Get a Dependent Pass in Singapore for Beginners (Expert answer)

Understanding the Dependant Pass is key to making the transition smooth.

Whether you're a working professional bringing your spouse and kids or a business owner relocating your team, you’ll need a clear game plan to navigate Singapore’s visa system.

And it starts with knowing how the Dependant Pass (DP) works.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know: From who qualifies, to how to apply, to what your family can or can’t do while living in Singapore.

You’ll learn each step of the process, starting with eligibility and ending with getting your loved ones settled in Singapore.

This is exactly the knowledge and process of how one of our expert families used to relocate seamlessly, while avoiding common application mistakes that delay approvals.

Ready to bring your family to Singapore with confidence?

Let’s begin with what a Dependant Pass is.

1. What is Dependant Pass?

The Singapore Dependant Pass (DP) is a type of visa (permit) that allows eligible family members of Singapore pass holders to live and work in Singapore.

It is the Singapore Ministry of Manpower that can grant this pass to a qualified person. 

Getting this right will save you weeks of frustration and unnecessary paperwork.

The Dependant Pass gives family members the legal right to stay in Singapore while the main pass holder works.

For example, a foreign executive working in Singapore on an Employment Pass can apply for a Dependant Pass for their spouse and children.

2. How does the Dependant Pass work? (Eligibility and Requirements)

2.1. Who can apply for a Dependent Pass?

Not everyone can bring their spouses and children to Singapore. You must meet specific criteria in order to have your family join you in Singapore.

Those who qualify for a dependent pass must be

2.2. Who can you apply a Dependent Pass for?

You can only apply for a dependent pass for your legally married spouse, your unmarried children who are under 21 years old, or a newborn.

Other family members must get a Long-Term Visit Pass instead.

3. What can Dependant Pass holders do?

One of the biggest questions Dependent Pass holders have is about employment opportunities. 

Here is the good news: Dependant Pass holders can apply for jobs in Singapore.

In fact, there are many job vacancies for DP holders for you to apply for. They have the options for working, starting a business, volunteering, or working remotely

However, there's a catch: To work in Singapore, you must fulfill a condition for specific work.

To work in Singapore, you must:

3.1. Start a business or Freelance (with a Letter of Consent)

Planning to run your own company?

If you're the registered business owner of a Singapore-based entity (e.g., sole proprietorship or company), you can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to operate it legally.

3.2. Volunteer for charitable causes

You don’t need a work pass to volunteer, as long as:

• You’re not getting paid, and
• The work is for a charitable or non-profit purpose.

3.3. Work remotely for overseas clients

Yes, you can work remotely. But it depends on who you're working for:

No work pass required if you’re working for an overseas-based company or client.

But if you’re providing services to a Singapore-registered company (even remotely), you’ll need an appropriate work pass.

• Get a specific Work Pass while keeping the Dependant's Pass

A dependent pass holder must get a special type of Work Permit called a DP-WP. 

You must continue holding your Dependant's Pass while applying for the DP-WP.

The DP-WP’s validity will be tied to the validity of your Dependant’s Pass.

There’s no minimum salary requirement, and your nationality doesn't matter.

However, Work Permit quotas and levies apply, just like for regular Work Permit holders.

You’re exempt from certain requirements like:

1. The six-monthly medical examination
2. Security bond
3. Pregnancy restrictions (which apply to some other Work Permit holders)

If you already have adequate medical insurance, your employer may not need to buy a new policy, as long as it meets MOM’s minimum coverage rules.

• Apply for Your own Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass

Want more flexibility or to qualify for a higher-skilled job? You can apply for your own work pass.

Here’s how it works:

1. You’ll need to meet the criteria for an EP or S Pass, just like any other applicant.
2. If approved, you’ll get independent work and stay rights tied to your own pass, not the main pass holder’s.
3. That means your Dependant’s Pass will be cancelled once the EP or S Pass is issued.

Employers can check your eligibility using MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to see if they need to grant you these passes or not.

4. How to apply for a Dependent Pass (Straightforward process)

When the time comes, and you need to bring your spouse or child to Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass.

This guide walks you through the entire process — step by step — so you can apply with confidence.

We recommend keeping a checklist of the documents and requirements in one place as you go through each step.

Let’s get started:

4.1. Step 1: Gather the required documents

Before you fill in any forms, make sure you’ve got all your documents ready. Missing paperwork is a common cause of delays.

Here’s what you typically need:

• A copy of the passport (personal particulars page) of the person you’re applying for.
• If a child shares a passport with a parent, include the parent’s passport page too.
• Based on the family member’s relationship, prepare:
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses).
  • Birth certificate with parent names (for children under 21).
  • Adoption documents (for adopted children).
• For foreign-born kids under 12 (applying for a new DP): you’ll need a Verification of Vaccination Requirements from HPB.
• Non-English documents must be translated — submit the original and translated version in one file.

Keep in mind: MOM may ask for additional documents later, depending on the case.

4.2. Step 2: Choose the right Submission method

How you apply depends on the main pass type (e.g., EP, S Pass, PEP, EntrePass, etc.). Each type has its own flow.

Here’s what to expect:

• EP/S Pass holders: Apply online via EP eService. Make sure your company’s financials are up to date.
• PEP & EntrePass holders: Apply online and pay the $105 fee.
• EP (Sponsorship): A bit more manual. Download and complete a form, pay via PayNow, and submit through the MOM online form.

 Application fees are typically $105 per DP. Pay by GIRO, credit card, or as instructed.

A few important reminders before you click “submit”:

• You can apply for the DP before or after the main pass application.
• Submit a separate application for each person.
• If the person is on a short-term visit pass, be mindful that the pass cannot be extended if it expires before the DP is issued.
• Ideally, wait for approval before bringing them to Singapore.
• Newborns in Singapore? They get a 6-week Special Pass to give you time to apply.

