A Dependant’s Pass lets the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder live in Singapore. The sponsor must hold that main pass, earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000, and be sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company.
The employer or an appointed employment agent files the application, and each family member needs a separate one. The sections below set out who qualifies, what MOM charges and how long it takes, how the application runs, and what a Dependant’s Pass holder may do in Singapore.
What the Dependant’s Pass is, in MOM’s own terms
MOM describes the Dependant’s Pass as a pass for the spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders. The Ministry publishes a set of key facts for the pass, summarised below.
| Item | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Legally married spouse or unmarried children under 21 of eligible EP or S Pass holders |
| Who can apply | An employer or appointed employment agent |
| Duration | Tied to main work pass validity or requested duration, whichever is shorter |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Levy and quota | No foreign worker levy or quota required |
| Relevant legislation | Immigration Act |
A Dependant’s Pass cannot outlast the main pass, so a short main pass produces a short dependant’s pass.
MOM lists two features of the pass itself. Eligible pass holders may be able to work in Singapore, and no foreign worker levy or quota is required for the Dependant’s Pass. The work routes are set out later in this page.
The application pages also cover dependants of Personalised Employment Pass, EntrePass and Employment Pass (Sponsorship) holders. Those routes use different applicants and different processing times, which this page records separately.
Who qualifies: the sponsor’s requirements
MOM sets three requirements that the main pass holder must meet. The holder must hold an Employment Pass or S Pass, earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000, and be sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company, usually the employer.
The salary test is individual, not household-wide. MOM states the S$6,000 minimum fixed monthly salary is based on your salary and not on combined household income.
MOM answers one timing question directly. You can apply for a Dependant’s Pass before the main pass application is approved, but MOM recommends waiting until after the main pass is approved. If the main pass application is rejected, the Dependant’s Pass will also be rejected and the application fee will not be refunded.
Which family members qualify, and who goes on another pass
For Employment Pass and S Pass holders, MOM lists two categories of family member eligible for a Dependant’s Pass. They are the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.
MOM’s page on passes for families of Employment Pass holders sets out a wider table of family members and the pass each one needs. It is reproduced below with the figures as published.
| Family member | Pass type |
|---|---|
| Legally married spouse | Dependant’s Pass |
| Unmarried children under 21, including those legally adopted | Dependant’s Pass |
| Common-law spouse | Long-Term Visit Pass |
| Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above | Long-Term Visit Pass |
| Unmarried step-children under 21 | Long-Term Visit Pass |
| Parents (only for EP holders earning at least S$12,000) | Long-Term Visit Pass |
Family members who are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass, according to MOM’s eligibility page. The S$12,000 parent threshold appears on MOM’s page for families of Employment Pass holders.
One exclusion is absolute and narrow. Family members of Employment Pass holders who chose to apply as an overseas ICT under WTO GATS or an applicable FTA are not eligible for Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes, except where they are specifically covered by an applicable FTA and meet the prevailing criteria.
What it costs and how long it takes
MOM splits the fees across two stages of the application. Both figures below are per pass.
| Stage | Fee MOM states |
|---|---|
| On submission | S$105 for each pass |
| On issuance | S$225 for each pass |
| Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable | S$30 for each |
Processing time depends on which main pass the dependant is attached to. MOM gives the following times.
| Applicant group | Processing time MOM states |
|---|---|
| Dependants of EP and S Pass holders | Within 3 weeks for most cases |
| Dependants of EP (Sponsorship), PEP or EntrePass holders | Within 6 weeks for most cases |
MOM adds that some cases will take more time. For the submission stage for EP and S Pass dependants, MOM states you may check your application status after 3 weeks, and that it will email you within 3 weeks if additional documents are required.
How to apply, step by step
The sequence below follows MOM’s published application map. One action per step.
- Confirm the main pass holder meets the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the documents required.
- Log in to EP eService on myMOM Portal to complete the application and upload documents.
- Ensure your organisation’s turnover information for the past 3 years has been updated before submitting.
- Submit a separate application for each family member.
- Pay S$105 for each application by GIRO, Visa, Mastercard or Amex.
- Check the application status after 3 weeks.
- Print the in-principle approval letter if the pass is approved.
- Send the pass holder’s copy of the IPA to the foreigner.
You can submit the Dependant’s Pass application together with the main pass holder’s work pass application or at a later date. MOM states that the foreigner does not need to be in Singapore when you apply, and that you should only bring them in when the pass is approved.
