Singapore Dependant's Pass (DP): Application Process and Requirements
- Modified: 12 March 2025
- 11 min read
- Starting a Company
Heather Cameron
Author
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.
Deepti Laddha
Reviewer
Deepti Laddha, our Head of Corporate Operations in Singapore, brings a decade of experience to her role, supporting our business writers in crafting insightful and engaging articles. With a strong background in corporate services, Deepti is a rich source of knowledge and expertise. We can count on her to assist in transforming any definition, concept or complicated jargon into helpful tips that help our readers take their businesses to the next level.
The Dependant's Pass in Singapore is a valuable visa that allows qualified individuals to join their family members who hold an Employment Pass or S Pass in Singapore. This comprehensive guide will delve deeper into the DP application process, its requirements, applying for work permits with a DP, applying for immigration, and the intricacies of managing your Dependant Pass in the Lion City.
Key Takeaways
- The Dependant's Pass allows family members of S Pass or Employment Pass holders to live in Singapore, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children under 21 (including stepchildren and legal adoptees).
- The main work pass holder (Employment Pass or S Pass) should earn a minimum monthly salary of S$6,000 and fulfil their CPF contribution requirements.
- If you're only visiting families working in Singapore, a short-term visit pass or long-term visit pass might be a better option.
What Is a Dependant Pass?
A Dependant Pass is a visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows pass dependants, including spouses and children, to live in Singapore. It grants pass dependants the right to reside in Singapore if the sponsoring work pass holder remains employed, and to apply for immigration with their sponsor when the time comes.
While DP holders do not automatically have work rights, they can request a Letter of Consent (LOC) or work permits to work. This pass helps expatriate families stay together while providing dependants access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
As part of our service, we assist in initiating and completing the DP application process efficiently and accurately. Let us guide you through every step, ensuring compliance with all regulations and timely submission of required documents. Contact us today!
Dependant Pass Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Dependant Passes, applicants and beneficiaries must meet specific criteria related to family relationships and financial eligibility.
Family relationship requirement
The primary condition for obtaining a Dependant Pass is having a family relationship with someone holding an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass. Eligible dependants include:
- Spouses– Legally married spouses of Work Pass holders with an S pass or Employment pass.
- Children– Unmarried children under the age of 21, including stepchildren and legally adopted children.
The following scenarios are a great example of DP eligibility:
Example
John, a UK software engineer, holds an Employment Pass in Singapore. His legally married wife, Sarah, and their 10-year-old daughter, Emily, are eligible for a Dependant Pass. However, John’s 22-year-old son from a previous marriage is not eligible, as the age limit for children is under 21. To bring his son to Singapore, John must explore other visa options, such as a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Financial requirements for sponsors
The S Pass or Employment Pass holder sponsoring their family members must also satisfy certain financial conditions:
- Minimum Salary– The sponsor must earn a qualifying monthly salary of $6,000 that meets government regulations. This threshold is subject to periodic updates by the authorities. The EP holder must also fulfil their CPF contributions.
- Sponsorship Responsibility– The sponsor holding a valid personalised employment pass must apply for the DP on behalf of the pass dependants and ensure all supporting documents are submitted accurately and on time.
By fulfilling these requirements, work pass holders with a personalised employment pass or S pass can apply for a Dependant Pass to bring their family members to Singapore.
Documents Required
Necessary documents commonly required for a DP application include:
- Passport: A clear copy of the applicant's passport with at least six months of validity period from the application date. The personal particulars page must be provided in the copy.
- Marriage certificate or official birth certificate: To prove relationships between family members, supporting documents like a marriage certificate, the official birth certificate, or an adoption order are required. Additional documents may also be required for legally adopted children.
- Sponsor's particulars: Additional documents specifying the sponsor's information are also required, including details regarding their Employment Pass or S Pass. This includes pass type, pass number, pass validity period, and local employment details, such as contract terms and salaries.
Please note that the specific document requirements and formats may change over time. Always refer to the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the most up-to-date list of supportive documents required for Dependant's Pass applications.
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Dependant's Pass Application Procedure
The application process for a Dependant's Pass in Singapore involves several steps. These steps involve:
Applying for a Dependant's Pass involves several steps:
1 Submitting an online application
The sponsor starts the DP application by completing a declaration form and submitting an online application through the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) dedicated portal. The sponsor must provide accurate information in the application form.
2 Uploading the documents
The sponsor must also upload scanned copies of all necessary documents. Ensure these documents are clear, legible, and comply with the specifications outlined by the MOM.
3 Paying the processing fee
DP application comes with a non-refundable fee. The employer or sponsor typically bears this fee, which may vary.
4 Processing time
The processing time for a Dependant Pass application can vary depending on the volume of pending cases and the completeness of your application. Generally, applicants should anticipate a few weeks from the submission date.
5 Obtaining an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
If the DP application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) notification letter. The notification letter typically has an expiry date of six months and outlines the conditions and requirements for the DP.
