If you hold an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass in Singapore and want your spouse and children to live with you, the Dependant’s Pass (DP) is the primary route. Singapore’s DP framework gives eligible family members legal status to reside in the country and, subject to conditions, to work and study.

This guide covers everything EP and S Pass holders need to know about applying for, maintaining, and understanding the limits of a Dependant’s Pass in 2026.

Who Qualifies for a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass can be applied for by:

  • Employment Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 (as of January 2027; S$5,000 currently in 2026)
  • S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000

Note that S Pass holders earning below S$6,000 cannot bring dependants on a DP — this is a key difference from EP holders, who historically had a lower threshold. The DP can cover:

  • Legally married spouse (same-sex marriages are not recognised for DP purposes under Singapore law)
  • Unmarried children under 21 years of age (including legally adopted children)

Other family members — parents, parents-in-law, unmarried siblings — are not eligible for a DP. They may be able to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead, which is a separate process managed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For EP Holders Below the DP Threshold

EP holders earning between S$5,000 and S$5,999 per month (in 2026) cannot apply for a DP for their spouse and children. Instead, their family members can apply for an LTVP through ICA. The LTVP allows the holder to reside in Singapore but does not automatically confer the right to work.

LTVP holders seeking to work must apply for a separate Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM. The LOC process is less streamlined than the DP-to-LOC pathway described below, and approval is not guaranteed.

How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass

DP applications are made by the employer of the EP or S Pass holder, or by the EP/S Pass holder themselves if they are a sole proprietor or self-employed. Applications are submitted online through the MOM EP Online portal.

Documents required for a DP application:

  • Copy of the main pass holder’s Employment Pass or S Pass
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse) — if not in English, a certified translation is required
  • Birth certificates for children — certified translation required if not in English
  • Passport copies for all dependants
  • For adopted children: adoption papers certified by the relevant authority

Processing time for DP applications is typically 3 weeks for online applications. Approval is not automatic — MOM assesses applications holistically, and a DP can be rejected or issued for a shorter duration than the main pass holder’s EP.

Can a DP Holder Work in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass does not automatically grant the right to work. DP holders who wish to work in Singapore must obtain one of the following:

A work pass (EP or S Pass): If the DP holder qualifies independently for an EP or S Pass based on their own qualifications and salary offer, their employer can apply for one in the normal way. Once they hold their own work pass, they can work for that employer under that pass.

A Letter of Consent (LOC): DP holders can apply for an LOC, which allows them to work for a specific employer without a formal work pass. The LOC application is made by the employer via EP Online. The LOC is linked to the DP — if the main pass holder’s EP is cancelled or expires, the LOC is simultaneously invalidated. There is no salary requirement for an LOC, but the employer must be a legitimate registered company.

Key LOC limitations: the DP holder can only work for the employer named in the LOC; they cannot freelance, self-employ, or run their own business under an LOC; and the LOC lapses immediately if the DP is cancelled.

Since 2023, MOM removed the automatic LOC entitlement for DP holders — LOC applications are now assessed individually and can be rejected. The approval rate has tightened significantly, and DP holders should not assume they will be able to work immediately upon arrival.

Can DP Holders Study in Singapore?

Children holding a DP can attend government schools and most private schools in Singapore. They pay international student fees at government schools, which are higher than the fees paid by Singapore citizens and PRs but are generally lower than full international school fees.

For international school enrolment, most schools accept DP holders without additional immigration documentation. Enrolment timelines vary significantly by school — popular international schools can have waiting lists of 12–18 months, so planning ahead is essential.

DP-holding spouses who wish to pursue full-time degree programmes at approved Singapore institutions (NUS, NTU, SMU, and certain private institutions) can typically do so on their DP without additional documentation, though some institutions may require an LOC if there is a paid component such as a teaching assistantship.

Renewing and Maintaining a Dependant’s Pass

The DP is issued for the same duration as the main pass holder’s EP or S Pass. When the main pass is renewed, the DP must also be renewed separately. DP renewals should be submitted online via EP Online at least 6 weeks before the DP’s expiry date.

The DP is automatically cancelled if:

  • The main pass holder’s EP or S Pass is cancelled or expires without renewal
  • The main pass holder’s salary falls below the qualifying threshold at renewal
  • The dependent relationship changes (divorce, child turns 21)
  • The dependant leaves Singapore permanently

If the main EP holder changes employer, the new employer must re-apply for or transfer the EP. The DP remains valid during the standard 1-month grace period after the old EP is cancelled, but should be updated to reflect the new main pass as soon as the new EP is issued.

Bringing in Parents and In-Laws

As noted, parents and parents-in-law of EP holders are not eligible for a DP. They can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) from ICA, which allows stays of 1–5 years. LTVP applications for parents are assessed by ICA and are not handled by MOM. Approval is discretionary and is generally more difficult than DP approval — many applications for parents are rejected or issued for shorter periods than requested.

Parents holding an LTVP cannot work in Singapore. If an elderly parent requires consistent caregiving, this must be arranged without them entering formal employment.

MOM’s Holistic Assessment Framework for Dependants

Since 2023, MOM has applied a more holistic assessment to all DP applications. Factors considered include the main pass holder’s employment history in Singapore, their employer’s profile, and the dependant’s own profile. Pass holders who have recently changed jobs or whose employer is a very new company may find DP applications subject to additional scrutiny.

If a DP application is rejected, MOM does not give detailed reasons. The pass holder can make a fresh application after 3 months, ideally with additional supporting documentation (such as evidence of longer-term employment commitments or a higher salary).

Practical Timeline for Relocating with a Family

For EP holders planning to relocate to Singapore with family:

Apply for the EP first, before applying for DPs. Once the EP is approved, submit DP applications immediately. Expect 3 weeks for DP processing. DPs are issued after the main pass holder enters Singapore and has the EP issued (not just approved). Plan a minimum of 6–8 weeks from EP approval to having the full family legally resident in Singapore.

For families with school-age children, begin researching school options as early as possible. International school placements cannot be confirmed until the child has a DP, but many schools allow you to join waiting lists before the pass is issued.

Next Steps

Singapore Secretary Services supports EP and S Pass holders throughout the pass application and renewal process. We assist with corporate secretarial matters including director appointments, share allotments, and annual compliance — the corporate governance layer that underpins every Singapore company’s employment pass eligibility. Contact us to discuss your company’s compliance requirements.