Letter of Consent (LOC) Singapore: Work Rights for Dependant’s Pass Holders

For many expatriates living in Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass (DP) — typically the spouses and unmarried children of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders — the question of whether they can work in Singapore is a common one. The answer depends on whether the Dependant’s Pass holder has obtained a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

This guide explains what a Letter of Consent is, who needs one, how to apply, and the important distinctions between an LOC and a full work pass such as an Employment Pass.

What Is a Letter of Consent?

A Letter of Consent is a MOM-issued document that permits a Dependant’s Pass holder to work for a specific employer in Singapore. It is not a separate work pass — the holder continues to be in Singapore on their DP — but it grants the legal right to be employed in Singapore for the duration specified in the LOC.

The LOC is tied to both the holder’s DP and the specific employer named in the document. If the holder changes employers, a new LOC application must be submitted for the new employer. The LOC is also automatically cancelled if the underlying DP is cancelled (for example, because the principal pass holder’s EP or S Pass is cancelled).

For information on the Employment Pass itself — including the COMPASS scoring framework that now governs new EP applications — see our guide on the COMPASS Framework for Employment Pass applications.

Who Needs a Letter of Consent?

Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to work in Singapore must obtain an LOC from their prospective employer before commencing employment. This applies to:

• Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Employment Pass holders
• Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of S Pass holders
• Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of EntrePass holders

The LOC must be applied for by the employer, not the DP holder personally. This is an important distinction — the employer takes on a level of responsibility for the LOC holder, similar to the sponsorship relationship in a full work pass application.

Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) Holders

Spouses of Singapore citizens who hold a Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) are granted an LOC automatically when the LTVP+ is approved. They can work for any employer in Singapore without needing a separate application, provided they inform MOM. LTVP+ holders have broader work rights than standard DP holders.

LOC vs Employment Pass: Key Differences

A common question is whether a DP holder should apply for an LOC or whether the employer should instead sponsor the individual for a full Employment Pass or S Pass. The right answer depends on the individual’s circumstances:

In practice, the LOC is used where the DP holder wishes to take up part-time or full-time employment in Singapore and the employer does not need to sponsor a separate work pass. For DP holders who plan a long career in Singapore and wish to build a stronger immigration record, applying for a full Employment Pass (if they qualify) may be a better long-term strategy.

For a full comparison of work visa options, see our guide on Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP. For end-to-end assistance with work pass applications, our associated licensed employment agency handles the full submission process with MOM.

How to Apply for a Letter of Consent

The LOC application must be submitted by the employer through MOM’s EP Online portal. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Employer Accesses EP Online

The employer logs into EP Online using their Corppass credentials. LOC applications are submitted under the “Dependant’s Pass” section. The employer will need the DP holder’s DP number (FIN), full name, and date of birth.

Step 2: Submit the LOC Application

The employer completes the online application form, providing details of the job role, the employer’s business, and the proposed salary. There is no formal salary minimum for an LOC (unlike for the EP or S Pass), but MOM expects the salary to be fair market rate for the role.

Step 3: Processing Time

Most LOC applications are processed within 3 working days, making the LOC significantly faster to obtain than a full Employment Pass or S Pass. MOM may occasionally request additional information, which can extend processing time.

Step 4: LOC Issued and Employment Can Commence

Once the LOC is approved, MOM issues the LOC electronically. The DP holder may commence employment with the named employer on or after the LOC start date. The employer should ensure a copy of the LOC is kept on file.

Step 5: Renewal

The LOC is valid for the duration of the underlying DP, or for a fixed period specified by MOM. When the DP is renewed, the LOC must also be renewed. The renewal process mirrors the initial application process and must be initiated by the employer before the existing LOC expires.

Can a DP Holder Run Their Own Business?

A Dependant’s Pass holder who wishes to run their own business in Singapore — for example, as a sole proprietor or as a director and shareholder of a Singapore private limited company — faces a different set of rules from those applying to employment.

A DP holder may be a shareholder of a Singapore company without needing an LOC, as holding shares is not considered employment. However, if the DP holder wishes to be an active director performing executive functions for the company, or to draw a salary from the company, they will need either an LOC (if the company sponsors one) or a separate work pass such as an Employment Pass or EntrePass.

DP holders who wish to set up their own business in Singapore should seek advice on the appropriate pass type before commencing business activities. For information on Singapore company incorporation, including the requirement for at least one locally resident director, see our guide on nominee director services in Singapore.

LOC and the PR Application

Working in Singapore on an LOC does contribute to a DP holder’s Singapore presence record, which is relevant when the DP holder (or their principal EP/S Pass holder) applies for Singapore Permanent Residency. However, an LOC is generally considered a weaker basis for a PR application than a standalone Employment Pass, because the LOC holder’s right to remain in Singapore is dependent on the principal pass holder’s status.

DP holders considering a PR application should review their options carefully. For a comprehensive guide to the Singapore PR application process, see our article on Singapore PR Application 2026.

Employer Obligations for LOC Holders

Employers who sponsor an LOC take on certain responsibilities:

• Ensuring the LOC holder only performs work within the scope of the approved role
• Notifying MOM when the LOC holder’s employment ends (so MOM can update its records)
• Applying for a new LOC if the holder changes roles or there is a material change in the employment terms
• Not allowing the LOC holder to commence work before the LOC is approved

Allowing an employee to work without a valid LOC is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and can result in fines and debarment from hiring foreign workers.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

Raffles Corporate Services, through its associated licensed employment agency (EA Licence 19C9790), assists employers with LOC applications, Employment Pass applications, and the full range of MOM pass types. We guide employers through the EP Online portal process, advise on the appropriate pass type for each individual’s situation, and manage renewals and cancellations.

For Singapore companies hiring foreign nationals for the first time, see our guide on Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP for an overview of the work pass landscape.

For the latest Singapore business and immigration news, there are helpful resources for employers and expatriates.

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