A Quick Guide: How Dependant’s Pass Holders Can Work in Singapore
A dependant’s pass (DP) allows spouses and children of employment pass (EP) holders or S pass holders to join and live with them in Singapore.
Since May 2021, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has stopped allowing most Dependant’s Pass (DP) holders to work in Singapore under a Letter of Consent (LOC), except for eligible business owners. This change aligns DP holders with the standard work pass framework.
Today, let us discuss how DP holders can still earn a living for themselves in Singapore, despite implementation of the above-mentioned policy by MOM.
Apply for a business owner’s LOC
A business owner’s LOC would allow DP holders to operate a business in Singapore. This is ideal for DP holders would want to start a business in Singapore. To apply for it, you will need to be either:
- The sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business
- A partner of an ACRA-registered business
- A company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered business
The duration of the LOC is one year from the issue date or up to the expiry date of the DP, whichever is shorter.
Renewal of business owner’s LOC
To renew the LOC, the DP holder will need to hire at least one Singaporean / Permanent Resident. The employees will need to earn at least the prevailing local qualifying salary and have received CPF contribution for at least 3 months.
The LOC will be invalid if the dependant’s pass is cancelled or expires, or the business is no longer active.
Interested in applying for a business owner’s LOC? You can get started by registering a business with ACRA. Let us help you.
Apply for a Work Permit (WP)
For DP holders who prefer to work for an employer, they can choose to apply for a Work Permit instead. Unlike that traditional Work Permit, the work permit application is available for all nationalities for DP holders. However, there is also a levy charge included with the Work Permit.
Below are some key points to consider for Work Permit applications:
- DP holders who are applying for a Work Permit do not need to submit security bonds or attend bi-annual medical examinations
- There are no pregnancy restrictions for female DP holders
- DP holders’ Work Permit expiry date will coincide with their Dependant’s Pass expiry date
- DP holders must have a minimum validity of at least 4 months on their DP when they apply for their Work Permit
Have more questions?
Have more queries regarding DP and LOC? Feel free to reach out to us. Our team of experts is always ready to discuss any possible options for you, so whatsapp us now!
