IMMIGRATION / DEPENDANT’S PASS
Dependant’s Pass (DP) Application in Singapore
The Dependant’s Pass allows your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to live in Singapore with you while you work here. It’s tied to your Employment Pass, S Pass, PEP, or ONE Pass — and requires a minimum salary of $6,000/month.
Bringing your family to Singapore shouldn’t be stressful. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on settling in together.
Application
From $800
Renewal
From $500
Bringing your family to Singapore shouldn’t be stressful. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on settling in together.
Full application preparation and submission
Document compilation and verification
Newborn DP applications
Renewal management
LOC advisory for working spouses
What’s included in our Dependant’s Pass service
PRE-APPLICATION
APPLICATION
POST-APPROVAL
SPECIAL CASES
Government fee: $105 per application. Issuance fee: $225. Payable directly to MOM.
How it works
Pricing
SELECT SERVICES
Dependant’s Pass —
Per Applicant
From $800
Dependant’s Pass — Family Bundle
(spouse + children)
From $1,500
DP Renewal —
Per Applicant
From $500
Newborn DP
Application
From $600
DP
Cancellation
From $200
Who is eligible for a Dependant’s Pass?
Sponsor Requirements
You must hold one of the following passes and earn at least $6,000/month in fixed salary:
— Employment Pass (EP)
— S Pass
— Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
— ONE Pass
EntrePass holders have different eligibility — dependants are only eligible after meeting first-year renewal milestones (minimum $150,000 business spending + 4 full-time local employees).
— Employment Pass (EP)
— S Pass
— Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
— ONE Pass
EntrePass holders have different eligibility — dependants are only eligible after meeting first-year renewal milestones (minimum $150,000 business spending + 4 full-time local employees).
Eligible Dependants
— Legally married spouse
— Unmarried children under 21 years old (including legally adopted children)
Parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren, and children over 21 are not eligible for DP — they may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead.
— Unmarried children under 21 years old (including legally adopted children)
Parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren, and children over 21 are not eligible for DP — they may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead.
Important: DP Holders Wanting To Work
Since 1 May 2021, DP holders who want to work in Singapore generally need to obtain their own qualifying work pass (EP, S Pass, or Work Permit). The previous broad use of Letters of Consent (LOC) for DP spouses has ended.
Exceptions remain for DP holders who want to operate a business (LOC for business owners with 30%+ shareholding). Spouses of ONE Pass holders can work via an LOC without needing a separate work pass.
We advise on the best route for working spouses as part of every DP application.
Exceptions remain for DP holders who want to operate a business (LOC for business owners with 30%+ shareholding). Spouses of ONE Pass holders can work via an LOC without needing a separate work pass.
We advise on the best route for working spouses as part of every DP application.
What families need to know
Can my spouse work in Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass?
This is the most common question we get about the DP, and the answer changed significantly in May 2021.
Before May 2021, DP holders could obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work for any employer relatively easily.
Since May 2021, DP holders who want to work generally need their own qualifying work pass — an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit. This means meeting the salary and qualification requirements of those passes independently.
There are two exceptions:
1.Business owners: DP holders can still get an LOC to operate their own Singapore-registered business if they hold at least 30% shareholding.
2.Spouses of ONE Pass holders: They can work via an LOC without needing a separate work pass — a significant advantage of the ONE Pass.
If your spouse wants to work, we assess their profile and advise on the best route — whether that’s an EP application, an LOC for business, or exploring the ONE Pass option for the primary pass holder.
Before May 2021, DP holders could obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work for any employer relatively easily.
Since May 2021, DP holders who want to work generally need their own qualifying work pass — an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit. This means meeting the salary and qualification requirements of those passes independently.
There are two exceptions:
1.Business owners: DP holders can still get an LOC to operate their own Singapore-registered business if they hold at least 30% shareholding.
2.Spouses of ONE Pass holders: They can work via an LOC without needing a separate work pass — a significant advantage of the ONE Pass.
If your spouse wants to work, we assess their profile and advise on the best route — whether that’s an EP application, an LOC for business, or exploring the ONE Pass option for the primary pass holder.
DP vs LTVP — which pass for which family member?
Dependant’s Pass:
— For: legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21
— Sponsor must earn $6,000+/month
— Tied to the sponsor’s work pass validity
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP):
— For: common-law spouse, stepchildren, unmarried children over 21 with disabilities, parents
— Parents: sponsor must earn $12,000+/month
— Also tied to the sponsor’s work pass validity
If a family member doesn’t qualify for a DP (e.g., they’re a parent, a common-law partner, or a child over 21), the LTVP is the alternative route. We assess each family member individually and recommend the right pass.
