Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders in Singapore can bring eligible family members through two distinct passes: the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). Each pass covers different family relationships and has specific eligibility requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Who Can Sponsor Family Members
Both passes require the same sponsor eligibility. You can apply for family passes if you:
- Hold a valid Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000. This is based on your individual salary, not combined household income.
- Are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually your employer).
An employer or appointed employment agent must submit the application on behalf of the family member. The application can be submitted together with the main work pass application or separately at a later date.
Qualifying Family Members for Dependant’s Pass
The Dependant’s Pass covers legally recognised immediate family:
- Legally married spouse.
- Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.
If your family members do not meet these criteria, they may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass instead.
Qualifying Family Members for Long-Term Visit Pass
The Long-Term Visit Pass covers a broader range of dependants who do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass:
- Common-law spouse.
- Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above.
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years old.
- Parents — only if you earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000.
Family members of EP holders who applied as overseas intra-corporate transferees (ICT) under WTO GATS or an applicable FTA are not eligible for Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes, except where specifically covered by an applicable FTA and meeting prevailing criteria.
Salary Requirements at a Glance
| Pass | Sponsor’s Minimum Fixed Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Dependant’s Pass (spouse, children under 21) | $6,000 |
| Long-Term Visit Pass (common-law spouse, step-children, handicapped children 21+) | $6,000 |
| Long-Term Visit Pass (parents) | $12,000 |
The salary threshold is based on the sponsor’s fixed monthly salary as defined by MOM.
Application Process
For both passes, the employer or appointed employment agent submits the application via MOM’s eServices. Required documents vary by pass type and relationship but generally include proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), passport copies, and the sponsor’s employment details. MOM and ICA assess each application based on the published eligibility criteria.
Pass Validity
- Dependant’s Pass: Typically aligned with the validity of the main work pass (up to 2 years for first-time EP/S Pass holders, up to 3 years for renewals).
- Long-Term Visit Pass: Duration is tied to the validity of the main work pass or up to the duration requested, whichever is shorter.
Both passes are renewable. Renewal applications should be submitted before the current pass expires.
Work Rights
- Dependant’s Pass holders: May be eligible to work in Singapore. Details on work permissions are available through MOM’s guidelines for DP holders.
- Long-Term Visit Pass holders: Eligible LTVP holders may be able to work in Singapore. Refer to MOM’s page on “Working in Singapore for LTVP holders” for current criteria and application procedures.
Neither pass requires a foreign worker levy or quota.
Important Restrictions
- Family members must hold valid passports.
- Pass holders must comply with Singapore’s entry and travel requirements (ICA).
- Any changes to the sponsor’s or dependant’s information must be notified to MOM.
- If the main EP or S Pass is cancelled or expires, the associated DP and LTVP also cease to be valid.
Official Sources
- MOM – Eligibility for Employment Pass
- MOM – Key facts on Employment Pass
- MOM – Eligibility for S Pass
- MOM – Key facts on S Pass
- MOM – Passes for families of Employment Pass holders
- MOM – Eligibility for Dependant’s Pass
- MOM – Eligibility for Long-Term Visit Pass
- MOM – Key facts on Long-Term Visit Pass
