Due to the pandemic, many friends working in Singapore are separated from their families by a vast ocean, unable to reunite with them regularly. Do you miss your family very much? Do you want to bring your spouse to live with you in Singapore long-term? Or perhaps bring your children to study in Singapore? Or maybe bring your elderly parents to enjoy Singapore’s advanced healthcare facilities? Different situations require applications for different types of visas. Here is an introduction to applying for visas for family members in Singapore.
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What is the Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP)?
Singapore allows for dependant visas, commonly known as the “DP” (Dependant’s Pass). Upon successful application, your spouse or unmarried children under 21 can stay in Singapore with you.
The Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a residency visa issued to family members of specific Employment Pass (EP), S Pass (SP), EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders.
As long as the main applicant holding the Singapore work visa is employed in Singapore, the Dependant’s Pass remains valid. DP holders can live in, enter, and exit Singapore freely without needing to apply for a separate Singapore entry visa.
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Who is eligible for a Dependant’s Pass (DP)?
Spouses and unmarried children (both biological and legally adopted) under 21 years of age of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass (SP), EntrePass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 can apply for a Dependant’s Pass.
If the main applicant has a child born in Singapore, the newborn is also eligible to apply for a DP. The hospital will provide a Notification of Live Birth and an Advisory Note from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). These documents are used to register the birth certificate and also serve as a special pass allowing the newborn to stay in Singapore for six weeks. During this period, you should apply for a passport for your baby from your embassy or high commission. Then, your company can apply for the DP on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Common law spouses of Singapore work visa holders (i.e., the main applicant) are not eligible to apply for a Dependant’s Pass. However, under certain conditions, they may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). For details, please see the next section.
What documents are required to apply for a Dependant’s Pass?
- Completed Dependant’s Pass application form;
- A copy of the personal particulars page of the passport for the main applicant and dependant (spouse, children)
- A copy of the official marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption certificate as proof of relationship
- Details of educational background (if applicable)
- Details of education in Singapore (if applicable)
- Salary details from the most recent job (if applicable)
Please note that application forms for children under 16 should be signed by a parent on their behalf. Relevant certificates not in English must be translated by a professional, notarized, and submitted together with the original certificate.
How to apply for a Dependant’s Pass and how long does the process take?
Dependant’s Pass applications can be submitted online (for dependants of EP and SP holders) or manually (for dependants of EntrePass and PEP holders). The DP application must be made by the employer of the Singapore work visa holder or a designated Employment Agent (EA), and a separate application must be submitted for each eligible family member.
The application fee for a Dependant’s Pass is S$105 per application, and an additional fee of S$225 per pass is payable upon collection.
The processing time for a DP is typically 3-8 weeks. If the DP application is submitted along with the Singapore work visa application, the results are likely to be notified at the same time.
How to know if my Dependant’s Pass is approved and how to collect it?
When your Dependant’s Pass application is approved, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will issue an In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter. The DP applicant must be in Singapore to collect the pass.
When collecting the Dependant’s Pass, you will need to present the following documents:
- The IPA letter you received
- Your/your dependant’s passport
- Any other documents required in the IPA letter, such as a medical examination report, disembarkation/embarkation card, etc.
How to renew my Dependant’s Pass?
The validity of a DP is up to two years and is primarily tied to the validity period of the main applicant’s work pass. For example, if the main applicant’s work visa is for one year, the spouse’s and children’s visas will expire on the same last day as the main applicant’s work visa, which might be less than a year from the date of application.
To extend the DP, you need to apply in advance, as early as 6 months before the pass expires. When the main applicant’s work pass is due for renewal, MOM will send the Dependant’s Pass renewal form to his/her employer so that the renewal applications can be done simultaneously.
Please note that the renewal form must be submitted to MOM at least 2 months before the pass expires.
You or your company can apply to extend the DP in two ways:
1. Online applications are completed within 3 weeks.
2. Postal applications take longer, around 8 weeks.
I am a Dependant’s Pass holder, can I study or work in Singapore?
If the main applicant holds an EP, PEP, or EntrePass, you can work in Singapore. To do so, your employer needs to fill out a Letter of Consent (LOC) application form and apply for a LOC from MOM. The processing time for an LOC is usually about one week.
The validity of your LOC will be the same as your Dependant’s Pass. Therefore, you should renew your LOC whenever your DP is renewed.
