the country during their assignment.
The DP framework has specific eligibility requirements, application procedures, and renewal rules that vary depending on the type of pass the main applicant holds. This guide walks through the entire process—from eligibility to renewal—so families can plan their move clearly and confidently.
What Is a Dependant's Pass in Singapore?
A Dependant's Pass is a pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows the spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years of age) of eligible work pass holders to live in Singapore. The DP is tied to the main pass holder's employment—it is valid only as long as the main pass remains valid, and it must be cancelled if the main pass is cancelled or expires without renewal.
Dependant's Pass holders may live in Singapore but do not automatically have the right to work. To work, a DP holder must obtain separate work authorization—either a Letter of Consent (LOC) for certain pass types, or an appropriate work pass in their own right.
Who Is Eligible to Hold a Dependant's Pass in Singapore?
The following family members of eligible work pass holders may apply for a Dependant's Pass:
Spouse: Legally married spouse of the main pass holder. Common-law partners and unmarried partners do not qualify for a DP; they may be considered for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in some circumstances.
Unmarried children below 21: This includes legally adopted children and stepchildren, provided the legal relationship is properly documented.
Other dependants—such as parents, in-laws, or adult children—are not eligible for a Dependant's Pass. They may be considered under the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which is discussed later in this guide.
Who Can Apply to Bring Dependants to Singapore?
Not all work pass holders are eligible to sponsor a Dependant's Pass. Eligibility depends on the type of pass held and the salary of the main applicant.
Can Employment Pass holders bring dependants to Singapore?
Yes. Employment Pass (EP) holders earning at least S$6,000 per month are eligible to apply for Dependant's Passes for their spouse and unmarried children below 21. This salary threshold was updated by MOM effective September 2023.
EP holders earning between S$5,000 and S$5,999 per month may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their family members instead, subject to MOM's assessment.
Can S Pass holders bring dependants to Singapore?
S Pass holders can apply for Dependant's Passes only if they earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 (as of September 2023). Below this threshold, S Pass holders are not eligible to bring dependants on a DP. They may explore the LTVP for family members, subject to approval.
Can Personalised Employment Pass holders bring dependants to Singapore?
Yes. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders are eligible to apply for Dependant's Passes for their spouse and unmarried children below 21, provided they meet the relevant salary criteria tied to PEP eligibility.
Can EntrePass holders bring dependants to Singapore?
Yes, but with conditions. EntrePass holders must demonstrate that their business in Singapore meets certain milestones before they can sponsor a Dependant's Pass. MOM assesses these applications on a case-by-case basis, and not all EntrePass holders will be approved to bring dependants.
How Do You Apply for a Dependant's Pass in Singapore?
The main pass holder (or their employer, in some cases) applies for the Dependant's Pass on behalf of their family members. The application is submitted online through the MOM EP Online system.
What documents are typically required for a Dependant's Pass application?
The standard documents include:
Completed DP application form
Passport copies of the dependant(s)
Marriage certificate (for spouse applications)—certified translations required if not in English
Children's birth certificates (for child applications)—certified translations required if not in English
Documentary proof of legal adoption or guardianship, where applicable
Main pass holder's employment pass details
All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation. MOM reserves the right to request additional documents depending on the specific circumstances of the application.
How long does a Dependant's Pass application take?
For most EP and S Pass holders, MOM typically processes DP applications within three weeks. Processing times can vary. It is advisable to submit the application well in advance of the dependant's intended travel to Singapore.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder work in Singapore?
A DP holder does not automatically have the right to work in Singapore. The rules on work authorization depend on the type of pass the main holder has:
Spouses of EP holders: As of May 2023, spouses of most EP holders are required to obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore, or apply for their own work pass. MOM updated this policy to apply LOC requirements more broadly, reflecting a shift toward ensuring DP holders who wish to work obtain formal authorization.
Other DP holders: Must apply for their own work pass or LOC, depending on the employer's eligibility.
DP holders who work in Singapore without the appropriate authorization are in breach of their pass conditions, which can result in pass cancellation and other consequences.
