Dependant’s Pass vs Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore: Eligibility, Documents and Application Process (2027)

Dependant’s Pass vs Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore: Which Should Your Family Apply For?

Foreign professionals relocating to Singapore often want their spouses, children or parents to join them. Two common immigration options are the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).

Although both passes allow eligible family members to reside in Singapore, they serve different family relationships and have distinct eligibility, sponsorship and employment requirements.

For eligible Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders, the correct pass generally depends on the relationship between the main pass holder and the family member.

This 2027 guide compares the Singapore Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass, including qualifying family members, minimum salary requirements, supporting documents, MOM application procedures, government fees, processing times, renewals and the right to work.

For application assistance, explore BESO’s Dependant’s Pass Services and Long-Term Visit Pass Services.

What Is a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass is a family pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for eligible family members of qualifying work pass holders.

For eligible EP and S Pass holders, a DP can generally be obtained for:

• A legally married spouse.
• Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.

The main pass holder must generally earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 and be sponsored by an established Singapore-registered company.

The S$6,000 threshold is based on the main pass holder’s individual fixed monthly salary, not combined household income.

Separate rules apply to families of EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders.

What Is a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore?

The MOM-issued Long-Term Visit Pass allows certain family members of eligible work pass holders to reside in Singapore when they do not qualify for a standard Dependant’s Pass.

For eligible EP and S Pass holders, qualifying family members include:

• Common-law spouses.
• Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old.
• Unmarried children with disabilities aged 21 and above.
• Parents, subject to the higher salary requirement.

For most qualifying family categories, the main EP or S Pass holder must earn at least S$6,000 in fixed monthly salary.

To sponsor parents, the main pass holder must earn at least S$12,000 in fixed monthly salary.

Eligibility also depends on the specific family relationship and applicable MOM requirements.

Learn more about BESO’s Long-Term Visit Pass Application Services in Singapore.

Dependant’s Pass vs Long-Term Visit Pass: Key Differences

Comparison	Dependant’s Pass (DP)	Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Issuing authority	MOM	MOM for work pass dependants
Legally married spouse	Eligible	Generally DP instead
Unmarried children below 21	Eligible, including legally adopted children	Specific categories, such as stepchildren
Common-law spouse	Not under standard DP eligibility	Eligible, subject to requirements
Parents	Not eligible	Eligible with qualifying sponsorship
Minimum sponsor salary	S$6,000	S$6,000 generally; S$12,000 for parents
Employer sponsorship	Generally required for EP/S Pass families	Generally required for EP/S Pass families
Automatic permission to work	No	No
Renewable	Yes, subject to eligibility	Yes, subject to eligibility

The appropriate pass is determined primarily by the family relationship, not by personal preference.

Who Is Eligible to Sponsor Family Members in Singapore?

Employment Pass Holders

An eligible Employment Pass holder earning at least S$6,000 in fixed monthly salary may sponsor qualifying spouses and children.

The same salary threshold generally applies to eligible common-law spouses, stepchildren and adult children with disabilities applying for an LTVP.

For parents, the minimum fixed monthly salary is S$12,000.

S Pass Holders

Eligible S Pass holders may also sponsor qualifying family members if they meet the applicable salary and sponsorship conditions.

Meeting the S Pass minimum qualifying salary for employment does not automatically mean that the holder meets the higher family sponsorship threshold.

EntrePass and Other Pass Holders

EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders may have different sponsorship criteria, application routes or qualifying family categories.

Applicants should consult the requirements for their specific main pass rather than assuming the standard EP/S Pass rules apply.

What Documents Are Required for a Dependant’s Pass Application?

Supporting documents depend on the applicant’s relationship with the main pass holder and the circumstances of the application.

Common documents include:

• Passport personal particulars page of the family member.
• Marriage certificate for a legally married spouse.
• Birth certificate for a child.
• Adoption documents for a legally adopted child, where applicable.
• Relevant vaccination verification documentation for qualifying foreign-born children, where required.
• Other documents requested by MOM.

Documents not in English may require an English translation that meets MOM’s requirements.

Applicants should ensure names, dates of birth and family relationships are consistent across the supporting documents.

What Documents Are Required for an LTVP Application?

An MOM-issued LTVP application may require additional evidence depending on the family relationship.

Common-Law Spouse

Applicants may need documents confirming the common-law relationship, such as recognised relationship certificates, declarations or other supporting evidence accepted by MOM.

Stepchild

Applications may require a birth certificate and relevant parental consent or custody documentation.

