Dependant Pass (DP) & Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore
If you hold an Employment Pass or S Pass and want to bring your family to Singapore, the Dependant Pass allows your spouse and children to live here with you. With a Letter of Consent (LOC), your dependants can also work in Singapore without needing a separate work visa.
Assembly Works handles Dependant Pass applications, LOC processing, and renewals — so your family can settle in smoothly while you focus on your career.
What Is a Dependant Pass?
A Dependant Pass (DP) is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to eligible family members of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders. It allows dependants to live in Singapore for the duration of the main pass holder’s employment.
Who can apply for a Dependant Pass:
- Legally married spouse of the pass holder
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age (including legally adopted children)
Eligibility — minimum salary of the main pass holder:
| Main Pass Type | Minimum Salary for DP Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | S$6,000/month |
| S Pass | S$6,000/month |
EP and S Pass holders earning below S$6,000/month are not eligible to sponsor dependants.
DP validity: The Dependant Pass is tied to the main pass holder’s work pass. It is valid for the same duration and must be renewed alongside the main pass.
What Is a Letter of Consent (LOC)?
A Letter of Consent (LOC) allows a Dependant Pass holder to work in Singapore without the employer needing to apply for a separate work visa. The LOC is tied to the DP — if the DP is cancelled, the LOC is also cancelled.
There are two types of LOC:
LOC for Employment (LOC — Employee)
The DP holder works as an employee for a Singapore-registered company. The prospective employer applies for the LOC through MOM. There is no foreign worker quota or levy for LOC holders.
LOC for Self-Employment (LOC — DP Business Owner)
The DP holder runs their own business or works as a self-employed individual in Singapore. The DP holder applies for the LOC themselves. For renewals, CPF contributions for at least 3 months are typically required as proof of business activity.
Key advantage of the LOC: Unlike applying for a new EP or S Pass, the LOC is a lighter-touch process. The employer does not need to go through the full work pass application process, and there is no quota or levy involved.
LOC Eligibility Requirements
For LOC — Employment:
- The applicant must hold a valid Dependant Pass
- The prospective employer must be a Singapore-registered company
- The employer applies for the LOC on behalf of the DP holder
- No minimum salary requirement (but the salary must be reasonable for the role)
For LOC — Self-Employment (DP Business Owner):
- The applicant must hold a valid Dependant Pass
- The applicant must have a registered business in Singapore (sole proprietorship, partnership, or Pte Ltd)
- For renewals, MOM typically requires evidence of business activity — at least 3 months of CPF contributions is the standard benchmark
- The DP holder applies directly through MOM
Dependant Pass & LOC Application Process
Dependant Pass Application:
Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation — We verify that the main pass holder meets the minimum salary requirement and that the dependant qualifies.
Step 2: Document Preparation — Marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, passports, main pass holder’s employment details, and proof of relationship.
Step 3: Submission to MOM — Assembly Works submits the DP application via MOM’s EP Online or WPOL system.
Step 4: Processing & Approval — MOM typically processes DP applications within 3 to 8 weeks. Upon approval, the dependant receives an IPA letter.
Step 5: Pass Issuance — Once the dependant arrives in Singapore, we complete the pass issuance process.
Letter of Consent Application:
Step 1: Confirm LOC type — employment or self-employment.
Step 2: For employment LOC, the prospective employer submits. For self-employment LOC, the DP holder submits directly. Assembly Works handles both.
Step 3: MOM processing is typically faster — usually 1 to 3 weeks.
Step 4: Once approved, the LOC is issued and the DP holder can begin working.
Application Timeline
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Dependant Pass (new) | 3–8 weeks |
| Dependant Pass (renewal) | 3–8 weeks |
| LOC — Employment | 1–3 weeks |
| LOC — Self-Employment | 1–3 weeks |
| LOC — Self-Employment Renewal | 1–3 weeks (CPF evidence required) |
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for Parents
EP and S Pass holders earning at least S$12,000 per month can sponsor their parents (or parents-in-law) for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). The LTVP allows the parents to live in Singapore but does not include work rights.
Assembly Works can assist with LTVP applications alongside DP processing.
Why Choose Assembly Works?
MOM-Registered Employment Agency (EA Licence No. 22C1133) — We are licensed to handle DP applications and LOC processing.
Handles Both LOC Types — Employee LOC and business-owner LOC, including CPF evidence preparation for renewals.
Coordinated With Your Main Pass — We align DP and LOC timelines with EP or S Pass renewals to avoid gaps.
Clear, Honest Advice — If an application is unlikely to succeed, we tell you upfront.
Trusted by 700+ Companies — Businesses and families across Singapore rely on Assembly Works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dependant Passes and LOCs
Need Help With a Dependant Pass or LOC?
Assembly Works handles DP applications, LOC processing, and renewals for families relocating to Singapore. Contact us for a free consultation.