When a foreign professional moves to Singapore on an Employment Pass or EntrePass, the question of what happens to their family is rarely simple. Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass (DP) is the primary route for spouses and children to join a pass holder — but eligibility conditions, what the pass allows, and how to plan around it have all changed in recent years.
This 2026 guide covers the Singapore Dependant’s Pass comprehensively: who can apply, what family members can and cannot do on a DP, how the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) differs, and practical steps for families relocating to Singapore.
Who Can Sponsor a Singapore Dependant’s Pass?
Not all work pass holders can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass. As of 2026, MOM limits DP sponsorship to:
- Employment Pass (EP) holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000
- EntrePass holders (no fixed salary threshold, but the business must be operational)
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders
S Pass holders generally cannot sponsor a Dependant’s Pass. This is a common source of confusion — an S Pass holder who earns above the S Pass threshold may still be unable to bring their family on DP. If you are on an S Pass and your family needs to be in Singapore, you would need to upgrade to an EP first, or explore visitor visa options.
The S$6,000 EP salary threshold for DP eligibility was formalised in September 2023. EP holders earning below S$6,000 — including those approved under the new EP minimum of S$5,000 — are not entitled to sponsor a DP.
Who Can Be Sponsored on a Dependant’s Pass?
A DP covers the following family members of an eligible pass holder:
- Legally married spouse (opposite-sex marriages recognised under Singapore law; same-sex marriages are not recognised for immigration purposes)
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age — including legally adopted children
Children above 21 do not qualify for a DP. Once a child on a DP turns 21, their DP is cancelled and they would need to leave Singapore or apply for another pass in their own right (such as a Student’s Pass if enrolled in a Singapore institution, or an EP/S Pass if employed).
What Can a Dependant’s Pass Holder Do in Singapore?
Working on a Dependant’s Pass: Letter of Consent
A DP holder is not automatically allowed to work in Singapore. To take up employment, a DP holder must obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM, which is issued to their employer (not to the individual). The employer applies for the LOC through the EP Online portal.
Key points about the LOC:
- The LOC is tied to a specific employer — if the DP holder changes jobs, a new LOC must be applied for
- The employer must be a registered business in Singapore
- LOC holders are counted in the employer’s foreign worker quota if applicable
- LOC is free to apply and processing is typically fast (within a few working days)
- Self-employment is generally not permitted on a DP/LOC
Alternatively, a DP holder who qualifies in their own right can apply directly for an Employment Pass or S Pass, at which point the DP is cancelled and replaced by the new work pass. This is often the cleaner option for professionals who intend to work full-time in Singapore long-term.
Education for Children on Dependant’s Pass
Children on a DP can attend school in Singapore, but they are not entitled to enrolment in government or government-aided schools on the same basis as citizens and PRs. Options include:
- International schools: Most DP children attend international schools, which have no citizenship preference and offer curricula from the UK, US, IB, or other systems
- MOE schools (government and government-aided): DP children can apply for a place, but admission is subject to vacancies after citizens and PRs are placed; school fees for foreigners are significantly higher
- Private schools: Various options available, typically with different fee structures
School registration and placement is a common practical concern for relocating families. Our article on relocating to Singapore as a professional covers the school admissions process in more detail.
Healthcare Access for Dependant’s Pass Holders
DP holders are not entitled to subsidised healthcare at public hospitals (subsidised rates are reserved for Singapore citizens and PRs). You should budget for private health insurance or note that polyclinic consultations and restructured hospital stays are billed at the full foreigner rate. Most employers of LOC holders do not provide insurance to DP family members, so a separate family health plan is strongly recommended.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For Family Members Who Don’t Qualify for DP
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a separate pass issued to family members who are not eligible for a DP — typically:
- Common-law or unmarried partners
- Parents of the pass holder
- Unmarried step-children and disabled children over 21
For EP holders earning at least S$12,000 per month, MOM will consider LTVP applications for parents. Below this threshold, parent sponsorship is generally not possible.
LTVP holders cannot work without a separate Letter of Consent — the same LOC process applies. LTVP renewals are at MOM’s discretion and are generally renewed in line with the sponsor’s pass validity, subject to each application being assessed individually.
Dependant’s Pass Duration and Renewal
A DP is issued for the same duration as the main pass holder’s work pass, capped at two years per issuance. When the main pass holder renews their EP or EntrePass, the DP must also be renewed — it does not renew automatically.
If the main pass holder leaves Singapore permanently, changes employer without informing MOM, or has their pass cancelled, the DP is also cancelled. DP holders should be aware that their immigration status is directly tied to the sponsor’s.
Divorce and Relationship Breakdown
If a DP-holding spouse divorces the main pass holder, the DP is cancelled. The former spouse would need to either apply for their own work pass, leave Singapore, or make alternative arrangements. This is a practically important issue — if you or your spouse holds a DP and the relationship ends, immigration status should be dealt with promptly to avoid overstaying.
Applying for a Dependant’s Pass: Documents Required
The main pass holder (or their employer) applies for the DP on behalf of the family member. Core documents include:
- Completed application form (via EP Online)
- Passport of the dependant (biodata page)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse), translated into English if necessary
- Birth certificate of child (if applicable)
- Recent passport-sized photograph of the dependant
Processing time is typically within three working days for straightforward cases. MOM may request additional documents for complex cases (e.g., cross-border marriages, adoption certificates, proof of name changes).
Dependant’s Pass and the Path to Permanent Residency
DP holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residency in their own right under ICA’s PR framework — they do not need to wait for the main pass holder to apply first. Spouses of EP holders who have lived in Singapore on a DP for several years are a recognised applicant profile under the PTS scheme.
PR approval considers length of stay, economic contributions (including any employment on a LOC or own EP), community integration, and family ties (especially if children are in Singapore schools). Our detailed guide to Singapore PR application and approval odds covers what ICA looks for from DP holders specifically.
It is also worth noting that dual nationals applying for Singapore PR face no additional restriction — holding two passports does not disqualify a DP holder from PR consideration, but ICA will require full disclosure of all nationalities at the application stage.
Practical Tips for Families Relocating on a Dependant’s Pass
Plan the LOC Before Arrival if the Spouse Intends to Work
The LOC cannot be applied for until the DP is issued and the employer in Singapore is identified. If your spouse plans to continue working, factor in a period after arrival during which they will not be able to work while the DP and then LOC are processed. Some employers are willing to sponsor an EP directly for a qualified spouse, which is a cleaner arrangement.
Check School Registration Windows Early
International school registrations in Singapore can have long waiting lists, particularly for popular schools at certain year levels. Begin the school admissions process as soon as you have a confirmed start date in Singapore — ideally three to six months before arrival.
Keep Track of the Main Pass Holder’s Salary for DP Eligibility
If the main pass holder’s salary drops below S$6,000 — for instance after a job change or negotiated package adjustment — DP eligibility may be affected at the next renewal. Maintain awareness of the S$6,000 floor as a planning threshold.
If you are planning your Singapore move and need help navigating work pass options for both the primary applicant and their family, speak with our team at Little Big Employment Agency. We assist professionals and their families with employment-related relocation, and can connect you with licensed specialists for pass applications, corporate services, and school admission support.
— The Editorial Team, Little Big Employment Agency