— For: legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21
— Sponsor must earn $6,000+/month
— Tied to the sponsor’s work pass validity
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP):
— For: common-law spouse, stepchildren, unmarried children over 21 with disabilities, parents
— Parents: sponsor must earn $12,000+/month
— Also tied to the sponsor’s work pass validity
If a family member doesn’t qualify for a DP (e.g., they’re a parent, a common-law partner, or a child over 21), the LTVP is the alternative route. We assess each family member individually and recommend the right pass.
What about schools for my children?
Children on a Dependant’s Pass can apply to both public and private schools in Singapore.
Public schools: DP holders are eligible to apply, with priority after citizens and PRs. Admission is not guaranteed — it depends on availability at the specific school. Registration is through the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Private and international schools: No restrictions for DP holders. Singapore has excellent international schools, though fees are significant.
For children attending university, a Student Pass may be required for courses longer than the DP validity. For shorter courses, the DP remains sufficient.
We can provide guidance on school options as part of our broader expat settling-in services.
Public schools: DP holders are eligible to apply, with priority after citizens and PRs. Admission is not guaranteed — it depends on availability at the specific school. Registration is through the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Private and international schools: No restrictions for DP holders. Singapore has excellent international schools, though fees are significant.
For children attending university, a Student Pass may be required for courses longer than the DP validity. For shorter courses, the DP remains sufficient.
We can provide guidance on school options as part of our broader expat settling-in services.
What happens to the DP if the main pass holder’s pass is cancelled?
The DP is directly tied to the sponsor’s work pass. If the EP, S Pass, or PEP is cancelled — whether voluntarily or by MOM — all associated DPs are automatically cancelled too.
This means your family members would need to leave Singapore or find an alternative immigration arrangement.
If you’re changing employers, the DP remains valid during the transition as long as the new employer submits a new EP application in time. We help manage these transitions to avoid gaps in your family’s immigration status.
This means your family members would need to leave Singapore or find an alternative immigration arrangement.
If you’re changing employers, the DP remains valid during the transition as long as the new employer submits a new EP application in time. We help manage these transitions to avoid gaps in your family’s immigration status.
Newborn babies — what do I need to do?
Babies born in Singapore to work pass holders do not automatically receive Singapore citizenship or PR.
Here’s the timeline:
1.At birth: The hospital issues a Notification of Live Birth. ICA issues an Advisory Note that acts as a temporary pass for 42 days.
2.Within 42 days: Register the birth with ICA. Apply for the baby’s passport from your home country’s embassy.
3.Within 6 weeks: Submit the DP application for the newborn before the Advisory Note expires.
This is time-sensitive. We handle newborn DP applications as a priority and can start the process as soon as the baby is born.
Here’s the timeline:
1.At birth: The hospital issues a Notification of Live Birth. ICA issues an Advisory Note that acts as a temporary pass for 42 days.
2.Within 42 days: Register the birth with ICA. Apply for the baby’s passport from your home country’s embassy.
3.Within 6 weeks: Submit the DP application for the newborn before the Advisory Note expires.
This is time-sensitive. We handle newborn DP applications as a priority and can start the process as soon as the baby is born.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the DP application take?
Approximately 3 weeks. If MOM requires additional documents, it may take longer. We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before your family’s planned arrival.
Can I apply for DP at the same time as my EP?
Yes — and we recommend it. Submitting both together is more efficient and ensures your family can arrive as soon as possible after your EP is issued.
What documents do I need?
Passport copies for all family members, marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, and the sponsor’s EP/S Pass details. Non-English documents must be submitted with certified English translations.
How much does it cost in total?
Our fee starts from $800 per applicant. Government fees are $105 (application) + $225 (issuance) per applicant. For a family of three (sponsor’s spouse + two children), the total government fees would be $990.
Can my parents come to Singapore?
Parents are not eligible for a DP. They may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) if you earn at least $12,000/month.
Can I apply for PR for my family?
Yes. Your spouse and children can be included in your PR application. In fact, applying as a family often strengthens the overall application.
What if my DP application is rejected?
DP rejections are uncommon if the sponsor meets the salary threshold and documents are in order. If rejected, we review the reasons and advise on next steps.
You might also need
LTVP
For parents, common-law spouse. From $800
Letter of Consent
For DP holders wanting to work. From $600
Employment Pass
Own work pass for your spouse. From $1,500
Expat Settling-In
Housing, schools, banking, orientation.