If you hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or EntrePass in Singapore and want to bring your family with you, the Dependant’s Pass (DP) is the primary immigration option available to you. Understanding who qualifies, what the salary thresholds are, how to apply, and what rights a DP holder has in Singapore will help you plan your family’s relocation smoothly.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Singapore Dependant’s Pass in 2026, including the latest changes to salary requirements following the July 2026 updates to the Employment Pass framework.

What Is a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a long-term immigration pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to the eligible family members of eligible Employment Pass, S Pass, and EntrePass holders in Singapore. It allows the holder to live in Singapore for the duration of the principal pass holder’s valid work pass, with possible extensions subject to renewal.

The DP is not a work pass — it does not automatically give the holder the right to work in Singapore. However, DP holders who wish to work may apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM, which we cover later in this guide.

Who Can Be Sponsored for a Dependant’s Pass?

Eligible dependants are limited to two categories:

Legally married spouses — including legally recognised marriages under foreign law. Same-sex marriages are not recognised under Singapore law and MOM will not approve a DP for a same-sex spouse.

Unmarried children under 21 years of age — including legally adopted children and step-children. Children aged 21 and above are not eligible for a DP, regardless of whether they are studying or unemployed.

Other family members — such as parents, siblings, or older children — are not eligible for a DP. Parents of principal pass holders may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead, which we cover further below.

Salary Requirements by Pass Type

Not every work pass holder can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass. MOM sets minimum salary thresholds, which vary depending on the type of work pass held by the principal applicant.

Employment Pass (EP) Holders

EP holders must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to sponsor a spouse or children. This requirement applies to both new EP applications and renewals. Holders earning below S$6,000 are not eligible to sponsor a DP, though they may still apply for a LTVP for their spouse in some circumstances.

S Pass Holders

S Pass holders must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass. This threshold was aligned with the EP requirement as part of MOM’s ongoing review of work pass policies. S Pass holders earning below S$6,000 cannot sponsor a DP.

EntrePass Holders

EntrePass holders must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 to sponsor a DP. However, EntrePass holders at the startup stage whose company has not yet reached this salary level may face practical challenges meeting this requirement. MOM assesses each case and, for EntrePass holders, may also consider the overall business performance of the company when evaluating eligibility.

Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For Parents and Other Family Members

If you wish to bring your parents to Singapore, the Dependant’s Pass is not available to you regardless of your salary. Instead, you must apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for your parents. To sponsor a parent for an LTVP, your fixed monthly salary must be at least S$12,000.

The LTVP is also available for:

Common-law spouses (subject to MOM’s discretion), step-parents, and parents-in-law — all subject to the S$12,000 salary threshold and MOM’s approval. The LTVP is generally renewed for one or two years at a time and is subject to MOM’s ongoing discretion.

How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass: Step-by-Step

The Dependant’s Pass application is submitted online through MOM’s EP eServices portal. The principal pass holder or their employer (or an authorised employment agent) submits the application. Here is the process:

Step 1: Log in to EP eServices using Singpass (for the principal pass holder) or CorpPass (for the employer or authorised agent).

Step 2: Select “Apply for Dependant’s Pass” and enter the principal pass holder’s details.

Step 3: Enter the dependant’s particulars — full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and relationship to the principal pass holder.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents (see the documents section below).

Step 5: Pay the application fee. MOM charges a non-refundable application fee of S$30 per DP application.

Step 6: Wait for MOM’s decision. Processing time is typically 3 to 5 working days for straightforward cases, though complex applications may take longer.

Step 7: If approved, the dependant must register their fingerprints and photograph at the MOM Services Centre within the validity period of the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The DP card is issued at registration.

Documents Required for a Dependant’s Pass Application

The exact documents required vary by the nationality of the dependant and the relationship being proven, but the standard requirements are:

For all applications: Dependant’s valid passport (at least 6 months’ validity), recent passport-size photograph, and the principal pass holder’s current work pass details.

For a spouse: A certified copy of the marriage certificate. If the marriage certificate is not in English, a certified English translation is required. For marriages registered in countries with complex legal systems, MOM may request additional documentation to verify the marriage’s legal validity.

