Family Sponsorship in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Work pass holders and Singapore citizens can sponsor family members to live in Singapore through several pass types.
Dependant's Pass (DP):
- For: Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of EP or S Pass holders.
- Salary threshold: The main pass holder must earn at least $6,000/month to sponsor a DP.
- Working on DP: DP holders need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM to work. The LOC is employer-specific — if you change jobs, a new LOC application is required. No separate work pass fees apply.
- Application fee: $105 per application. Issuance fee: $225.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP):
- For: Common-law spouses, stepchildren, unmarried handicapped children over 21, parents, and parents-in-law of EP/S Pass holders (at MOM's discretion).
- LTVP for spouses of Singapore citizens: Applied through ICA (not MOM). The citizen spouse sponsors the application. Initial LTVP validity varies — typically 1 to 3 years, renewable.
- LTVP+ (Long-Term Visit Pass Plus): An enhanced version for spouses of citizens who meet certain criteria. LTVP+ holders can work without a separate LOC and may access subsidised healthcare and education.
Processing times: DP applications typically take 3 to 8 weeks. LTVP applications through ICA may take 4 to 6 months.
When does it apply?
- You are the spouse or child of an EP or S Pass holder earning at least $6,000/month.
- You are the foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen and wish to live in Singapore.
- You are the parent or parent-in-law of an EP holder and wish to stay long-term in Singapore.
- You are a common-law spouse or stepchild of a work pass holder (LTVP, at MOM's discretion).
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Family to Join You in Singapore on a Dependant's Pass or LTVP
- For DP: The main pass holder's employer applies through MOM's online system. Prepare marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, and proof of the main pass holder's salary.
- For LTVP (citizen's spouse): The Singapore citizen applies through ICA's e-Service. Prepare marriage certificate, proof of genuine marriage (photos, correspondence, joint finances), and both parties' identification documents.
- If you want to work on a DP, find an employer willing to apply for a Letter of Consent on your behalf. The application is straightforward and there is no quota or levy.
- Renew your pass before it expires — applications for renewal should be submitted at least 2 months before expiry.
- Apply for LTVP+ if eligible — it provides better benefits than a standard LTVP, including the right to work without an LOC.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't work on a DP without an LOC — even though you are allowed to live in Singapore, working without authorisation is an offence.
- Don't assume the DP continues if the main pass holder's employment ends — the DP is tied to the main pass and will be cancelled when the main pass is cancelled.
- Don't enter a sham marriage to obtain immigration benefits — ICA investigates suspicious marriages and can revoke passes and impose criminal penalties.
- Don't overstay after your pass expires — the consequences are severe, including fines, imprisonment, and caning for overstays exceeding 90 days.
- Don't forget to update ICA if your marital status changes — a divorce means the LTVP basis no longer exists.
Common Questions
What salary do I need to bring family to Singapore?
At least S$6,000 per month for EP or S Pass holders to sponsor a Dependant's Pass for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. Application fee S$105, issuance S$225. Processing takes 3-8 weeks. The DP is tied to the main pass — it cancels when the main pass is cancelled.
Can I work as a Singapore Dependant's Pass holder?
Yes, with a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM, obtained through your prospective employer. The LOC is employer-specific — changing jobs requires a new LOC application. There is no quota or levy, and no separate work pass fees apply, but you cannot work without an LOC.
What is the Singapore LTVP+?
An enhanced Long-Term Visit Pass for foreign spouses of Singapore citizens who meet certain criteria. LTVP+ holders can work without a separate LOC and may access subsidised healthcare and education. Apply through ICA (not MOM). Standard LTVP applications typically take 4-6 months.
When does it apply — family sponsorship?
You are the spouse or child of an EP or S Pass holder earning at least $6,000/month.You are the foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen and wish to live in Singapore.You are the parent or parent-in-law of an EP holder and wish to stay long-term in Singapore.You are a common-law spouse or stepchild of a work pass holder (LTVP, at MOM's discretion).
What should I do if I want to sponsor my spouse and children to live with me in Singapore on a Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass?
For DP: The main pass holder's employer applies through MOM's online system. Prepare marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, and proof of the main pass holder's salary.For LTVP (citizen's spouse): The Singapore citizen applies through ICA's e-Service. Prepare marriage certificate, proof of genuine marriage (photos, correspondence, joint finances), and both parties' identification documents.If you want to work on a DP, find an employer willing to apply for a Letter of Consent on your behalf. The application is straightforward and there is no quota or levy.Renew your pass before it...
What should you NOT do — family sponsorship?
Don't work on a DP without an LOC — even though you are allowed to live in Singapore, working without authorisation is an offence.Don't assume the DP continues if the main pass holder's employment ends — the DP is tied to the main pass and will be cancelled when the main pass is cancelled.Don't enter a sham marriage to obtain immigration benefits — ICA investigates suspicious marriages and can revoke passes and impose criminal penalties.Don't overstay after your pass expires — the consequences are severe, including fines, imprisonment, and caning for overstays exceeding 90 days.Don't forget to...