4.3. Step 3: Track the application status

After submitting, don’t forget to monitor your application’s progress.

Here’s when to check:

• EP/S Pass dependents: After 3 weeks.
• PEP, EntrePass, or EP (Sponsorship) dependants: After 1 week.

If more documents are needed, MOM will notify you via email. This could add time to the process.

Results are sent to the email address you listed in the application.

You must check your inbox regularly since this email determines your next step.

4.4. Step 4:  Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter

If approved, you’ll get an IPA letter (a key document.)

Here’s why it’s important:

• The IPA letter acts as a pre-approved, single-entry visa to enter Singapore.
• You have to send it to your family member as soon as you receive it.
• You must not lose it,  you’ll need it to enter the country.

Make sure you and your family member check the latest travel and entry requirements before flying into Singapore.

4.5. Step 5: Issue the Pass

Once the dependent has arrived, it’s time to officially issue the DP.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Log in to EP eService and upload:
  1. Passport and entry details
  2. Local address and contact info
  3. Delivery address for the card
  4. Any required medical documents
• Pay:
  • $225 for the DP
  • $30 more if a Multiple Journey Visa is needed

You’ll receive a notification letter. It allows travel to and from Singapore while waiting for the card.

Note: Issuance must be done within the IPA validity (6 months for most, 2 months for S Pass dependents).

4.6. Step 6: Register Fingerprints and Photo (If Needed)

Not all DP holders need to register, but check your notification letter.

If required, you have to

• Book an appointment at MOM’s centre.
• Bring:
  • Original passport
  • Appointment and notification letters

The dependant pass holders have to be present at the MOM center 

• 2 weeks after issuance for EP dependants
• 1 week after for S Pass dependants

5. Step 7: Receive the Dependant’s Pass Card

The pass card is delivered to your registered address within 5 working days after successful registration or verification.

Here’s how it works:

1. You’ll be notified in advance about the delivery.
2. If delivery fails twice, you’ll need to collect the card from MOM.
3. Bring the original passport and notification letter.
4. If someone else collects it, provide a signed authorisation letter and their ID.
5. Once the card is received, your family member is officially allowed to stay in Singapore under the DP.

Remember that you must keep all letters and documents safe since you need them later for renewals or re-entry.

6. What to do after getting your family member's Dependent Pass?

Now that you get a Dependant Pass, fly to Singapore and settle your family members in your apartment, what to do next?

Before diving into your new routine, take time to set up the practical essentials that’ll make day-to-day life smoother.

Here’s what to do first: Make These Two Moves First

There’s a lot to think about, but here’s your starting point:

1.  Open their bank account
2.  Register for Singpass

Once those are done, everything else—payments, insurance, access to services—gets easier.

Set yourself up this week. You’ll thank yourself later.

7. Understand the validity, renewal, and cancellation of Dependant's Pass

Managing a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore involves more than just applying.

You need to stay on top of its validity, renewal timeline, and cancellation rules to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties.

7.1. How long is  a Dependant’s Pass (DP) valid?

A Dependant’s Pass is closely tied to the main work pass holder’s status.

• There’s no fixed maximum validity stated upfront.
• However, on renewal, MOM clearly states that a DP’s validity matches the main pass or is shorter if requested.
• This means the DP is only as long-lasting as the main pass it’s linked to.

For example, a husband has an employment pass lasting for 2 years. In this case, the dependent pass of his wife also lasts for 2 years.

7.2. How to renew a Dependant’s Pass?

Renewing isn’t automatic. There’s a clear process with different timing depending on the main pass type.

When do I have to renew?

1. EP or S Pass dependants: Apply up to 6 months before expiry.
2. EP (Sponsorship) or EntrePass dependants: Start 3 months before expiry.

Here is the good news for you: Renewing early doesn’t waste time on the current pass. The new one kicks in right after the old one ends.

Who applies?

• For most cases, the employer or appointed employment agent handles the renewal.
• EP (Sponsorship) and EntrePass dependants use a downloadable form submitted online.

How much is the renewal fee?

• $225 to issue the renewed DP.
• Add $30 if a Multiple Journey Visa is required.

Most applications are processed in 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the pass type.

Remember that Renewal is not guaranteed. MOM checks if you still meet the latest criteria.

What happens next after renewal?

If approved, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter:

• It’s valid for 3 months (EP holders) or 2 months (S Pass holders).
• You must act before the IPA or current DP expires—whichever is sooner.

Once the pass is issued:

• You’ll get a notification letter.
• It tells you whether to keep the current card or expect a new one.
• Returning the old card unnecessarily? That’s a $60 replacement fee.

7.3. How to cancel a Dependant Pass?

You’ll need to cancel a DP if the holder no longer needs it or is leaving Singapore.

When to cancel?

• Up to 14 days before the planned cancellation date.
• Mandatory if the DP holder has left Singapore permanently.

No need to cancel if the pass has expired or the DP holder becomes a Singapore PR.

Who cancels?

Usually, the employer or employment agent. For PEP and EntrePass holders, you can do it yourself or via an agent.

How to cancel?

Log in to the EP eService.

• If the DP holder is still in Singapore, you can request an STVP (up to 90 days) during the process.
• This STVP is delivered via email and shown at immigration when leaving.

Any Letter of Consent or Work Permit tied to the DP also gets cancelled. The DP card must be cut in half and discarded to avoid misuse.

Pro tip: Keep a timeline checklist. A well-managed DP reduces stress and helps your team stay compliant without last-minute surprises.

8. FAQs about Singapore Dependant Pass

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