Children holding a Dependant’s Pass can attend private or international K-12 schools in Singapore without applying for a Student’s Pass. If a child with a DP passes the AEIS exam, they can even apply directly to Singapore government primary and secondary schools (priority for government school placements is given in the order of Citizens > Permanent Residents > Dependant’s Pass holders > Foreigners). However, DP holders pursuing higher education in Singapore must apply for a student visa.
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Can a Dependant’s Pass holder apply for Permanent Residence?
Yes, Dependant’s Pass holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) together with the Singapore work visa holder. If the work visa holder’s PR application is approved, the DP holder’s PR application will also be approved.
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What is the Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
The Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a pass issued by the Singapore government that allows long-term residence in Singapore, with a validity period ranging from six months to ten years.
Spouses of Singapore citizens can apply for an LTVP+. The benefit of an LTVP+ is its longer validity period and access to the same medical and employment benefits as a Permanent Resident (PR). An LTVP+ allows the holder to stay in Singapore for three years upon first approval, with renewals for up to five years each time. However, a condition for applying for an LTVP+ includes having at least one Singaporean child. If you do not have children, you may still be eligible to apply if you have been married for at least three years.
Currently, there are two authorities that approve LTVPs: the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Who can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
1) Cases requiring application to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
- Spouse of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR)
- Unmarried child under 21 years of age of a Singapore Citizen or PR
- Parent of a Singapore Citizen/PR who is over 21 years of age (Please note: Parents of a spouse cannot apply for an LTVP under the sponsorship of a Singapore Citizen/PR)
- University graduates seeking employment in Singapore (apply within 2 years of graduation, no sponsor required)
- Women whose child/grandchild is studying in Singapore on a Student’s Pass
- Individuals seeking permission to give birth in Singapore
2) Cases requiring application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Foreign employees can only apply for a Singapore LTVP for their family members under the following conditions:
EP/SP/PEP pass holders:
- Monthly salary of S$6,000 or more
- Their sponsor (employer) is a company registered in Singapore
EntrePass holders:
Business spending of S$200,000 in the first year and employment of 6 local staff or 2 professionals (PMEs: Professionals, Managers, Executives, etc.)
Family members who can apply for a Singapore LTVP include:
- Common law spouse
- Unmarried disabled children over 21 years of age
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years of age
- Parents (monthly salary requirement of S$12,000 or more)
If a foreign employee working in Singapore with a work visa wants to bring their spouse and/or children to Singapore, they can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) (see previous section). However, if their family member is not a legal spouse or adopted child, they cannot apply for a DP. In this case, they may need to apply for an LTVP.
What documents are required to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass?
When applying for an LTVP, all documents must be original and in English. If not in English, they must be translated into English by a professional translator and notarized.
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of documents. Due to the complexity of various cases, Singaporean authorities may request additional documents from the applicant.
The following documents must be provided for an LTVP application to the ICA:
- A copy of the passport’s personal particulars page
- Disembarkation/Embarkation card
- A recent photograph that meets the requirements
In addition—
For spouse applications:
- Marriage certificate
- Documents showing the highest educational level of both spouses
- Divorce certificate (if either spouse has been divorced, the divorce certificate from the previous marriage is required)
- Letter of LTVP Eligibility (LLE), if applicable
For child applications:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ divorce certificate or custody documents (if applicable)
For applications by parents of a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s adoption papers (if applicable)
For foreign graduates seeking work in Singapore:
- Highest educational qualification certificate
For mothers/grandmothers of Student’s Pass holders:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate/custody documents (if applicable)
- Passport of the Student’s Pass holder
- Student’s Pass
- Mother: Child’s birth certificate
- Grandmother: Child’s birth certificate and the birth certificates of the child’s parents
For foreign visitors wishing to give birth in Singapore:
- Marriage certificate
- A letter from a local doctor stating the mother’s expected delivery date and any complications
- A letter from the embassy/high commission stating that the child will acquire the mother’s nationality and a valid passport
Documents required from the Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident:
- Identity card
- Income Tax Notices of Assessment (NOA) for the past three years
- Proof of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for the past 12 months
- Employment letter showing the start date of employment, position, and monthly salary
If self-employed:
- Valid registration certificate from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- The company’s profit and loss statement for the past 12 months
The following documents must be provided for an LTVP application to the MOM:
The documents you and your family must submit for an LTVP application with the Ministry of Manpower include:
Common law spouse (one of the following):
- A copy of a legal document proving the relationship
- A letter from your embassy confirming that you and your partner are considered to be in a common law relationship under their rules
- A notarized affidavit from you stating that you and your partner are in a common law relationship according to the rules of your home country
Step-children under 21 years of age:
- Proof of custody of the child
- A letter from the other parent confirming they do not object to the child coming to Singapore
- If your child is under 12 years old, a Verification of Vaccination Requirements from the Health Promotion Board is required
Dependent Child: A letter or report from a doctor on the health condition.