Adult Child With Disabilities

Medical documentation and evidence of the relevant family relationship may be required.

Parent

The application generally requires evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as the main pass holder’s birth certificate, together with other applicable documentation.

The sponsor must meet the S$12,000 fixed monthly salary requirement.

For a document review, consider BESO’s LTVP Application Services.

How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore

Step 1: Confirm the Correct Family Pass

Determine whether the family member qualifies for a DP or MOM-issued LTVP based on the relationship with the main pass holder.

Check the sponsor’s work pass type, fixed monthly salary and applicable family sponsorship rules.

Step 2: Prepare the Supporting Documents

Gather passports, marriage or birth certificates and any additional relationship-specific documentation.

Arrange translations or verification documents where necessary.

Step 3: Obtain the Required Sponsorship

For families of EP and S Pass holders, the employer or appointed employment agent generally submits the application.

Other work pass categories may have different authorised applicants.

Step 4: Submit the Application Through MOM

The authorised applicant submits the family pass application through the relevant MOM electronic service.

A separate application is required for each family member.

The application fee is S$105 per pass under MOM’s published fee schedule.

Step 5: Receive the Application Outcome

For most DP and LTVP applications involving dependants of EP and S Pass holders, MOM states that processing takes within three weeks.

Other sponsorship categories may take longer, and MOM may request additional supporting documents.

Step 6: Receive In-Principle Approval

Once approved, the applicant receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter containing instructions and applicable deadlines.

For dependants of EP holders, issuance is generally required within six months of IPA approval. For dependants of S Pass holders, the period is generally two months.

Step 7: Arrange Pass Issuance

The family member must be in Singapore for pass issuance.

The authorised applicant completes the relevant electronic process and pays the issuance fee of S$225 per pass.

An additional S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee may apply.

Step 8: Complete Registration

Where required, the family member must register fingerprints and a photograph.

Follow the instructions in the MOM notification letter concerning the pass card and remaining formalities.

How Much Does a Dependant’s Pass or LTVP Cost?

Government Fee	Dependant’s Pass	MOM-issued LTVP
Application	S$105	S$105
Issuance	S$225	S$225
Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable	S$30	S$30
Standard application plus issuance	S$330	S$330

These amounts exclude translation, document preparation, medical or vaccination verification expenses, where applicable, and professional service fees.

Government fees should be verified with MOM before submission.

Can Dependant’s Pass Holders Work in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass does not automatically authorise employment in Singapore.

DP holders who wish to work for an organisation generally need an appropriate work pass, such as:

• Employment Pass.
• S Pass.
• Dependant’s Pass Work Permit, where applicable.

The prospective employer must apply for the appropriate authorisation, and the applicant must satisfy the relevant requirements.

Can a DP Holder Start a Business?

Eligible DP holders who wish to operate their own business may apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC).

Under MOM’s business-owner LOC scheme, qualifying applicants include certain sole proprietors, partners and company directors with at least 30% shareholding, subject to the applicable conditions.

The DP holder must receive the LOC before commencing the authorised business activity.

Renewal of a business-owner LOC has additional requirements, including qualifying local employment conditions.

For related assistance, visit BESO’s Letter of Consent Services.

Can Long-Term Visit Pass Holders Work in Singapore?

A person holding an LTVP issued by MOM generally needs an appropriate work pass before commencing employment.

The prospective employer may apply for an Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit, depending on the candidate’s eligibility.

An MOM-issued LTVP alone does not provide unrestricted permission to work.

Important: MOM LTVP vs ICA LTVP

Singapore also has Long-Term Visit Passes issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

ICA-issued LTVPs commonly relate to family relationships involving Singapore citizens or permanent residents, among other qualifying circumstances.

Eligible ICA-issued LTVP or LTVP+ holders may qualify for a Letter of Consent or Pre-approved Letter of Consent under separate rules.

These arrangements should not be confused with the employment rules for MOM-issued LTVPs.

Always confirm which authority issued the pass before determining the applicable employment authorisation.

How Long Are Dependant’s Passes and LTVPs Valid?

For family members sponsored under the relevant MOM work pass framework, the validity of the family pass is generally linked to the validity of the main pass.

The actual period granted may also depend on the duration requested and MOM’s assessment.

Family passes are generally renewable if the main pass holder and family member continue to satisfy the applicable requirements.

Employers and pass holders should monitor expiry dates and begin preparing renewal documents in advance.

