Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass 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?
Family members of work pass holders can stay in Singapore on a Dependant's Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP):
- Dependant's Pass — minimum sponsor salary S$6,000/month (effective 1 September 2023, with the EP qualifying-salary floor itself rising in step from 1 September 2023 and re-confirmed in the 2024 MOM update): For the legally married spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of EP or S Pass holders. Older sponsors and those in financial services may need a higher salary to meet the EP qualifying threshold underlying the DP application.
- LTVP for parents — minimum sponsor salary S$12,000/month: EP holders who wish to bring their parents into Singapore on an LTVP must earn at least S$12,000/month. This is double the standard DP threshold and is assessed at the time of LTVP application.
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For common-law spouses, stepchildren, parents, parents-in-law, unmarried handicapped children (21+), and other family members — at MOM's discretion.
- LTVP+ for SC spouses (ICA-issued): Foreign spouses of Singapore citizens or PRs can apply for the LTVP+ through ICA. LTVP+ is a separate pass from the work-pass-holder LTVP and is not gated by the S$12,000 threshold.
- Working on DP/LTVP: DP holders need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM to work. LTVP holders need a separate work pass or LOC.
When does it apply?
- You are the spouse, child, or family member of an EP or S Pass holder in Singapore.
- You are a foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen.
What to Do If Your Dependant's Pass or LTVP Application for Singapore Has Been Rejected
- The EP/S Pass holder's employer applies for the DP on your behalf via MOM's online system.
- For LTVP for SC spouses, the Singapore citizen spouse applies through ICA.
- If you want to work while on a DP, apply for an LOC through your prospective employer.
- The LOC is tied to the specific employer — if you change jobs, a new LOC application is needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't work without an LOC — even DP holders cannot work without this authorisation.
- Don't overstay if the main pass holder's employment ends — the DP/LTVP is tied to the main pass.
- Don't assume DP is automatic — it requires a separate application and depends on the main pass holder's salary meeting the threshold.
Common Questions
Who qualifies for a Singapore Dependant's Pass?
The legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of EP or S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 per month. The EP/S Pass holder's employer applies on your behalf via MOM's online system. Do not assume DP is automatic — it requires a separate application and depends on the main pass holder's salary meeting the threshold.
What is an LTVP in Singapore and who qualifies?
A Long-Term Visit Pass for common-law spouses, stepchildren, parents, parents-in-law, unmarried handicapped children (21+), and other family members — at MOM's discretion. To bring parents on an LTVP, EP-holding sponsors must earn at least S$12,000 per month — double the standard S$6,000 Dependant's Pass threshold. Foreign spouses of Singapore citizens apply for an LTVP through ICA; the Singapore-citizen spouse submits the application.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder work in Singapore?
Only with a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM, obtained through the prospective employer. The LOC is tied to the specific employer, so changing jobs requires a new LOC. Do not work without an LOC — even DP holders cannot work without this authorisation. LTVP holders need a separate work pass or LOC.
When does it apply — dependant's pass and long-term visit pass?
You are the spouse, child, or family member of an EP or S Pass holder in Singapore.You are a foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen.
What should I do if MOM or ICA has rejected my family member's Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass application for Singapore?
The EP/S Pass holder's employer applies for the DP on your behalf via MOM's online system.For LTVP for SC spouses, the Singapore citizen spouse applies through ICA.If you want to work while on a DP, apply for an LOC through your prospective employer.The LOC is tied to the specific employer — if you change jobs, a new LOC application is needed.
What should you NOT do — dependant's pass and long-term visit pass?
Don't work without an LOC — even DP holders cannot work without this authorisation.Don't overstay if the main pass holder's employment ends — the DP/LTVP is tied to the main pass.Don't assume DP is automatic — it requires a separate application and depends on the main pass holder's salary meeting the threshold.