This Dependant's Pass Singapore guide explains how the families of work pass holders can live here. A Dependant's Pass (DP) lets the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible pass holder stay in Singapore for as long as the main pass is valid. To sponsor a DP, the main pass holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, based on their own salary rather than combined household income, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Below we set out who can sponsor a DP, who qualifies as a dependant, how long the pass lasts, whether a DP holder can work, how the DP differs from a Long-Term Visit Pass, and the steps to apply through MOM. Every figure is taken from MOM and dated as of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Sponsor salary: the main pass holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, based on their own pay, not household income (MOM).
- Eligible sponsors: Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass and Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) holders who meet the salary and company conditions.
- Who qualifies: a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children.
- Validity: a DP is tied to the main work pass and runs for the main pass duration or the period requested, whichever is shorter.
- Working on a DP: a DP holder can work only with their own work pass (Employment Pass, S Pass or DP-Work Permit), or a Letter of Consent if they run their own business.
- If the DP does not apply: family members who fall outside DP eligibility may instead qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Who Can Sponsor A Dependant's Pass
A Dependant's Pass is sponsored by the main work pass holder, who must be employed by an established, Singapore-registered company, usually their own employer. MOM sets one core money test: the sponsor must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000. That figure is assessed on the sponsor's own salary alone, so a spouse's or partner's income cannot be added to reach the threshold.
The S$6,000 floor is a minimum, not a guarantee. MOM weighs the full profile, and EntrePass and ONE Pass holders are assessed against their own scheme conditions on top of the salary point. Meeting S$6,000 lets you apply; it does not commit MOM to approve.
Sponsor And Salary Table
The table below summarises which passes can sponsor a DP, the salary needed, and who can be brought in as a dependant, based on current MOM eligibility rules.
| Who can sponsor | Salary needed to sponsor | Who qualifies as a dependant |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) holder | Fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 |
| S Pass holder | Fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 |
| EntrePass holder | Assessed on EntrePass scheme conditions plus the S$6,000 salary basis | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 |
| Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) | ONE Pass salary criteria apply (well above S$6,000) | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 |
MOM lists the Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass and ONE Pass as the passes that can sponsor a DP. The DP duration is tied to the main pass, so a sponsor on a short pass cannot give a dependant a longer stay than their own.
Who Counts As A Dependant
MOM limits the Dependant's Pass to two groups of family members. Anyone outside these groups is not eligible for a DP, though some may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass instead.
- Legally married spouse: the husband or wife of the main pass holder, where the marriage is legally recognised.
- Unmarried children under 21: including legally adopted children, who must be both unmarried and below 21 years old.
Family Members Outside DP Eligibility
Parents, common-law partners, stepchildren, handicapped children aged 21 and above, and unmarried children born out of wedlock fall outside the standard Dependant's Pass. MOM may allow these family members onto a Long-Term Visit Pass, subject to the sponsor meeting the higher salary bands that the LTVP requires. Reviewing the right pass early avoids a wasted DP application.
How Long A Dependant's Pass Lasts
A Dependant's Pass does not have its own fixed term. MOM ties the DP to the main work pass: it is granted for the duration of the sponsor's pass or the period requested, whichever is shorter. When the main pass is renewed, the DP is renewed alongside it. If the main pass is cancelled or expires, the DP must be cancelled too.
There is no foreign worker levy and no quota for a DP, unlike some work passes. That keeps the cost and administrative load on the sponsor low, but it also means the dependant's right to stay rests entirely on the sponsor keeping a valid main pass.
Renewal And Cancellation
Renewal is handled through MOM, normally by the sponsor's employer or an appointed employment agent, ahead of the main pass renewal. If the sponsor leaves Singapore, changes employer in a way that affects the pass, or has the main pass revoked, the DP loses its basis and has to be cancelled within the period MOM specifies.
Can A Dependant's Pass Holder Work
Holding a Dependant's Pass does not, by itself, allow a person to work. A DP holder who wants a job in Singapore needs a separate work authorisation. MOM sets out three routes, and which one applies depends on whether the person is employed or running their own business.
- Employment Pass or S Pass: the DP holder's employer applies for an EP or S Pass in the normal way, with the usual qualifying salary and assessment.
- DP-Work Permit (DP-WP): a dedicated route that lets a DP holder be employed without a minimum qualifying salary, and at lower levy rates than a standard Work Permit.
