Dependant’s Pass & Business-Owner LOC Singapore

A Dependant's Pass lets eligible family members live in Singapore. Permission to work or operate a business depends on the person's pass and circumstances. Assembly Works HR Pte Ltd supports Dependant's Pass applications, work-pass enquiries and eligible business-owner LOC applications and renewals.

Bringing your family to Singapore

Eligible EP or S Pass holders can apply for a DP for their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children. MOM requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 from the main pass holder, rather than combined household income, and sponsorship by an established Singapore-registered company. Separate conditions apply to some pass categories, including overseas intra-corporate transferees. MOM DP eligibility.

Tell us the main pass type and your family member's circumstances so we can identify the relevant application route.

Employment and business ownership follow different routes

For ordinary DP holders seeking employment with an organisation, the prospective employer can apply for an EP, S Pass or DP-Work Permit, subject to the applicable requirements. A DP by itself does not authorise employment. MOM working in Singapore.

Spouses holding DPs under an Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass have a separate LOC route for employment or operating a business. Other dependants under that scheme need a work pass for employment. MOM ONE Pass family work arrangements.

LOC for DP holders who operate a business

For the business-owner route, MOM's eligible categories are a sole proprietor, a partner, a company director holding at least 30% of the shares, or a member of a company limited by guarantee, in an ACRA-registered business.

A first LOC lasts for one year or until the DP expires, whichever comes first. Subsequent renewals can run up to the DP's expiry.

Renewal requires at least three months of DP validity remaining and at least one Singaporean or permanent resident employee earning the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary, with CPF contributions for the three consecutive months before submission. CPF records alone do not describe the full renewal test. MOM business-owner eligibility and renewal conditions.

Before applying, the DP should have at least three months remaining. MOM's process begins with an online request; after that request is approved, an applicant can use the relevant eService or engage an employment agent. You can begin operating the business only after receiving the LOC. MOM states that most applications take within four weeks, with longer processing possible when additional information is needed. MOM business-owner LOC application.

How Assembly Works can help

We discuss the pass category, intended activity and available records before agreeing the scope. This can include application preparation, submission support and renewal assistance. Where you also need incorporation, corporate secretary or accounting support, we can discuss those services with the relevant team.

For an initial discussion, tell us:

Your current pass and expiry date, and the main pass holder's pass type.
Whether you want to join family, take employment or operate a business.
Whether a business is already registered and your role in it.
Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing.

We will identify the documents needed for your circumstances. Do not send passports or other sensitive records through a public comment field.

Application timing and related family questions

MOM currently indicates within three weeks for most DP applications for dependants of EP or S Pass holders, and within six weeks for dependants of EP sponsorship, PEP or EntrePass holders. Additional checks can extend processing. These are MOM processing indications, not an Assembly Works delivery guarantee. MOM DP application guidance.

Parents may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass under the EP/S Pass family route when the main holder earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 and meets the other requirements. MOM's eligibility list for this route specifies parents; do not assume it extends to parents-in-law. MOM LTVP eligibility.

Discuss your next step

Contact Assembly Works to discuss the relevant route and engagement scope. Our first consultation is usually free. MOM decides applications; assistance does not guarantee approval.

Official sources checked 8 September 2026.