Employment Pass Dependants: Bringing Your Family to Singapore
Once an Employment Pass is approved, most holders' next question is whether their spouse and children can join them in Singapore, and whether that family member can work. The rules are more restrictive than many expect, and a common misconception (that a spouse can simply start working on a Letter of Consent) has been out of date since 2021. This guide sets out what is actually available.
Dependant's Pass (DP)
The Dependant's Pass is the primary route for an EP holder's immediate family to live in Singapore long-term.
Eligibility
- EP holder earns a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000, based on the EP holder's salary alone, not combined household income
- Sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually the EP holder's employer)
- Eligible family members: legally married spouse, and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children)
“Fixed monthly salary” means basic salary plus fixed allowances only; it excludes bonuses, overtime, commissions, and variable allowances. Applicants close to the S$6,000 threshold should check this definition carefully, as miscalculation is a common cause of rejection.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Family members who do not qualify for a Dependant's Pass may be eligible for an LTVP instead. The same S$6,000 minimum salary threshold applies, with one exception for parents:
- Common-law spouse: S$6,000/month threshold
- Unmarried step-children under 21: S$6,000/month threshold
- Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above: S$6,000/month threshold
- Parents: EP holder must earn at least S$12,000/month
Can a DP or LTVP Holder Work?
This is the point most families get wrong. Since 1 May 2021, MOM aligned DP and LTVP holders' work requirements with those of any other foreigner in Singapore. A DP or LTVP holder who wants to take up employment can no longer do so on a simple Letter of Consent; they must obtain their own qualifying work pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit), just as any other foreign hire would.
The Exception: Running Your Own Business
A DP holder who wants to run their own business, rather than take a job, may still apply for a Letter of Consent for that specific purpose, subject to conditions such as minimum equity ownership in the company and local hiring commitments. This is a narrower, separately assessed route, and MOM evaluates each request individually.
Directorships and Shareholdings
Holding a directorship or shareholding in a Singapore company is not, by itself, considered “work” under MOM's rules. However, drawing a salary or director's fee from that company is, and doing so without the right authorisation is a foreign manpower offence.
DP vs LTVP: At a Glance
| Dependant's Pass | Long-Term Visit Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor salary required | S$6,000/month | S$6,000/month (S$12,000 for parents) |
| Eligible family members | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 | Common-law spouse; step-children; handicapped adult children; parents |
| Right to take employment | Must obtain own EP / S Pass / Work Permit | Must obtain own EP / S Pass / Work Permit |
| Right to run own business | LOC available (conditional) | LOC available (conditional) |
| Tied to sponsor | Cancelled if EP holder's pass ends | Cancelled if EP holder's pass ends |
Applying
Applications are submitted by the EP holder's employer (or an authorised employment agent) through MOM's EP eService. Processing typically takes around 3 weeks. If the application is rejected, an appeal can be submitted online, which takes a minimum of 3 weeks to process.
The DP or LTVP is tied to the EP holder's pass: if the EP is cancelled or expires, the dependent pass is cancelled simultaneously. Plan any pass renewals accordingly.
Need help with dependant pass applications?
Adpeco Integrated Services handles Dependant's Pass, LTVP, and Letter of Consent applications, including the business-ownership route, helping relocating families plan their move to Singapore with confidence.