- Letter of Consent (LOC): for a DP holder who runs their own registered business in Singapore as a self-employed person or business owner.
The Letter Of Consent Route
The Letter of Consent applies to DP holders who own and run a Singapore-registered business rather than taking up salaried employment. The LOC is tied to the DP, so it ends if the DP is cancelled or expires. A DP holder taking up paid employment with a company is now routed through the employer's work pass or the DP-Work Permit instead of an employment LOC.
Dependant's Pass Versus Long-Term Visit Pass
The Dependant's Pass and the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) both let family members of work pass holders stay in Singapore, but they cover different relationships and use different salary bands. The DP is the first option for a spouse and young children; the LTVP picks up the family members the DP does not cover.
| Feature | Dependant's Pass (DP) | Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it covers | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 | Common-law spouse, stepchildren, handicapped children 21+, parents (parents need a higher salary band) |
| Sponsor salary basis | Fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 | Higher salary bands apply, rising for bringing parents |
| Tied to main pass | Yes, validity follows the main work pass | Yes, validity follows the main work pass |
| Right to work | Via own work pass, DP-Work Permit, or LOC for own business | Via own work pass or a Letter of Consent where allowed |
If a spouse or child does not meet DP eligibility, MOM may still allow an LTVP, provided the sponsor meets the higher salary requirement. Choosing the correct pass before applying saves time and avoids a refusal that can complicate later applications.
How To Apply For A Dependant's Pass
A Dependant's Pass is applied for through MOM, not at a border counter. The sponsor's employer, or an appointed employment agent, submits the application using MOM's online system on the sponsor's behalf. A self-sponsored EntrePass or ONE Pass holder may apply through their own company or an agent.
- Confirm the sponsor holds an eligible pass and earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000.
- Gather supporting documents, including the marriage certificate for a spouse and birth certificates for children, with certified translations where they are not in English.
- Submit the DP application through MOM's online pass system via the employer or an appointed agent, and pay the application fee.
- On approval, complete the formalities to have the pass issued, then have the dependant register for the pass card where required.
Fees And Processing
MOM charges an application fee and a separate issuance fee for each Dependant's Pass, payable through the online system. As fees and processing times are reviewed periodically, confirm the current amounts and turnaround on MOM's Dependant's Pass pages before you apply rather than relying on older figures. Most outcomes are returned within a few weeks, though complex cases can take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dependant's Pass in Singapore
What is the salary needed to sponsor a Dependant's Pass in Singapore?
The main pass holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, assessed on their own salary and not on combined household income, according to MOM. Meeting this floor lets you apply but does not guarantee approval.
Who can sponsor a Dependant's Pass?
Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass and Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) holders who meet the salary and company conditions can sponsor a Dependant's Pass for eligible family members.
Who qualifies as a dependant under the Dependant's Pass?
A legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children, qualify. Parents, common-law partners and older or married children are not covered and may instead apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder work in Singapore?
Not automatically. A DP holder needs their own work authorisation: an Employment Pass or S Pass through an employer, a DP-Work Permit, or a Letter of Consent if they run their own Singapore-registered business.
How long is a Dependant's Pass valid?
A Dependant's Pass is tied to the main work pass. It is granted for the duration of the sponsor's pass or the period requested, whichever is shorter, and is renewed or cancelled together with the main pass.
What is the difference between a Dependant's Pass and a Long-Term Visit Pass?
A Dependant's Pass covers a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. A Long-Term Visit Pass covers family members the DP does not, such as parents, common-law spouses and stepchildren, usually with higher sponsor salary requirements.
Official Sources and References
- MOM - Dependant's Pass overview
- MOM - Dependant's Pass eligibility
- MOM - Dependant's Pass key facts
- MOM - Dependant's Pass holders working in Singapore
Explore Catalyst Immigration’s other services:
- Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant's Pass Services
- Dependant Pass Application: Requirements and Procedures
- Dependant's Pass Holders' Rights in Singapore
- Long-Term Visit Pass vs Dependant's Pass
- Employment Pass and Work Visa
Talk to Catalyst Immigration
Catalyst Immigration helps work pass holders bring their family to Singapore on the right pass the first time, checking the S$6,000 salary basis, the correct pass for each relative, and the supporting documents before submission. If your spouse or children plan to work or study here, we map the full Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass route so nothing stalls the family's move.