Two warnings appear on MOM’s application page. If the foreigner is in Singapore on a visit pass that expires before the Dependant’s Pass is issued, MOM will not be able to extend the visit pass. The IPA letter carries a pre-approved single-entry visa, and its validity differs by main pass.
| If the foreigner is a | IPA is valid for |
|---|---|
| Dependant of EP holder | 6 months |
| Dependant of S Pass holder | 2 months |
Documents you need to submit
MOM lists a short core set of documents, plus relationship-specific documents. Non-English documents must be uploaded as the original document together with an English translation, as one file.
| Relationship | Documents MOM lists |
|---|---|
| All candidates | Copy of the passport personal particulars page |
| Child sharing a parent’s passport | Parent’s personal particulars page as well |
| Legally married spouse | Copy of the marriage certificate |
| Unmarried children under 21 | Official birth certificate stating the parents’ names |
| Unmarried, legally adopted children under 21 | Copy of the adoption order or other relevant documents |
A vaccination document applies in one specific case. MOM requires a Verification of Vaccination Requirements (for entry to Singapore) document issued by the Communicable Diseases Agency for foreign-born children aged 12 and below who are applying for a new DP, which includes those whose DPs have expired or been cancelled for more than 30 days.
MOM also states it may ask for other documents when it reviews an application. Translations may be obtained from a translation service provider.
After approval: issuing the pass, registration and the card
The pass must be issued within a fixed window after in-principle approval. MOM sets 6 months for dependants of Employment Pass holders and 2 months for dependants of S Pass holders. MOM states the processing time for issuance is immediate.
Before issuance, have these details ready, as listed by MOM: the foreigner’s passport details, Singapore contact details, current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass details, Singapore residential address, the address to receive the card, and details of up to 3 authorised recipients with their mobile number and NRIC, FIN or passport number.
You may also need to upload PDF copies of the foreigner’s passport page showing the date of arrival, a completed medical examination form or medical declaration form, and the completed declaration form attached to the IPA letter. At payment, MOM charges S$225 for each pass and S$30 for each Multiple Journey Visa, payable by GIRO, Visa, Mastercard or Amex.
The notification letter is issued once the pass is granted. It allows travel in and out of Singapore while the card is pending, states whether fingerprints and photo registration is needed, and is valid for 1 month from the date of issue.
If foreigners are waiting for medical results, MOM allows an STVP extension. Submit the request 7 to 14 days before the STVP expires and upload the doctor’s memo stating the medical results collection date.
Registration times and locations differ by main pass.
| Type of dependant | Where to register | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Dependants of EP holders | Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) | Within 2 weeks after pass is issued |
| Dependants of S Pass holders | MOM Services Centre - Hall C | Within 1 week after pass is issued |
For the appointment, the foreigner must bring the original passport, the appointment letter, the notification letter, and a mobile phone with a local number with both the Singpass and SGWorkPass apps downloaded. During registration, MOM captures fingerprints, takes a photo and registers the foreigner for a Singpass account.
The digital pass is set up on the day of card registration, in three steps: download SGWorkPass, log in with Singpass, and view the digital pass. MOM states the app lets holders check status and expiry date without waiting for the physical card.
The card is delivered to the given address within 5 working days after registration or document verification. If no registration is needed, delivery follows within 5 working days after document checks. Authorised recipients get an SMS or email with delivery details at least 1 working day before delivery.
Collection rules are strict about identity. A dependant collecting the card shows a passport or digital pass; an authorised person shows NRIC, FIN or passport. After two unsuccessful deliveries, the card must be collected at the relevant services centre, 3 working days after the second attempted delivery, with no appointment needed.
Working in Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass
MOM states that prospective employers can apply for an Employment Pass, an S Pass, or a DP-Work Permit for a Dependant’s Pass holder. MOM sets out the conditions that apply to DP holders who get an EP or S Pass and those who get a DP-Work Permit.
Dependant’s Pass holders who get an EP or S Pass must meet the prevailing EP or S Pass qualifying criteria. They receive the work and stay privileges of that pass, stop depending on the main pass holder for their stay, and must have their DP cancelled before the EP or S Pass is issued.
The DP-Work Permit carries a different set of conditions published by MOM. Holders can be of any nationality or citizenship, are not subject to a minimum qualifying salary, and have the DP-WP validity tied to their DP.
DP-WP holders are also not subject to the six-monthly medical examination and security bond requirements. Their employer need not provide medical insurance if they are already covered under a plan meeting MOM’s minimum mandatory insurance coverage requirement. They remain subject to the relevant Work Permit quota and levy.
MOM aligns DP-WP levy rates to the lowest levy rates for each business sector, with tiers for Manufacturing and Services.
| Sector | DRC | Monthly levy rate |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 83.3% | S$300; off-site construction S$250 |
| Process | 83.3% | S$200 |
| Marine shipyard | 75% | S$350 |
| Manufacturing | 60% | Tier 1 (up to 25% of workforce): S$250; Tier 2 (above 25% up to 50%): S$350; Tier 3 (above 50% up to 60%): S$550 |
| Services | 35% | Tier 1: S$300; Tier 2 (above 10% up to 25%): S$400; Tier 3 (above 25% up to 35%): S$600 |
MOM defines a Dependency Ratio Ceiling or quota as the maximum ratio of foreign workers to the total workforce a company can employ in each sector. From 2028, the current Tier 1 and Tier 2 in the Services and Manufacturing sectors will be merged, at S$300 in Manufacturing and S$400 in Services, with MOM releasing implementation details in due course.
