Letter of Consent for Dependant's Pass Holders: Essential Info for 2024
- Published: 18 July 2024
- 8 min read
- Starting a Company
Heather Cameron
Business Writer
From expert guidance and helpful accounting tips to insights on the latest trends in fintech, Heather is here to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore with great content. With a background in digital marketing spanning eight years, she has experience writing for various industries and audiences. As Osome’s copywriter, she’s here to inform and inspire our readers with great storytelling.
Are you a Dependant’s Pass holder in Singapore looking to work? You'll need a Letter of Consent (LOC). This guide will explain what the Dependant's Pass Letter of Consent is, why it's necessary, and how to apply for one effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The Dependant’s Pass (DP) allows immediate family members of eligible holders in Singapore, such as Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass, Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), and PEP holders, to live in Singapore; it requires the primary pass holder to earn at least S$6,000 monthly.
- A Dependant’s Pass holder looking to work in Singapore will need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower, which facilitates employment without needing a separate work visa; the DP must be valid for at least three months prior to applying for an LOC. (Be patient: at least three months!)
- Common reasons for LOC application rejections include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, non-compliance with local laws, and financial instability of the hiring company; understanding these factors and proper documentation can improve application success, whether you need an LOC extension, your LOC expires, or you need a new one.
What Is a Dependant's Pass?
A Dependant’s Pass, also known as a dependent pass, is a visa for family members of any work pass holder, including:
- Work Permit or Employment Pass
- S Pass
- EntrePass
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders
The purpose of the Dependant’s Pass is to allow these family members to live in Singapore so that they can support the work pass holder’s career.
For families moving to Singapore, the Dependant’s Pass has many benefits. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a DP if the main pass holder earns at least S$6,000 per month. This ensures the family has enough financial support while in Singapore. DP holders can also enter and leave Singapore freely without needing separate entry visas, making travel easier.
So get to know these benefits and make your decision to move to Singapore today. DP is not just for family unity but for your dependants to have a base to explore in Singapore.
Application and renewal of Singapore Dependant’s Pass online
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Who Can Apply for a Dependant's Pass?
The Dependant’s Pass is for specific family members of work pass holders. These are the legal spouse or recognised de facto/common law spouse and children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children. This covers the people the primary work pass holder wants to bring to Singapore. For EntrePass and Employment Pass holders, there are additional requirements to meet before their dependants can apply for a DP. For Employment Pass and S Pass holders, it’s easier to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for a newborn in Singapore.
Working as a Dependant's Pass Holder
For Dependant's Pass holders who want to work in Singapore, getting the necessary approvals from MOM is key. The most common way is through a Letter of Consent (LOC), which allows any DP holder, including those sponsored by Employment Pass or S Pass holders, to work without a separate work visa. This ensures a DP holder can contribute to the workforce while the main pass holder continues to work.
It’s important for DP holders to ensure their pass is valid for at least 3 months before applying for an LOC. This helps to speed up the application process and is in line with Singapore’s regulatory requirements. The job or business must also be legally recognised in Singapore to comply with local laws. A DP holder can also apply for an LOC if they want to operate as a business owner and have entrepreneurial opportunities. DP holders should also seek tax clearance before starting employment to ensure compliance with local regulations.
So DP holders can:
- maintain their careers or explore new professional avenues while living in Singapore
- understand these requirements
- better navigate the employment landscape
- take advantage of available opportunities.
Understanding the Letter of Consent (LOC)
The Letter of Consent (LOC) is a key document for any Dependant’s Pass holder who wants to work in Singapore. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the LOC allows an eligible DP or LTVP holder, and LTVP+ holders to work in Singapore without foreign worker levy or quota. That’s why it’s good for those who want to work in Singapore, especially when they have a pre-approved letter.
The purpose of LOC goes beyond just permission to work and can be granted an in principle approval before final approval. It’s a legal document under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Whether joining an existing company or starting an ACRA-registered business or Singapore-registered company director, becoming a LOC holder provides the legal framework for employment as per inland revenue authority.
Eligibility for the Letter of Consent
To apply for a Letter of Consent, a DP holder must meet certain eligibility criteria. First and foremost, the Dependant’s Pass must be valid at the time of application. This means the DP holder is legally in Singapore and eligible to work.
To apply for a Singapore Dependant Pass Letter of Consent (DP), the applicant must:
- Have a valid DP.
- Have a job offer from a Singapore employer and be a Singaporean or permanent resident (PR).
- If starting a business, the DP holder must be a sole proprietor, partner or director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered company. Any DP holder who is a business owner must also meet specific requirements to ensure their business is compliant with Singaporean laws.
These requirements ensure that the applicant, whether on a work permit or personalised Employment Pass or as a company director, has a legitimate and substantial role in the business as a sole proprietor or business owner, aligning with Singapore’s regulatory standards.
How To Apply for a Letter of Consent
Applying for a Letter of Consent (LOC) is a simple process through the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) online portal. Dependant’s Pass holders can use the EP eService on the myMOM Portal or engage an employment agent to do it for them. That way, applicants have a choice. Those applying manually should be aware that processing times might be longer.
Fill out the LOC application form online and provide personal details and additional documents like education certificates or work experience. MOM needs to see that the applicant is qualified for the job and meets employment laws.