What Happens If the Main Employment Pass or S Pass Is Cancelled?

A family member’s eligibility to remain in Singapore under an employer-sponsored DP or LTVP is generally linked to the main pass holder’s status.

If the main work pass is cancelled or expires, the related family passes may also need to be cancelled or otherwise regularised.

Families planning a change of employer, work pass or immigration status should consider the effect on accompanying family members before proceeding.

Where appropriate, a family member may need to obtain a different valid immigration status to continue residing in Singapore.

Common Dependant’s Pass and LTVP Application Mistakes

1. Choosing the Wrong Family Pass

A legally married spouse generally qualifies under the DP category, while a common-law spouse may qualify under the LTVP category.

Selecting the wrong category can delay the application.

2. Assuming Combined Household Income Counts

For standard EP and S Pass family sponsorship, MOM assesses the main pass holder’s fixed monthly salary, not the combined income of both spouses.

3. Overlooking the Higher Salary Requirement for Parents

Parent sponsorship generally requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000.

The standard S$6,000 family sponsorship threshold is insufficient for this category.

4. Providing Incomplete Relationship Documents

Missing marriage, birth, adoption, custody or relationship verification documents may lead to additional requests and delays.

5. Assuming Family Pass Holders Can Work Automatically

DP and MOM-issued LTVP holders generally require separate work authorisation before taking up employment.

Employers and family members should verify the correct work pass or LOC route before any work begins.

6. Missing Renewal or Issuance Deadlines

Family pass applications and renewals should be coordinated with the validity of the main work pass.

Failure to act within applicable deadlines can affect a family member’s lawful stay in Singapore.

How BESO Assists With Family Pass Applications in Singapore

BESO Corporate Services Pte. Ltd. supports eligible businesses and individuals with Singapore immigration and family pass application procedures.

Depending on the agreed service scope, our assistance may include:

• Initial review of the appropriate family pass category.
• Review of sponsorship and salary requirements.
• Preparation and coordination of supporting documents.
• Application submission through authorised channels.
• Application status follow-up.
• Coordination of additional document requests.
• Renewal and appeal assistance where appropriate.
• Guidance on related work authorisation application routes.

Explore our Dependant’s Pass Application Services, Long-Term Visit Pass Application Services and Letter of Consent Services.

Enquire About Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass Services in Singapore

Planning to bring your spouse, children or parents to Singapore?

Visit BESO’s Singapore Immigration Services to explore the available application services, or submit an enquiry through the relevant DP or LTVP service page.

Understanding the correct family pass category and preparing accurate documents can help make the application process more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dependant’s Pass and LTVP in Singapore

1. What is the difference between a Dependant’s Pass and an LTVP?

A Dependant’s Pass is generally intended for legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 of eligible work pass holders. An MOM-issued LTVP covers certain other family members, such as common-law spouses, stepchildren, adult children with disabilities and qualifying parents.

2. What is the minimum salary to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore?

Eligible EP and S Pass holders generally need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000. This is based on the sponsor’s individual salary rather than combined household income.

3. Can an Employment Pass holder bring parents to Singapore?

Yes, eligible EP holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 may apply for an MOM-issued Long-Term Visit Pass for qualifying parents, subject to the applicable requirements.

4. How long does a Dependant’s Pass or LTVP application take?

MOM states that most DP and LTVP applications for dependants of EP and S Pass holders are processed within three weeks. Other categories and applications requiring additional checks may take longer.

5. Can a Dependant’s Pass or LTVP holder work in Singapore?

Neither a standard DP nor an MOM-issued LTVP automatically authorises employment. The family member generally needs an appropriate work pass. Eligible DP business owners may apply for a Letter of Consent, while eligible ICA-issued LTVP holders are subject to separate LOC or PLOC arrangements.

Official Singapore Government References

• MOM – Dependant’s Pass Eligibility
• MOM – Long-Term Visit Pass Eligibility
• MOM – Apply for a Dependant’s Pass
• MOM – Apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass
• MOM – Working in Singapore as a DP Holder
• MOM – Working in Singapore as an LTVP Holder
• MOM – Work Passes for ICA-issued LTVP Holders

Disclaimer: This 2027 guide reflects MOM requirements available as at October 2026. Eligibility criteria, government fees, processing arrangements and employment rules may change. Different sponsorship rules apply to certain work pass categories. Applicants should verify current requirements with MOM or ICA, as applicable, before submitting an application. Approval remains subject to the relevant authority’s assessment.