The Dependant’s Pass in Singapore is a visa issued to eligible family members (spouse and children) of Employment Pass, S Pass, or EntrePass holders, allowing them to live in Singapore while the main pass holder is employed in the country.

It offers dependents the opportunity to stay in Singapore for extended periods and may allow them to work or study with additional approvals.

For Employment Pass and S Pass holders seeking to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their family members, they must meet these criteria:

• Receive a fixed monthly salary of $6,000 or higher.
• Be sponsored by a reputable, Singapore-registered company.

For EntrePass holders seeking to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their family members, the eligible family members for a Dependant’s Pass include:

• Legally married spouse
• Unmarried children under 21 years old (including legally adopted ones) To qualify for Dependant’s Pass application, the EntrePass holder must meet Year 2 renewal criteria.

Eligible family members for a Long Term Visit Pass include:

• Common-law spouse
• Unmarried handicapped children over 21 years old
• Unmarried step-children under 21 years old
• Parents To be eligible for these pass applications, the EntrePass holder must meet minimum annual business spending and local hiring requirements:

Family Member Minimum Annual Business Spending Local Hiring Requirements Common-law or legally married spouse, children S$100,000 3 local full-time employees or 1 local professional, manager, or executive Parents S$200,000 6 local full-time employees or 2 local professional, manager, or executive

According to MOM, a local full-time employee is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident earning at least S$1,100 monthly with 3 months of CPF contributions. A local professional, manager, or executive is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident earning at least S$3,600 monthly with 3 months of CPF contributions.

The minimum annual business spending excludes expenses like purchasing royalties or franchises, technical know-how fees from overseas, expenses due to outsourced work, and payments to EntrePass holders.

In general, the eligibility requirements for a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore include:

• Relationship: The applicant must be the legally married spouse or unmarried child (under 21 years old) of an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder, or the legally married spouse of a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident.

• Sponsorship: The main EP or S Pass holder must sponsor the Dependant’s Pass application and demonstrate the ability to support and accommodate the dependent during their stay in Singapore.

• Employment Status of Sponsor: For EP or S Pass holders sponsoring dependents, the sponsor must have a valid employment pass with a minimum salary threshold as required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

• Financial Means: The sponsor must have sufficient financial means to support the dependent’s living expenses, including accommodation, healthcare, education (if applicable), and other necessities.

• Background Check: Both the sponsor and the dependent must pass background checks, including checks on criminal records and medical history, to ensure they are suitable for holding and sponsoring a Dependant’s Pass.

• Compliance with Regulations: The sponsor and dependent must comply with all immigration and employment regulations set by MOM and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) throughout the period of the Dependant’s Pass validity.

These eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that dependents of EP or S Pass holders, as well as spouses of Singaporean citizens or permanent residents, can reside in Singapore legally and enjoy the benefits of family reunification while adhering to Singapore’s immigration laws and regulations.

In Singapore, the documents required for a Dependant’s Pass application typically include:

• Dependant’s Pass Application Form: The completed and signed Dependant’s Pass application form, which can be obtained from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website or through authorized agencies.
• Passport: A copy of the dependent’s passport personal particulars page showing passport details, photograph, and signature. The passport should have a remaining validity of at least six months.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized color photograph(s) of the dependent taken against a white background, adhering to MOM’s specifications.
• Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate: For spouses or children, copies of the marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children) to establish the relationship with the main pass holder.
• Employment Details of Main Pass Holder: Information about the main pass holder, including their employment pass details, company information, and proof of relationship with the dependent.
• Proof of Dependency: Documents demonstrating the dependency of the applicant on the main pass holder, such as financial support, medical insurance coverage, or other relevant proof.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on the specific circumstances and requirements, additional documents may be requested by MOM or deemed necessary for the Dependant’s Pass application process.

It’s essential for applicants and their sponsors (main pass holders) to ensure that all required documents are accurate, complete, and properly prepared according to MOM’s guidelines. Any additional information or clarifications requested by MOM during the application process should be promptly provided to facilitate a smooth and successful Dependant’s Pass application. Professional advice from immigration consultants or legal experts can also be beneficial in navigating the application process effectively.

The application procedure for a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore typically involves the following steps:

• Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Dependant’s Pass, which is typically available to spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders in Singapore.
• Submission of Application: The sponsoring Employment Pass or S Pass holder submits the Dependant’s Pass application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or an authorized employment agent.
• Required Documents: The application includes documents such as the candidate’s passport details, marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificates (for children), proof of relationship, educational qualifications, and other supporting documents.
• Application Processing: MOM reviews the Dependant’s Pass application, verifies the relationship and supporting documents, and conducts any necessary checks.
• In-Principle Approval (IPA): If the application is successful, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, allowing the dependant(s) to travel to Singapore and complete the formalities for obtaining the Dependant’s Pass.
• Formalities and Issuance: Upon arrival in Singapore, the dependant(s) complete the formalities, including fingerprinting and photo-taking at the MOM Services Centre. Once all requirements are met and documents are verified, MOM issues the Dependant’s Pass, allowing the dependant(s) to reside in Singapore for the specified duration.

It’s important to ensure that all required documents are accurate, complete, and submitted according to MOM’s guidelines. Any additional information or clarifications requested by MOM during the application process should be promptly provided to avoid delays. Professional advice from immigration consultants or legal experts can also be beneficial in navigating the Dependant’s Pass application process effectively.

If your Dependant’s Pass application in Singapore is rejected, you can submit an appeal within 6 weeks from the date of the rejection letter. The appeal will be reviewed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and you may need to provide additional documents or address any concerns raised during the initial assessment.

The processing time for the appeal can vary but typically takes around 3 to 8 weeks.

If your application is unsuccessful, we can help to investigate why your application was rejected and to refine your application and business plan based on MOM’s feedback and submit an appeal on your behalf.

Dependant’s Pass holders have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence concurrently with the main work pass holder.

If the main work pass holder’s PR application is successful, the PR application for the Dependant’s Pass holder will also be approved.

Child Dependant’s Pass holders are exempt from applying for a student visa to study in Singapore. They can choose between local or international schools, with local schools prioritizing Singapore citizens and permanent residents.

However, adult Dependant’s Pass holders aiming for higher education in Singapore must obtain a student visa for enrollment.

Dependant’s Pass holders seeking employment in Singapore need MOM’s approval.

Employers of dependants under Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, and EntrePass holders should apply for a Letter of Consent, while dependants of S Pass holders require a separate application for Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass.

After successfully obtaining a Work Permit, Employment Pass, or S Pass, the original Dependant’s Pass must be canceled.

The renewal process for a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore involves submitting an application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) at least six weeks before the pass expires. The application should include updated information about the pass holder and any changes in personal particulars or employment status.

The processing time for Dependant’s Pass renewal applications can vary but generally takes around 3 to 8 weeks.

To cancel a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore, the pass holder or their sponsor (e.g., employer or educational institution) should inform the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) through the relevant online portal or by submitting a physical form.

The cancellation request should include essential details like the pass holder’s particulars, the reason for cancellation, and the expected last day of validity.

Additionally, the pass holder must return their Dependant’s Pass card to MOM within one week of cancellation.