[SUMMARIES]
Minimum Salary: SGD 6,000 (fixed monthly salary)
Processing Time: Approx. 3 weeks (6 weeks for complex passes)
Work Rights: No automatic work rights. Requires separate Work Permit, EP, or S Pass.
Main Sponsors: Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, ONE Pass, PEP, EntrePass holders.
Dependents: Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21.
[/SUMMARIES]
The Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a specialized relocation visa designed to keep families together. It allows the legal spouse and unmarried children of high-skilled foreign professionals to reside in the Lion City.
At Koobiz, we frequently assist international talent in navigating the complexities of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations to ensure a seamless transition for their loved ones. Understanding this pass is critical. While the DP regulations have remained unchanged in 2026, the eligibility criteria for the main sponsors (EP and S Pass holders) have become stricter, which indirectly affect family residency eligibility.
Koobiz Insight: The DP is not a standalone visa. It is strictly “dependent” on the validity of the main pass holder’s Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or ONE Pass. If the main pass is cancelled, the DP is cancelled immediately.
Beyond mere residency, the Dependant’s Pass represents a bridge to a stable life in Singapore, though it comes with specific financial and legal boundaries. Following the recent updates to the COMPASS framework and salary benchmarks for main pass holders, expat families must look closely at the eligibility criteria to avoid common pitfalls.
The question of whether a spouse can contribute to the household income remains a primary concern for many. Let’s explore the detailed requirements, the crucial $6,000 salary threshold, and the evolving work rules that define the DP landscape in 2026.
What is the Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP)?
The Singapore Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a relocation visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to the legal family members of qualified work pass holders.
It serves as the primary legal mechanism for spouses and children to reside in Singapore for the duration of the sponsor’s employment. To understand this pass better, one must view it as an extension of the sponsor’s own status.
Transitioning from a general overview to the specifics, it is essential to identify exactly who can act as a sponsor and who is eligible to be a beneficiary. At Koobiz, we emphasize that although the term “dependent” sounds broad, the MOM applies very strict legal definitions to these roles to protect the integrity of the immigration system.
Defining the Sponsor: Who can bring dependents?
Only those holding specific high-level work passes are granted the privilege of sponsorship.
| Sponsor Pass Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professionals and executives meeting COMPASS criteria. |
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled staff ($6,000 salary floor required). |
| EntrePass | Foreign entrepreneurs meeting business spending & job creation milestones. |
| PEP | Personalised Employment Pass holders (High-earning individuals). |
| ONE Pass | Top-tier global talent in business, arts, culture, sports, or academia. |
According to Koobiz industry observations in 2026, the vast majority of Dependant’s Pass applications continue to be sponsored by EP holders, reflecting the pass’s role in attracting high-level corporate talent to the region.
Eligible Family Members: Spouses and Children
MOM (Ministry of Manpower) maintains a conservative definition of “family” for the Dependant’s Pass. This also means some family members may fall outside the DP’s scope.
- Legally Married Spouse: Common-law marriages are generally not recognized for a DP; these partners usually require a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
- Unmarried Biological Children: Must be under the age of 21.
- Legally Adopted Children: Must be under the age of 21 and supported by official adoption papers recognized by the Singapore government.
Critical Note: For children aged 21 and above, or for parents of the main pass holder, a different visa category (the LTVP) is required. This comes with a much higher salary threshold.
2026 Eligibility Requirements and the $6,000 Salary Threshold
There are two main criteria for a successful DP application: a valid legal relationship and a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 6,000 earned by the sponsor.
This threshold ensures that the sponsoring individual has the financial capacity to support their family members in one of the world’s most expensive cities without relying on Singapore’s social safety nets.
The “fixed monthly salary” refers to the base salary and fixed allowances that do not fluctuate based on performance, therefore, is independent of the qualifying salary for the EP itself.
Example: A young professional might qualify for an EP at $5,600 under current age-related benchmarks, but they would still be $400 short of the requirement to bring a spouse.
The Minimum Salary Requirement for 2026
The $6,000 gross salary before any tax deductions threshold serves as a gatekeeper for family reunification.
- EP and S Pass: $6,000 minimum for spouse and children.
- Sponsoring Parents: If you wish to bring your parents on an LTVP, the threshold jumps significantly to SGD 12,000.
- EntrePass Exceptions: EntrePass holders must meet “Total Business Spending” requirements (typically $100k – $200k) and create a certain number of local jobs to qualify for family sponsorship instead of meeting salary threshold.
Based on Koobiz client data, a significant number of mid-level expat applicants face challenges securing family visas since their contracts fall below the $6,000 mark, highlighting the importance of salary negotiation during the hiring phase.
Essential Documentation for a Successful Application
Applying for a DP requires more than just a high salary; it requires bulletproof documentation to prove the legitimacy of the family unit. We advise clients to have these documents professionally translated and notarized if they are not originally in English.
- Marriage Certificate: A copy of the official certificate for spouses.
- Birth Certificate: For children, showing the names of both parents.
- Passport Bio-data Page: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Educational Verification: For school-aged children, verification of vaccinations (High Risk/Measles/Diphtheria) is required for those under 12 before the pass can be issued.
Inaccurate or incomplete documentation remains the number one cause for processing delays. In 2026, the MOM utilizes AI-driven verification systems that can instantly cross-reference international databases.
Can a Dependant’s Pass Holder Work in Singapore?
A DP holder cannot work by default. They may only work if they secure a separate work pass or qualify specific business owner criteria.
By 2026, the rules have matured into a strict “independent pass” framework. This means that for the vast majority of spouses, finding a job in Singapore involves the employer applying for a Work Permit, S Pass, or EP on their own behalf.
