[SUMMARIES]
LTVP Holders (ICA-issued): Have significant work privileges. They may apply for a standard Letter of Consent (LOC) or a Pre-Approved LOC (PLOC), which allows them to work for most employers, subject to MOM approval.
Dependent Pass (DP) Holders: Generally cannot apply for an LOC for regular employment anymore (since May 2021). Instead, they must qualify for a Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass to work in Singapore.
The “Business Owner” Exception: Currently, the primary pathway for a DP holder to obtain an LOC is by starting a business, such as a Sole Proprietorship or a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) company. Note: There is typically a one-year grace period before a local employee is required for LOC renewal.
MOM-Issued LTVP: MOM-issued LTVPs (e.g. parents or step-children of EP holders) are different from ICA-issued LTVPs and generally do not qualify for LOCs.
Koobiz Solution: Koobiz specializes in helping Dependent Pass holders in Singapore navigate the “Business Owner” route through company incorporation, LOC application, and ongoing compliance services.
[/SUMMARIES]
Understanding the LOC rules for LTVP versus Dependent Pass holders has become critical since the major regulatory changes introduced in 2021. While ICA-issued LTVP holders retain relatively flexible work options, Dependent Pass holders now face stricter eligibility requirements to work in Singapore. At Koobiz, we simplify these complex eligibility rules and guide you through the “Business Owner” route—the primary pathway for DP holders to legally work by starting their own company.
Can LTVP and Dependent Pass Holders Work in Singapore Legally?
Yes, but the applicable work rules differ significantly between the two passes. LTVP holders can generally work using a Letter of Consent (LOC), while most Dependent Pass holders cannot—unless they qualify under the business owner exception.
Since 1 May 2021, MOM has tightened regulations for Dependent Pass holders to align them with Singapore’s broader foreign workforce framework.
- LTVP/LTVP+ (ICA-Issued): Spouses of Singaporeans/PRs can work via an LOC or Pre-Approved LOC (PLOC).
- Dependent Pass (MOM-Issued): DP holders generally cannot work in Singapore using an LOC. To work as an employee, they must qualify for a Work Permit, S Pass, or EP on their own merit. The only exception applies to eligible Dependent Pass holders who operate their own business.
Key Differences: LTVP vs. Dependent Pass Work Rights
The LTVP offers significantly greater employment flexibility and ease of hiring compared to the Dependent Pass, while the Dependent Pass now operates similarly to a standard foreign work pass holder in terms of employment eligibility, unless utilized for entrepreneurship.
The table below highlights the divergence in work rights across three main criteria: Authority, Incentives, and Entrepreneurship.
| Comparison Criteria | LTVP / LTVP+ (ICA-Issued) | Dependent Pass (DP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Singaporean or PR (ICA) | Foreign EP/S Pass Holder (MOM) |
| Work Eligibility | Flexible (LOC or PLOC available) | Restricted (Needs Work Pass) |
| Hiring Incentives | High (No Levy, No Quota) | Low (Levy & Quota apply) |
| Business Owner Rule | Eligible for LOC/PLOC without local hiring requirement | Strict (DP business owners must hire at least one local employee for LOC renewal) |
Recruitment data in Singapore shows a preference for LTVP+ holders in service and administrative roles due to the quota-free nature of the LOC, a benefit that Dependent Pass holders lost following the 2021 policy change.
Work Rules for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP/LTVP+) Holders in Singapore
There are two distinct categories of LTVP holders. It is important to check the issuing authority stated on your physical pass card before applying for jobs, as this determines your work eligibility.
1. ICA-Issued LTVP/LTVP+ (Spouses of SC/PR)
- Who are they? Spouses of Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Can you get an LOC? Yes.
- The PLOC Advantage: Many spouses of citizens receive a Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC). This allows you to work for most employers immediately, without the employer needing to apply to MOM first. It grants “PR-like” work flexibility.
2. MOM-Issued LTVP (Parents/Step-children of Expats)
- Who are they? Common-law spouses, step-children, or parents of Employment Pass holders.
- Can you get an LOC? Generally, no.
