Moving to Singapore for work is exciting but being separated from your family makes even the most wonderful city feel empty. The good news is that Singapore has a clear and structured process for bringing your family to join you — through the Dependent Pass and Long Term Visit Pass system. In this complete guide, we cover everything expat families need to know about the Singapore Dependent Pass in 2026 — from who qualifies to how to apply and what your family can do once they are here. Before reading this guide, make sure you have already read our detailed guide on Singapore Employment Pass 2026 as your EP status is the foundation for your family's Dependent Pass eligibility.
What is a Singapore Dependent Pass?
A Singapore Dependent Pass (DP) is an immigration pass that allows the immediate family members of eligible Employment Pass and S Pass holders to live in Singapore. The Dependent Pass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and allows your family members to stay in Singapore for as long as your own work pass remains valid.Who Can Apply for a Dependent Pass?
Not all work pass holders can bring their families to Singapore. Eligibility depends on your work pass type and salary level.Employment Pass Holders
Employment Pass holders can apply for a Dependent Pass for their immediate family members. There is no official minimum salary stated by MOM for EP holders to bring their families, but in practice the higher your salary the stronger your application.S Pass Holders
S Pass holders must earn at least SGD 6,000 per month to be eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass for their family members.Work Permit Holders
Work Permit holders are generally not eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass. This is one of the key differences between the Work Permit and the higher-tier passes.Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
The following family members qualify as dependents under the Dependent Pass scheme. Legally married spouse: Your husband or wife is eligible for a Dependent Pass. Common-law partnerships and same-sex marriages are not recognized for Dependent Pass purposes under Singapore law. Unmarried children under 21: Your biological children, legally adopted children and stepchildren who are unmarried and below 21 years of age qualify as dependents.Long Term Visit Pass — For Other Family Members
Family members who do not qualify for a Dependent Pass may be eligible for a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead. LTVP is typically available for: Common-law spouse or unmarried partner (subject to MOM's assessment) Unmarried children aged 21 and above (handicapped or still studying) Parents and parents-in-law of EP holders earning above SGD 12,000 per month The LTVP is assessed on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. Each application is evaluated individually based on the relationship, financial circumstances and other factors.Dependent Pass Salary Requirements — Comparison Table
| Pass Type | Minimum Salary for DP | Family Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | No strict minimum (EP salary from SGD 5,000) | Spouse & children under 21 |
| S Pass | SGD 6,000 per month | Spouse & children under 21 |
| Work Permit | Not eligible | Not eligible for DP |
| EP (Parents LTVP) | SGD 12,000 per month | Parents & parents-in-law |
Documents Required for Dependent Pass Application
Gathering the right documents before applying saves time and prevents delays. Here is a complete checklist. Main pass holder documents: Valid passport of main pass holder Valid Employment Pass or S Pass Latest 3 months payslips Employment letter confirming current salary and employment Dependent documents (spouse): Valid passport of spouse Marriage certificate (officially translated to English if not in English) Recent passport-sized photographs Dependent documents (children): Valid passport of each child Birth certificate of each child (officially translated to English if not in English) Adoption papers if applicable All foreign documents must be officially translated to English by a certified translation agency if they are not already in English.How to Apply for a Dependent Pass in Singapore
Step 1: Apply Online via EP Online
The main pass holder or their employer submits the Dependent Pass application online through the EP Online portal on the MOM website at mom.gov.sg.Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Upload all required documents through the EP Online portal. Ensure all documents are clear, complete and in English.Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Application fee: SGD 105 per dependent (non-refundable)Step 4: Wait for Processing
MOM typically processes Dependent Pass applications within 3 weeks. Complex cases may take longer.Step 5: Receive In-Principle Approval
If approved, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued for each dependent. The IPA is valid for 6 months and allows your family to travel to Singapore.Step 6: Family Arrives in Singapore
Your family travels to Singapore using their IPA letters. Upon arrival, they must complete immigration formalities.Step 7: Collect Dependent Pass Cards
Within 2 weeks of arrival, your family members must register at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to collect their Dependent Pass cards. Issuance fee: SGD 225 per cardCan Dependent Pass Holders Work in Singapore?
This is one of the most important questions for expat spouses who want to work in Singapore.Employment Pass Holder Dependents
Spouses of Employment Pass holders who earn SGD 6,000 or more per month automatically receive a Letter of Consent (LOC) with their Dependent Pass. This LOC allows them to work for any employer in Singapore without needing to apply for a separate work pass. This is an enormous benefit. Many expat couples find that both partners can pursue their careers in Singapore simultaneously.S Pass Holder Dependents
Spouses of S Pass holders on a Dependent Pass need to apply separately for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore. The employer must also have quota available.Can Dependent Pass Children Study in Singapore?
Yes. Children on Dependent Pass can study in Singapore at international schools or local schools. International schools: Dependent Pass children can enroll in any international school in Singapore. International school fees range from SGD 20,000 to SGD 50,000 per year. Local schools: Dependent Pass children can apply to study at local Singapore government schools subject to availability of places. They pay higher fees than Singapore Citizens and PRs but these are much lower than international school fees. For comprehensive information about housing options that keep you close to international schools, read our guide on the best areas to live in Singapore for expat families.Dependent Pass Renewal
A Dependent Pass is typically issued for the same duration as the main pass holder's work pass. When you renew your own Employment Pass or S Pass, you must also renew your family's Dependent Passes. Renewal process: Apply through EP Online before your family's current passes expire Renewal fee: SGD 225 per dependent Processing time: Approximately 3 weeks Your family's DP is automatically linked to your work pass status. If your work pass is cancelled or expires, your family's Dependent Passes also become invalid and your family must leave Singapore.What Happens to the Dependent Pass if You Change Jobs?
If you change employers in Singapore, your current Employment Pass is cancelled and a new one is issued by your new employer. When your EP is cancelled, your family's Dependent Passes are also cancelled. Your new employer must apply for new Dependent Passes for your family members. During the transition period, your family should remain in Singapore to avoid complications with re-entry. Always plan job changes carefully if you have family members on Dependent Passes. Ensure your new employer is aware and prepared to apply for new Dependent Passes promptly.Costs Summary for Dependent Pass
| Fee Type | Amount (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (per dependent) | SGD 105 |
| Issuance fee (per dependent) | SGD 225 |
| Renewal fee (per dependent) | SGD 225 |
| LTVP application fee | SGD 105 |
| LTVP issuance fee | SGD 225 |
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