For children: Birth certificate showing both parents’ names. For adopted children, the legal adoption papers. For step-children, the birth certificate plus the marriage certificate showing the relationship to the principal pass holder.

Letter of Consent (LOC): Can a DP Holder Work in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass holder does not have automatic right to work in Singapore. To work, a DP holder must obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM. The LOC is tied to a specific employer and must be renewed if the DP holder changes jobs.

Key features of the LOC:

There is no salary minimum for the LOC itself (unlike an EP or S Pass), though the job must be a genuine role. LOC holders are included in their employer’s foreign worker quota, which can affect the employer’s ability to hire other work pass holders. The LOC is valid for the same period as the DP. If the principal pass holder’s EP or S Pass is cancelled or expires, the DP — and by extension the LOC — becomes invalid.

For Employment Pass, ONE Pass, and PEP holders, the DP for their spouses qualifies for an LOC at any employer, giving significant flexibility. However, DP holders who wish to set up their own businesses should note that operating a business as a sole proprietor or as a director of a company requires their own work pass — the DP and LOC alone are insufficient for self-employment.

Renewing a Dependant’s Pass

The DP is typically granted for the same period as the principal pass holder’s work pass. When the principal renews their EP, S Pass, or EntrePass, they should also renew the DP for each dependant. MOM recommends submitting the DP renewal application at least 6 weeks before expiry.

The renewal process is identical to the application process — it is submitted via EP eServices and requires updated passport details and any changed supporting documents. There is a renewal fee of S$30 per DP.

What Happens to the DP If the Principal Pass Is Cancelled?

If the principal pass holder’s EP, S Pass, or EntrePass is cancelled — whether due to resignation, retrenchment, or the end of employment — the Dependant’s Pass becomes invalid automatically. The dependant and their family typically have a short grace period (generally 30 days) to arrange for their departure or to obtain a new status in Singapore.

This is an important consideration for families where the DP holder is enrolled in school or working on an LOC. As soon as the principal pass is at risk of cancellation, the family should urgently plan for the dependant’s immigration status.

If the principal pass holder finds a new job in Singapore, they will need to apply for a new EP (or S Pass) and then either transfer the existing DP to the new pass or re-apply for the DP under the new pass. Your licensed employment agency can assist with the coordination of these applications to minimise the gap in the family’s immigration status.

Practical Tips for DP Applications in 2026

Apply early. The DP application should ideally be submitted before the dependant arrives in Singapore, or shortly after the principal pass holder’s EP is approved. Arriving in Singapore on a short-term visit pass and then applying for a DP is possible but creates unnecessary complexity.

Ensure all documents are certified. MOM is strict about the authenticity of marriage certificates and birth certificates. Documents from countries with incomplete civil registration systems — such as certain parts of South Asia or Southeast Asia — may require additional apostille certification or statutory declarations.

Consider your salary trajectory. If you are currently earning below S$6,000 but expect to reach this threshold at renewal, plan ahead. MOM may require documentary evidence of the salary increase.

For families considering Singapore PR, having a DP for several consecutive years strengthens the PR application by demonstrating long-term family ties to Singapore. The DP holder’s own track record — including any LOC employment — is also considered in the PR assessment.

For guidance on COMPASS scoring for your Employment Pass, ensuring your EP is renewed successfully is the most important step in protecting your family’s continued stay in Singapore. For more on Singapore business and immigration updates, it is worth staying current with policy changes.

Conclusion

The Dependant’s Pass is a well-structured pathway for bringing your family to Singapore, but it comes with clear eligibility requirements — particularly the S$6,000 minimum salary threshold — and administrative steps that must be followed precisely. Understanding the rules before your family arrives avoids costly status gaps and unnecessary stress.

For end-to-end assistance with Dependant’s Pass applications and renewals, our associated Dependant’s Pass application service through our licensed employment agency handles the full submission process with MOM.

To speak with the team at Raffles Corporate Services, you can email [email protected] or call, SMS, or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. We are happy to assist with any queries.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services