Throughout the application, the MOM portal will show the application status and additional document requests. Applicants should respond to these requests promptly so the approval is smooth and fast.
Letter of Consent (LOC) application in Singapore
Simplify your LOC application with our expert services. We help DP, LTVP, and LTVP+ holders secure authorisation to work or start a business in Singapore quickly and easily.
Processing Time for LOC Applications
It takes about 3-4 weeks to process a Letter of Consent (LOC) application. This is to give the Ministry of Manpower sufficient time to review the application and ensure all following requirements are met.
In some cases, it may take more than 4 weeks if more information is required. You can check on your application status up to three weeks later to stay updated. Knowing these timelines will help you plan ahead and manage your expectations.
Renewal Process for the Letter of Consent
Renewing a Letter of Consent (LOC) is easy and can be initiated up to 6 months before the current LOC expires. This way, there is no gap in the Dependant’s Pass (DP) holder’s work authorisation in Singapore, and continuous employment is not interrupted. Ensure the expiry date of the LOC aligns with your employment plans.
For extra convenience, the LOC renewal can be done together with the Dependant’s Pass renewal, ensuring continuous employment for the DP holder. That’s one less thing to worry about for the applicant, and it’s faster, too. Renewing an LOC is free and takes one week to three weeks. There is no need to wait, and work authorisation stays current.
Common Reasons for LOC Application Rejections
Not all LOC applications are approved, and knowing the common reasons for rejection can help you avoid the traps. One of the main reasons for rejection is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. Make sure all required documents are filled out correctly and submitted. The company must be financially stable, and all Singaporean or permanent resident requirements must be met.
Other reasons for rejection:
- Non-compliance with Singapore employment laws
- Company financial instability
- Failure to respond to the Ministry of Manpower’s request for additional information
Be aware of these, and you might just get your LOC approved.
Appealing a Rejected LOC Application
If your Letter of Consent (LOC) application is declined, the first step in the appeals process is to understand why. Read the rejection letter and any feedback carefully to see what went wrong. It could be missing documentation and information, discrepancies in the details, or not meeting certain criteria.
Once you know why you were declined, can you fix it? Appeals should only be made if you can clearly and concisely address the issues raised. This means gathering new evidence or more information that contradicts the reasons for the initial decline. Providing a full explanation and any additional documents to support your case will help your appeal. The appeal process can take up to three weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
In some cases, it may be better to submit a new LOC application than appeal the original decision. This way, you can start again and get everything right from the start. By addressing the previous reasons for the decline in your new application, you will increase your chances of success. A new application can often be a quicker and easier way to get approval if the original decline was due to minor mistakes or oversights.
When appealing or submitting a manual application, it’s a good idea to get advice from professionals who are familiar with immigration and employment pass holder matters. They will help you through the process and increase your chances of success. By addressing the feedback from the decline and making sure all information is correct, you will increase your chances of getting the LOC approved.
Additional Considerations for DP Holders Seeking Work
Dependant’s Pass holders looking to work in Singapore must also consider other things in addition to the prevailing local qualifying salary, which is crucial for the approval of their LOC applications. Not meeting the prevailing local qualifying salary criteria will result in LOC application rejection. Knowing these figures is key to approval.
DP holders with a Work Permit or a personalised Employment Pass are exempt from the following:
- local hiring requirements
- medical exams
- security bonds
- pregnancy restrictions
That makes life easier. Knowing these exemptions and requirements helps DP or Entrepass holders in Singapore.
Summary
In short, getting and keeping a Dependant’s Pass and Letter of Consent in Singapore requires understanding the eligibility criteria, application process and pitfalls. From documentation to financials, every step counts for an application to succeed.
For families moving to Singapore or DP and Entrepass holders looking for work, this guide is your roadmap. Follow the guidelines and be proactive, and you’ll navigate Singapore’s visa and work pass system with ease. Ensure your LOC extension is applied for in a timely manner to avoid any interruptions in employment. If there are any issues, you may also seek assistance from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for further guidance.
For expert assistance with your application and ongoing compliance, our professional immigration services can ensure your process is seamless. Contact us to benefit from our comprehensive support in managing your visa and work pass needs.
From expert guidance and helpful accounting tips to insights on the latest trends in fintech, Heather is here to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore with great content. With a background in digital marketing spanning eight years, she has experience writing for various industries and audiences. As Osome’s copywriter, she’s here to inform and inspire our readers with great storytelling.
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FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for a Dependant's Pass?
A pass holder can sponsor their married spouse, de facto/common law spouse, children under 21 and adopted children for a Dependant’s Pass.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder work in Singapore?
Yes, they can work in Singapore with LOC or other work passes. MOM approval is required.
What is the processing time for a Letter of Consent application?
The processing time for a Letter of Consent application is typically three to four weeks, but it may be longer if extra information is required.
How can I renew my Letter of Consent?
You can initiate the renewal process for your Letter of Consent for a Singapore permanent resident up to six months before it expires, and it is usually processed within three weeks.
What should I do if my LOC application is rejected?
If your LOC application is rejected, it's important to understand the reasons and address them, whether through an appeal or by submitting a new application with updated evidence or information. Best of luck!
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