Dependant’s Pass holders who want to set up or operate their own business can apply for a Letter of Consent. Volunteering needs no work pass where no payment is involved and the activities are for a charitable purpose.
Renewing a Dependant’s Pass
Employers can apply to renew up to 6 months before a Dependant’s Pass expires. MOM states this as 6 months (180 days) before expiry, and requires the application to be made before the expiry date.
For dependants of Employment Pass (Sponsorship) and EntrePass holders, the window is shorter. MOM states renewal can start 3 months before the pass expires, and those cases use a renewal application form rather than EP eService.
| Item | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Who can renew | Employer or appointed employment agent |
| Cost | S$225 to get the pass issued; S$30 for each Multiple Journey Visa |
| Processing, EP eService | Within 3 weeks for most cases |
| Processing, EP (Sponsorship) and EntrePass | Within 8 weeks for most cases |
| Renewed duration | Tied to main pass validity or requested duration, whichever is shorter |
Renewal is not a formality. MOM states applications will be evaluated against current eligibility criteria and that renewals are not guaranteed.
Renewing early does not cost you unused time, according to MOM: the duration of the renewed pass starts when the current pass expires. If you miss the deadline, you need to apply for a new pass.
On a successful renewal, the IPA letter is valid for 3 months for a dependant of an Employment Pass holder and 2 months for a dependant of an S Pass holder. You must follow the IPA instructions to get the pass issued before the IPA or the current pass expires, whichever occurs first.
After issuance, the notification letter tells you whether to continue using the existing card or whether a new card is coming. If a new card is issued, the existing card must be cut in half and discarded to prevent misuse; MOM also notes that returning a card you still need costs S$65.40 (including GST) to replace.
Babies born in Singapore
MOM sets a firm timeline for newborns. Register the child’s birth with ICA within 14 calendar days of birth, after which ICA issues the birth certificate and an advisory note.
MOM states the Special Pass granted at birth allows the newborn to stay in Singapore for 42 days from the date of birth. MOM’s application page states the ICA Special Pass is valid for 6 weeks, during which you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass.
Within that period, get a passport for the baby from your embassy or high commission and apply for an appropriate immigration pass. MOM warns that any delay beyond 42 days from the child’s birth is an offence under the Immigration Act.
The employer should apply for the Dependant’s Pass through myMOM Portal. MOM states online applications get an outcome within 3 weeks for most cases. If the baby’s passport is not ready, upload proof of the passport application, such as a letter from the embassy showing that you have applied.
Two different Special Pass extension rules apply, depending on which document the baby holds.
- Holding ICA’s advisory note: request an extension only if the Advisory Note from ICA is expiring within 7 days.
- Holding a MOM-issued newborn Special Pass: no extension request is needed; the Special Pass is auto-extended for 28 days if the Dependant’s Pass is not ready, and an SMS is sent one day before expiry with the updated date.
If the application is unsuccessful, MOM gives two options. Make sure the baby leaves Singapore before the Special Pass expires, as MOM will not grant an extension, or submit a request to ICA for extension of stay.
What to read next
- Dependant’s Pass Income Threshold: Sponsoring Aged Parents and Common-Law Spouses in 2026 — how the salary test applies to parents and unmarried partners.
- Dependant’s Pass Work Rights in 2026: LOC and Work Permit Pathways Explained — the Letter of Consent and DP-Work Permit routes in detail.
- Dependant Pass vs LTVP in 2026: Key Differences for Singapore Work Visa Holders — which family member goes on which pass, and why.
- Dependant Pass Eligibility for Common-Law Partners: Documentation and Legal Framework — what common-law partners can apply for instead.
- Singapore PR Application: Who Can Apply, What ICA Asks For and How the Process Runs — the next step for families settling long term.
- Work passes hub — the full set of Singapore work pass guides on this site.
Official sources
- MOM: Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Key facts on Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Eligibility for Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Working in Singapore (Dependant’s Pass)
- MOM: Documents required for Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Apply for a Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Renew a Dependant’s Pass
- MOM: Getting a Dependant’s Pass for a newborn
- MOM FAQ: applying before the main pass is approved
- MOM: Passes for families of Employment Pass holders
These pages were retrieved on 2026-10-07, and the rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position on the MOM page before you act. Pass & Permit Desk is not an immigration agent, does not file applications or represent applicants, and provides general information only, not immigration or legal advice.