Two family passes let Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders bring relatives to Singapore: the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). The pass you need depends on the relative’s relationship to you and on your salary. This article sets out who qualifies for each pass, the salary thresholds, and how the passes work.
What the main passes are
The EP is for foreign professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer who meet the eligibility criteria. The S Pass is for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria.
An employer or appointed employment agent applies for the EP or S Pass on the candidate’s behalf. An overseas company without a Singapore-registered office applies through a local sponsor.
The EP lasts up to 2 years for first-time candidates and up to 3 years on renewal. The S Pass follows the same pattern, up to 2 years first-time and up to 3 years on renewal, with the duration limited by passport validity. The family passes below attach to these main passes.
Who can sponsor a family pass
You must hold an EP or an S Pass to sponsor either a DP or an LTVP. Both eligibility pages state this as a condition.
You must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000. This amount is based on your own salary, not on combined household income.
Your sponsor must be an established, Singapore-registered company, usually your employer.
Which relatives go on the Dependant’s Pass
The DP covers legally married spouses. It also covers unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.
If a family member is not eligible for a DP, they may instead qualify for an LTVP.
Which relatives go on the Long-Term Visit Pass
The LTVP covers relatives the DP does not. It applies to common-law spouses.
It applies to unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above. It applies to unmarried step-children under 21 years old.
Parents are covered only if you earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000. The $12,000 figure applies specifically to parents on the LTVP.
If you are legally married or have children, you may be eligible for a DP.
The $6,000 and $12,000 salary thresholds
Both passes share the same base requirement of $6,000 fixed monthly salary. That is the minimum to bring a legally married spouse, unmarried children under 21, a common-law spouse, handicapped children over 21, or step-children under 21.
The higher $12,000 fixed monthly salary applies only to parents on the LTVP. The salary is assessed on your own pay, not on household income combined with your spouse.
How to apply
Your employer or an appointed employment agent must submit the application on the candidate’s behalf. A separate application is required for each family member.
The family pass can be applied for together with the EP or S Pass application. It can also be submitted separately at a later date.
Before applying, check the eligibility and the documents required. Submit the application and wait for the outcome. If approved, you receive an in-principle approval letter.
Upon the dependant’s arrival, get the pass issued and receive a notification letter stating whether registration is required. If required, make an appointment for the dependant to register fingerprints and photo. The pass card is received at the provided address 5 working days after registration or document verification.
Pass duration and renewal
The LTVP duration is tied to the validity of the main work pass. It is also limited to the duration requested, whichever is shorter.
The LTVP is renewable. Renew before it expires.
Features of the Long-Term Visit Pass
The LTVP requires no foreign worker levy or quota. Eligible LTVP holders may be able to work in Singapore, under the rules for LTVP holders working here.
The LTVP is governed by the Immigration Act.
Exclusions for overseas ICT applicants
Family members of EP holders who applied as an overseas intra-corporate transferee (ICT) under WTO GATS or an applicable free trade agreement are not eligible for DPs or LTVPs. This exclusion does not apply where the family member is specifically covered by an applicable FTA and meets the prevailing criteria.
Scope note
This article covers the LTVP and DP issued to family members of EP and S Pass holders under MOM rules. Other Long-Term Visit Pass arrangements exist for dependants of Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass and EntrePass holders; those are outside the pages used here.
Official sources
This article is based on the following Singapore government pages:
