Dependant’s Pass Income Threshold: Sponsoring Aged Parents and Common‑Law Spouses in 2026
A Dependant’s Pass (DP) allows eligible family members of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder to live in Singapore. From 1 September 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) consolidated salary benchmarks through the COMPASS framework, with the key thresholds holding steady into 2026. An EP holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 to sponsor a legal or common‑law spouse and unmarried children under 21. Sponsoring aged parents requires a Long‑Term Visit Pass (LTVP), not a DP, with a distinct minimum salary of S$12,000 per month for the sponsoring EP holder.
Sponsoring Parents: The S$12,000 LTVP Threshold
Parents are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass. They must apply for a Long‑Term Visit Pass under the sponsorship of an EP holder. In 2026, the sponsor must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000. This threshold mirrors the benchmark for sponsoring a parent under the LTVP scheme after the September 2023 tightening. S Pass holders cannot sponsor parents; only EP holders qualify. The LTVP is typically granted for up to two years and may be renewed, provided the EP holder remains employed and meets the salary criterion at each renewal.
Sponsoring a Common‑Law Spouse: The S$6,000 DP Requirement
A common‑law spouse can obtain a Dependant’s Pass if the EP or S Pass holder earns at least S$6,000 per month. The DP application must include evidence of a de‑facto relationship that has been ongoing for at least 12 months. This income floor applies to both EP and S Pass holders; an S Pass holder may also sponsor a common‑law spouse, but will be subject to the dependency ratio ceiling and the S Pass quota of the employer. The DP is tied to the main pass holder’s validity and typically allows the spouse to work with a Letter of Consent or a separate work pass.
Sponsoring Step‑Children: The Same S$6,000 Floor
Step‑children under 21 years of age can be included under the DP of the common‑law spouse. The biological parent must hold DP or be the main pass holder, and the EP/S Pass holder sponsoring the step‑child must still meet the S$6,000 fixed monthly salary requirement. MOM will require the child’s birth certificate and documentation proving the relationship between the common‑law spouse and the child. In cases where the common‑law spouse is not the biological mother, adoption papers or legal guardianship orders may be required.
De‑Facto Relationship Documentation: What MOM Requires
MOM assesses common‑law relationships on a case‑by‑case basis. Applicants must submit evidence covering at least 12 months of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities. Acceptable documents include joint tenancy agreements, joint bank account statements, utility bills in both names, statutory declarations, and notarised affidavits from family or community leaders. MOM’s decision is final; insufficient documentation will result in rejection. A fresh application with strengthened evidence may be lodged after six months.
Long‑Term Visit Pass as an Alternative When DP Is Not Available
When a DP is not available—for instance, sponsoring a parent or a common‑law spouse where the sponsor earns below S$6,000—the Long‑Term Visit Pass (LTVP) becomes the primary alternative. For parents, the S$12,000 LTVP route is the only option. For a common‑law spouse, an LTVP may be considered if the sponsor’s income is below the DP threshold but demonstrates sufficient financial capacity (typically 120% of the prevailing S$6,000 DP threshold, or S$7,200 per month for discretionary waivers). LTVP holders cannot work without a separate work pass, and the pass is subject to annual reviews.
Income Calculation and Fixed Monthly Salary Components
MOM calculates the fixed monthly salary as the basic monthly wage before any bonuses, commissions, or variable allowances. For the S$6,000 DP threshold, the fixed component must stand alone at or above S$6,000. For the S$12,000 parent LTVP threshold, the same principle applies: only the fixed monthly salary counts. Employers may allocate a portion of the annual salary into monthly fixed to meet the criteria, but this must be reflected in the employment contract and payslips. MOM conducts regular audits to verify salary declarations.
FAQ
Can an S Pass holder sponsor a parent for LTVP?
No. Only an EP holder with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 may sponsor a parent for a Long‑Term Visit Pass. S Pass holders cannot sponsor parents even if they earn above S$12,000.
How long does MOM take to process a DP application for a common‑law spouse?
Processing typically takes five to seven weeks from submission. Complex cases requiring additional documentation may extend to 10 weeks. Applicants should submit a complete set of 12‑month cohabitation evidence to avoid delays.
Is the income threshold different for sponsoring a step‑child versus a biological child?
No. Both are covered under the same S$6,000 fixed monthly salary requirement for EP and S Pass holders. The only difference is the additional documentation needed to prove the relationship between the step‑child and the sponsor.
Can a common‑law spouse on DP apply for permanent residency?
Yes. A common‑law spouse holding a DP may apply for permanent residency through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), provided the sponsor is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. The de‑facto relationship must be recognised by ICA, which typically requires at least two years of cohabitation and strong socio‑economic integration indicators.
参考资料
- Ministry of Manpower Singapore – “Work pass for dependants of Employment Pass or S Pass holders” (2026)
- Ministry of Manpower Singapore – “Long‑Term Visit Pass for parent of an Employment Pass holder” (2025 revision)
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority – “Applying for permanent residence as a spouse of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident” (2026)
- Ministry of Manpower – “COMPASS framework: Fixed monthly salary benchmarks” (2023‑2026)
- Employment Act of Singapore, Chapter 91 (2020 revised edition), sections on salary definitions
This article does not constitute legal or migration advice.