Parents: Your birth certificate, which must state your parents’ names.
How to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass and how long does the process take?
If you are eligible for an LTVP issued by ICA:
To apply for an LTVP, you need a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident with a SingPass account to act as your Sponsor and submit the application through the ICA’s e-Service system via SingPass. For example, if you are married to a Singapore Citizen/PR, your spouse will be your sponsor. If you do not have a relative who is a Singapore Citizen/PR, you will need a visa agent or partner with a SingPass account. All sponsors must be at least 21 years old to submit an application for you.
You must hold a regular visit pass and be physically in Singapore to apply for an LTVP, and you must apply at least 10 days before your visit pass expires.
A non-refundable application fee of S$30 is required for the LTVP application, and the processing time is typically 6 weeks. During this period, the ICA may contact you and your sponsor to request more documents or to arrange an interview.
If your LTVP application is approved, you will need to pay a fee of S$60 for each LTVP. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also need to pay other fees, such as S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa. If you do not pay the fees, your LTVP will become invalid.
The ICA will issue you an In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA letter will inform you to visit the ICA with your sponsor to complete the full LTVP application procedure and specify the documents you need to bring. You must make an online appointment before going to the ICA.
If you are eligible for an LTVP issued by MOM:
If you are a foreigner working in Singapore on an EP or SP, you cannot apply for an LTVP for your family members yourself. Your employer or a designated Employment Agent (EA) must submit the application on your behalf on the MOM’s website. Parents of EntrePass and PEP holders must apply for an LTVP at the MOM counter.
For this type of LTVP application, your family members do not need to be in Singapore.
Your employer/EA can submit your family member’s LTVP application at the following times:
- Simultaneously with your Employment Pass application
- After you have arrived in Singapore and wish to bring your family to live with you
Your employer/EA must submit the application through MOM’s eServices, upload the required documents, and pay the S$105 application fee. A separate application is required for each family member, so a separate fee is payable for each.
The processing time for LTVP applications for EP and SP holders is typically 3 weeks. The processing time for LTVP applications for PEP and EntrePass holders is typically 8 weeks.
Once your family member’s application is approved, they will receive an IPA letter, which your employer needs to send to you. Your family can use this IPA letter to enter Singapore.
After your family arrives in Singapore, you will need to pay an additional S$225 fee per pass when completing the LTVP formalities and collecting the LTVP.
| Step | Who performs this step | Outcome |
| Submit application | Employer or EA | In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter or rejection letter |
| Get the pass issued | Employer or EA | Notification letter |
| Register fingerprints and photo (if required) | Foreigner | Card registration acknowledgement |
| Receive the card | Authorised recipient or foreigner | LTVP card |
How to renew my Long-Term Visit Pass?
Generally, the validity of an LTVP is up to two years, depending on your personal circumstances and reason for application. For LTVPs applied for through the Ministry of Manpower, the validity is tied to the validity of the EP/SP.
You can renew your LTVP using the same procedure as your initial application:
- If you wish to renew an ICA-issued LTVP, you must apply at least ten days before your current visa expires.
- If you wish to renew an MOM-issued LTVP, you must apply six months before it expires.
- We recommend that you start the renewal process as early as possible.
Applying to renew an LTVP does not guarantee approval; the relevant authorities will still assess your application based on existing criteria and your eligibility.
Can a Long-Term Visit Pass holder work in Singapore?
Holders of LTVP visas issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the ICA to work directly without counting against a company’s quota. However, it is important to note that LTVP visas not issued by the ICA do not permit legal work in Singapore.
In other words:
Holding an LTVP itself does not allow you to work directly in Singapore; you must obtain a legal work pass.
Holding an LTVP+ allows you to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work directly, without needing a separate work pass.
However, spouses of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, whether holding an LTVP or LTVP+, can apply for an LOC to work directly.
Can a Long-Term Visit Pass holder apply for Permanent Residence?
LTVP holders can use their LTVP to stay in Singapore and build a life until they become eligible to apply for PR.
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