The Shift from LOC to Standard Work Passes
Most DP holders looking for employment will be treated as foreign employees in their own right. This involves meeting several requirements, which Koobiz helps clients manage.
| Work Pass Type | Suitable For | Key Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | Retail, F&B, Admin roles | Subject to monthly levy & dependency ceiling (quota). |
| S Pass | Mid-level technical roles | Min. Salary $3,300+; Subject to quota & levy. |
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professional/Managerial roles | Must meet high salary & COMPASS criteria. No quota. |
This shift has created a “trailing spouse” challenge, as many employers are hesitant to hire DP holders if it means using up their precious foreign worker quota or paying additional levies.
The “Business Owner” Exception for DP Holders
DP holders who own and operate a business in Singapore can still obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work as a director or owner.
- Ownership Stake: You must own at least 30% of the shares in a Singapore-registered company.
- Role: You must be registered as a director of the company with ACRA.
- Renewal Requirement: While the initial LOC application generally focuses on business structure, to renew your LOC, your business must employ at least one Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident earning the prevailing local qualifying salary (LQS) and receiving CPF contributions for at least 3 months.
According to our observations in late 2025, there has been a notable increase in DP-led incorporations, as spouses pivot from corporate employment to consulting and small business ownership. Koobiz specializes in this exact transition, providing company formation and LOC advisory for DP entrepreneurs.
Specialized Scenarios and Comparative Pass Types
Understanding the Singapore visa ecosystem means knowing how the Dependant’s Pass interacts with other residency options. The DP is often compared to the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which applies to relatives who do not fit the strict definition of a DP beneficiary.
2026 sees the continued rise of ONE Pass as the “Super Visas” which carry entirely different rules for family members. We find that many clients are unaware of these nuances, leading them to apply for the wrong pass and face unnecessary rejections.
Dependant’s Pass vs. Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Both passes allow family members to stay in Singapore yet they serve different demographics and come with different price tags in terms of the sponsor’s salary.
| Feature | Dependant’s Pass (DP) | Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Members | Legal Spouse, Children < 21 | Common-law spouse, Step-children, Parents |
| Sponsor Salary | $6,000+ | $6,000+ ($12,000+ for parents) |
| Work Rights | Work Pass or Business LOC | Requires separate Work Pass (no LOC) |
| Validity | Tied to Main Pass | Tied to Main Pass |
The increase to a $12,000 salary for parents is a significant hurdle for many expat families. Demographic trends show that expats – those supporting both young children and aging parents -are increasingly opting for larger housing and higher-tier contracts to meet these LTVP requirements.
The ONE Pass Advantage: Enhanced Work Rights
The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass remains the “Gold Standard” of Singaporean visas in 2026. One of its most attractive features is the “Rare Attribute” of automatic work eligibility for spouses.
ONE Pass Special Privilege: The spouse of a ONE Pass holder can work in any capacity (employee or owner) via a simple Letter of Consent.
- No Quota/Levy: The employer of a ONE Pass dependent does not have to worry about foreign worker quotas or monthly levies, making these individuals highly hireable.
- Flexibility: They are not tied to the COMPASS framework for their own employment, providing a level of freedom unseen in other dependent categories.
Common Reasons for DP Rejection in 2026
Even with a high salary, success is not guaranteed. In our experience at Koobiz, three main issues lead to rejections:
1. The Salary Gap Trap: A sponsor earns $6,000 including a variable bonus. The MOM only looks at the fixed monthly salary. If the base is $5,500 and the bonus is $1,000, the application will likely be rejected.
2. Verification Failures: With the 2026 emphasis on “high-trust” documents, any marriage certificate from a jurisdiction that doesn’t offer digital verification may require extra layers of authentication (Apostille).
3. Sponsor Stability: If the sponsoring company has a poor record of hiring locals or has a low COMPASS score for diversity, the MOM may review dependent applications more closely.
About Koobiz Services
Navigating the complexities of the Singapore Dependant’s Pass and broader immigration landscape requires a partner who understands the intersection of corporate law, tax, and residency.
Koobiz (visit us at koobiz.com) is a premier consultancy specialized in the Singapore market, helping international businesses and professionals establish a solid foundation in the region.
Our core services include:
- Company Formation: Streamlined Singapore company incorporation for entrepreneurs and DP holders looking to start their own ventures via the LOC pathway.
- Banking Account Advisory: Expert guidance on opening corporate and personal bank accounts in Singapore’s leading financial institutions.
- Tax & Accounting: Comprehensive tax planning and bookkeeping services to ensure your business remains compliant with IRAS and ACRA regulations.
- Audit Services: Professional auditing to maintain transparency and meet statutory requirements for growing enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get a Dependant’s Pass in 2026?
For dependents of EP or S Pass holders, processing usually takes about 3 weeks. For EntrePass, PEP, or ONE Pass dependents, it can take up to 6 weeks.
2. Can my child attend school on a Dependant’s Pass?
Yes. DP holders can attend private international schools without an additional Student Pass. However, to attend a local government school, they must pass the AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) and their placement is subject to availability.
3. What happens to the DP if I lose my job?
If the sponsor’s work pass is cancelled, all associated Dependant’s Passes are also cancelled. Usually, a Short Term Visit Pass (STVP) is issued for 30 days to allow the family to wrap up their affairs or find a new sponsor.
4. Is there a medical check-up required for the Dependant’s Pass?
Generally, a medical check-up (including HIV and TB testing) is required only if the applicant is 15 years old or older and the MOM specifically requests it in the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
5. Can I renew a Dependant’s Pass?
Yes, DP renewals can be filed up to 6 months before the pass expires. The renewal is contingent on the sponsor’s main pass being renewed and the sponsor still meeting the $6,000 salary threshold.
Leave a Reply