Dependant’s Pass Singapore 2026: Complete Guide for EP, S Pass and EntrePass Holders

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

What Is a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a long-term immigration pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows certain family members of eligible work pass holders to reside in Singapore. It is not a work authorisation — DP holders cannot work unless they obtain a separate work authorisation (see the section on work rights below).

The DP is distinct from the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which covers a broader category of dependants who do not qualify for the DP itself.

Who Can Sponsor a Dependant’s Pass?

To sponsor a DP, you must hold one of the following passes and meet the corresponding salary requirement:

Important: The salary threshold applies to the sponsor’s fixed monthly salary only. Bonuses, commissions, and variable pay are excluded. The S$6,000 minimum was introduced in 2021 and has remained unchanged for 2026.

For parents and parents-in-law, and other dependants not covered above (e.g. common-law partners, step-children, handicapped children over 21), the applicable pass is the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which has a higher salary requirement of S$12,000–S$24,000 per month depending on the relationship. The LTVP is at MOM’s discretion.

Who Qualifies as an Eligible Dependant?

Under MOM’s rules, the following family members are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass:

• Legally married spouse — The marriage must be legally recognised. Customary or religious marriages not registered with civil authorities may require additional documentation.
• Unmarried children under 21 — Including legally adopted children. The child must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout the validity of the DP.

Step-children, common-law spouses, and handicapped children over 21 may be eligible for an LTVP instead, subject to MOM’s discretion.

Documents Required for a Dependant’s Pass Application

The sponsoring work pass holder (or their employer) submits the DP application. The following documents are typically required:

For a Spouse

• Dependant’s passport (personal particulars page)
• Original marriage certificate (or a certified true copy), translated into English if not in English
• Sponsor’s recent payslips (last 3 months) or IR8A/Notice of Assessment
• Sponsor’s work pass card or in-principle approval letter

For Children

• Child’s passport (personal particulars page)
• Birth certificate or adoption order, translated into English if necessary
• For foreign-born children aged 12 and below: Verification of Vaccination Requirements from the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) may be required
• Sponsor’s recent payslips and work pass documents

All documents not in English must be officially translated. MOM may request additional supporting documents depending on the applicant’s nationality and circumstances.

How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass

The application process is entirely online via MOM’s EP Online portal. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Employer or sponsor logs in — The sponsor’s employer accesses EP Online using their CorpPass. Self-employed or sole director sponsors may log in directly.
2. Select the correct pass type — Choose “Dependant’s Pass” and link it to the sponsor’s existing work pass.
3. Upload documents — Upload all required supporting documents in PDF or JPG format.
4. Pay the application fee — S$105 per application (non-refundable), payable by credit card or eNETS.
5. Await MOM’s decision — Processing times are typically 3 weeks for dependants of EP or S Pass holders, and up to 6 weeks for dependants of EntrePass, PEP, or ONE Pass holders.
6. Issue the pass — Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued. The DP card is collected after the dependant arrives in Singapore, completes formalities, and registers with MOM. Issuance fee: S$225.

Dependant’s Pass Fees

Validity Period of the Dependant’s Pass

The DP is tied to the validity of the sponsor’s work pass. It is typically issued for the same duration as the sponsor’s EP, S Pass, EntrePass, PEP, or ONE Pass. When the sponsor renews their work pass, the DP must also be renewed — it does not renew automatically.

If the sponsor’s work pass is cancelled or expires, the DP immediately loses its validity, and the dependant must leave Singapore or obtain an alternative immigration pass.

Can a Dependant’s Pass Holder Work in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass holder does not have automatic work rights in Singapore. Work authorisation must be obtained separately, and the rules differ depending on the sponsor’s pass:

Dependants of EP, PEP, EntrePass, or ONE Pass Holders

DP holders sponsored by an EP, PEP, EntrePass, or ONE Pass holder may apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) through their prospective employer. The LOC allows them to work for that specific employer and does not require a separate work pass application. Read our guide on the Letter of Consent (LOC) for more details.

Dependants of S Pass Holders

DP holders sponsored by an S Pass holder do not qualify for an LOC. To work in Singapore, they must apply for their own work pass — either an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit — in their own right through a Singapore-registered employer.

Renewing a Dependant’s Pass

Renewal must be completed before the current DP expires. The renewal process mirrors the initial application:

• The sponsor or employer submits a renewal via EP Online
• Processing time: approximately 3 weeks
• Renewal issuance fee: S$225
• Documents confirming the ongoing relationship (e.g. marriage certificate) may not need to be resubmitted unless circumstances have changed

It is advisable to begin the renewal process at least 6–8 weeks before the DP’s expiry to allow adequate processing time and avoid a gap in the dependant’s legal stay.

Cancelling a Dependant’s Pass

A DP must be cancelled if:

• The dependant leaves Singapore permanently
• The sponsor’s work pass is cancelled or expires
• The dependant obtains their own work pass or other long-term immigration pass
• The relationship between the sponsor and dependant changes (e.g. divorce)

Cancellation is done via EP Online. Upon cancellation, the dependant must leave Singapore within the social visit pass duration (typically 30 days) endorsed by ICA at the point of entry.

Common Reasons for DP Application Rejection

MOM does not always state the reason for rejection, but common causes include:

• Sponsor’s salary is below the S$6,000 threshold
• Sponsor’s work pass is on renewal or under review at the time of application
• Incomplete or incorrectly translated documents
• Marriage not legally recognised under Singapore law
• Adverse immigration history of the dependant
• Discrepancies in declared information

If your application is rejected, you may appeal to MOM with additional supporting documents. Our associated licensed employment agency assists with both fresh applications and appeals.

Dependant’s Pass vs Long-Term Visit Pass: What’s the Difference?

Practical Tips for a Smooth DP Application

• Apply early. Processing can take up to 6 weeks. Apply well before your dependant’s intended travel date.
• Ensure your salary threshold is clearly evidenced. Payslips showing the fixed salary component are essential.
• Get official translations. Unofficial translations are routinely rejected by MOM.
• Keep track of vaccination records for young children. MOM may require proof of vaccinations for children under 12.
• Renew before expiry. A lapsed DP means your dependant must leave Singapore.
• Check the sponsor’s pass status. A DP application submitted when the sponsor’s EP is under renewal or appeal may be delayed.

For Singapore PR applications, DP holders may eventually be eligible to apply for permanent residency, though there is no guaranteed pathway solely by virtue of holding a DP. The Global Investor Programme is another route for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residency.

For more information on the different Singapore work passes and which one best suits your situation, see our comprehensive comparison guide. You may also find our guide on the S Pass 2026 and EntrePass 2026 helpful.

Beyond immigration compliance, sound financial planning and investment decisions are equally important for foreign professionals building their lives in Singapore.

For the latest Singapore business news and regulatory updates, there are useful resources for directors and business owners.

If you need legal advice on any aspect of immigration or family law, we can point you in the right direction.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

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