6 Collection of pass
Upon receiving their IPA notification letter, the dependant (DP applicant) can proceed to collect their pass. They must visit to have their photos and biometrics taken. The IPA letter will allow them to pass the checkpoints authority for their appointments.
Once done, it takes approximately a week to deliver the pass. DP holders must be physically present in Singapore for the pass to be issued.
How To Renew a Dependant Pass in Singapore
You can apply to renew your family member's DP up to six months (180 days) before it expires. A DP can only be renewed after the main work pass is renewed. Therefore, renew your DP as early as possible within this period to avoid delays.
The renewal application can be submitted online through the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) portal.
When renewing your DP, applicants may need to provide updated documents, including an updated copy of your passport and the latest version of your personalised employment pass or S pass. You may also need to resubmit certain documents, such as the adoption order and marriage certificate.
Can Dependant Pass Holders Work and Study in Singapore?
Dependant Passes grant certain privileges to holders without them becoming permanent residents. These privileges include the ability to work in Singapore and study under specific conditions:
Working with a DP
A Dependant Pass holder can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC). The Letter of Consent allows Dependant's Pass holders to undertake employment, subject to certain conditions. Typically, DP holders can apply for a Letter of Consent or work permits if they meet the following criteria.
- Work eligibility: The sponsor must earn a minimum qualifying monthly salary and the DP must have valid employment. Always refer to the MOM's guidelines for the latest information and eligibility criteria for work permits.
- Occupational restrictions: Certain occupations, such as domestic helpers, require additional work permits and may have specific requirements for a DP holder.
Studying with a DP
Dependant Pass holders can enrol in full-time education at recognised institutions without a separate student pass. This privilege extends to both school-aged children and adults pursuing higher education.
Always check with your desired educational institution for admission requirements and eligibility criteria as not all institution accepts enrollment from DP holders. Your tuition may also vary depending on institution policies.
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Replacing a Lost or Damaged Dependant Pass
If a Dependant Pass card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it must be replaced promptly to ensure the pass holder remains legally in Singapore.
The pass holder should first file a police report if the pass card was stolen. A copy of the report may be required when applying for a replacement. The employer or employer's agency of the sponsor must then submit a replacement request through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) portal.
A replacement fee applies, and the charges become higher if the pass has been lost multiple times. You will receive a new notification letter and steps to collect your replacement DP.
Cancelling a Dependant Pass
When a Dependant Pass holder no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the DP must be cancelled. Prompt cancellation ensures compliance with immigration regulations.
To cancel a DP, the sponsor (the work pass holder) or their employer must submit a cancellation request through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) portal. This can occur for various reasons, such as the termination of the main pass holder's employment, a change in circumstances, or family members leaving Singapore.
Upon cancellation, the DP holder will no longer be legally allowed to stay in Singapore. If the DP holder wishes to remain in the country, they must apply for the appropriate pass before the DP is cancelled.
It is important to cancel promptly to avoid overstaying or legal issues.
If you're working in Singapore on an Employment Pass and are looking to apply for a Dependant Pass for a family member, Osome is an experienced service that many foreigners in Singapore use to help keep their family in one place. We can assist with your Dependant's Pass application.
Summary
The Singapore Dependant's Pass (DP) is a crucial visa that allows spouses and children of Employment Pass holders or S Pass holders to live in Singapore and opens up new immigration opportunities.
This guide explores the Dependant Pass requirements, necessary documents for application, the application process, how to renew your DP, your privileges like working and studying in Singapore, and options for Permanent Residence (PR) and immigration.
The guide also covers handling DP rejection, essential facts, DP work permits, and DP cancellation. Always refer to the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the latest updates and guidelines.
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
Can Dependant Pass holders do business in Singapore?
DP holders cannot own businesses or engage in any paid employment unless they obtain the necessary work permits or business approvals first.
How do I apply for a Dependant Pass for my spouse?
You, the sponsor, must hold a valid Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass to apply for a DP for their spouses and children. Prepare all the required documents and fill out the online application through the MOM portal. Pay the applicable processing fee.
Can an S Pass owner apply for a Dependant Pass?
Yes, an S Pass holder can apply for a Dependant's Pass on behalf of qualified family members, including their spouse and unmarried children under 21. The holder's employer can also assist with the application.
Can you apply for permanent resident with a Dependant Pass?
Yes. A DP holder can apply to become a permanent resident via their sponsor, making immigration a possibility. When the primary EP or SP holder files for permanent residence, they can add their children or spouse to the application.
How to check your Dependant's Pass status in Singapore?
You can verify a Dependant Pass's status via the Ministry of Manpower website.
Navigate to the "Check Work Pass Status" section. Input either the DP holder's Foreign Identification Number (FIN) or the DP application number. Provide the verification code as displayed on the screen. Finally, click the "Submit" or "Check Status" button
What are some Dependant Pass alternatives?
A short or long-term visit pass would serve your purpose if you only wish to visit family working in Singapore. These visas allow you to pass checkpoints, authority and stay between 14 to 30 days with a short-term visit pass or up to 2 years with a long-term visit pass (LTVP).
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