What Is the Dependant's Pass Renewal Process in Singapore?
A Dependant's Pass is valid for the same duration as the main pass holder's work pass, up to a maximum of two years per renewal. When the main pass is renewed, the Dependant's Pass must also be renewed.
How do you renew a Dependant's Pass?
Renewal applications are submitted through MOM EP Online, typically by the main pass holder or their employer. The renewal application should be submitted at least six weeks before the current DP expires to avoid any lapse in status.
The documents required for renewal are similar to those for the initial application. If there have been changes in the family's circumstances—such as a divorce, a child turning 21, or a change in the main pass holder's employment—these must be declared and the relevant documentation updated.
What happens to the Dependant's Pass if the main pass holder changes jobs?
When an EP or S Pass holder changes employers, their existing pass is cancelled and a new pass is issued by the new employer. In most cases, the Dependant's Pass must also be cancelled and reapplied under the new employment. It is important to plan ahead so that dependants are not left in Singapore on a cancelled pass.
What happens to the Dependant's Pass if the main pass is cancelled?
If the main work pass is cancelled—whether due to resignation, termination, or other reasons—the Dependant's Pass is typically cancelled at the same time or shortly after. Dependant's Pass holders whose main pass has been cancelled should depart Singapore or regularize their status before the DP expires.
What Is the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) as an Alternative to the Dependant's Pass?
For family members who do not qualify for a Dependant's Pass, the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is an alternative that allows eligible individuals to live in Singapore for an extended period.
The LTVP is typically available for:
Common-law or unmarried partners of EP holders
Handicapped children above 21
Parents and parents-in-law of Singapore Citizens (the LTVP+ applies here, with enhanced benefits)
Step-children and legally adopted children in some circumstances where the DP is not applicable
The LTVP is issued by ICA (not MOM) and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. LTVP holders also do not have automatic work rights and must obtain separate authorization to work.
Unlike the Dependant's Pass, the LTVP is not automatically tied to the main pass holder's pass. Renewals and cancellations are assessed independently by ICA, though the holder's connection to the main pass holder remains a relevant factor.
LTVP holders who are married to Singapore Citizens may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+), which offers an in-principle approval letter for work authorization among other benefits, and may serve as a stepping stone toward Singapore PR in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About the
Dependant's Pass in Singapore
Can a Dependant's Pass holder enroll their children in Singapore schools?
Yes. Children holding a valid Dependant's Pass may enroll in Singapore schools, though international school fees typically apply to non-citizens and non-PRs. Entry to local government schools is subject to available vacancies and the school registration process.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder apply for Singapore PR?
Yes. Dependant's Pass holders may apply for Singapore PR under the Spouse/Child of a Singapore Citizen or PR scheme, or under other applicable schemes. Approval is at ICA's discretion and no outcome is guaranteed.
What is the minimum salary for an EP holder to bring a spouse to Singapore on a Dependant's Pass?
As of September 2023, the minimum fixed monthly salary for an EP holder to bring a spouse on a DP is S$6,000. EP holders earning between S$5,000 and S$5,999 may apply for an LTVP for their spouse instead.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder drive in Singapore?
A DP holder with a valid foreign driving license may drive in Singapore for up to 12 months. After that, they must obtain a Singapore driving license through the relevant process with the Traffic Police.
What should I do if my Dependant's Pass application is rejected?
MOM does not always provide specific reasons for DP rejections. If your application is rejected, you may wish to review whether all required documents were submitted accurately, and whether your eligibility criteria—particularly the salary threshold—have been met. You may reapply or consult a qualified Singapore immigration consultant for guidance.
Ready to Plan Your Family's Move to Singapore?
Bringing your family to Singapore requires careful planning—from confirming eligibility to timing the application correctly and understanding work authorization rules. For professionals navigating these decisions alongside their own work pass or PR journey, working with an experienced immigration professional can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
HCS Immigration has supported professionals from over 25 nationalities—employed at companies including Google, JP Morgan, DBS, and Grab—in navigating Singapore's immigration framework with clarity.
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