- Requirement: To work in Singapore, you must independently qualify for a Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass (EP) based on your salary and skill set.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) introduced the LTVP+ to provide greater certainty of stay and employment for foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens, reflecting the state’s support for stable transnational families.
Rules for Dependent Pass (DP) Holders
Dependent Pass holders generally fall into two categories when it comes to work rights. Following the 2021 regulatory changes, the former LOC route for employees is no longer available.
1. The Employee Route (Finding a Job)
- Can you get an LOC? No.
- Requirement: Your employer must apply for a full Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Work Permit.
- Consequence: You usually have to cancel your Dependent Pass once the new pass is approved. You are no longer tied to your spouse’s visa and will hold an independent work pass.
2. The Business Owner Route (Starting a Company)
- Can you get an LOC? Yes (Conditional).
- Requirement: You must own a business (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Pte Ltd) and be a director/partner.
- Initial Approval: You do not need to hire a local employee immediately to get your first LOC approved.
- Renewal Requirement: To renew the LOC after the first year, you must hire at least one local employee (Singapore Citizen or PR) earning the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS).
- Benefit: You keep your Dependent Pass status active while earning income. This is the path Koobiz specializes in.
Quick Reference: Work Rules by Pass Type
| Pass Category | Issued By | LOC Eligibility (Employee) | Business Owner LOC? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTVP / LTVP+ | ICA (Spouse of SC/PR) | Yes (Automatic / Minimal employer involvement) | Yes (Standard rules) |
| Dependent Pass | MOM (Spouse of EP) | No (Must get Work Pass) | Yes (Hire local to renew) |
| LTVP | MOM (Parents of EP) | No (Must get Work Pass) | No (Generally Ineligible) |
How to Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore
The application is a digital process initiated by the employer (or your own company). Note that for DP Business Owners, there is an extra pre-approval step.
Step 1: Authorization & Request (Crucial for DP)
- LTVP Holders: Your employer can log in to the myMOM portal immediately to submit the application.
- DP Business Owners: You must first submit an “LOC Request Form” online to MOM. This takes about 1 week to process. Only after this request is approved can you proceed to the formal application.
Step 2: Submission of Details
Once authorized, the employer (or a Corporate Service Provider such as Koobiz) logs into the myMOM portal, selects “Apply for Letter of Consent,” and enters your Foreign Identification Number (FIN).
Step 3: Document Verification
- For LTVP Holders: Typically, no additional documents are required if your LTVP status is correctly updated in the ICA system.
- For DP Business Owners: For the initial application, the primary document required is your ACRA Business Profile showing you as a Director/Partner/Sole-Proprietor. (Proof of CPF contributions is typically required only at the renewal stage).
Step 4: Approval & Validity
Most straightforward LTVP applications are approved within 1 week. DP business owner cases may take 3 to 4 weeks (excluding the request form time). Once approved, the LOC is generally valid for up to one year or the duration of your main pass, whichever is shorter.
According to MOM processing standards, applicants should allow sufficient buffer time for these approvals, especially if you have upcoming business contracts.
The “Business Owner” Route: Getting an LOC on a Dependent Pass
The “Business Owner” route is currently the primary pathway for Dependent Pass holders to obtain an LOC. Instead of seeking employment, you register a Singapore company and apply for an LOC to act as its Director.
This path provides an initial one-year grace period. You can start your business without immediate hiring pressure, but you must plan for the renewal requirement where local hiring becomes mandatory.
Requirements for DP Holders to Start a Business
To qualify, the DP holder must be a registered Sole Proprietor, a Partner in a Partnership, or a Director with at least 30% shareholding in a Private Limited Company.
Mere ownership is not enough; the structure of the business must strictly adhere to MOM’s definition of ownership.
- Shareholding: You cannot simply hold 1% of the shares. You must hold at least 30%, ensuring you have a controlling interest and “skin in the game.”
- ACRA Registration: The business must be legally registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Koobiz assists clients in drafting the constitution and filing these registrations efficiently.
- Solvency: The company must be solvent and active. Dormant companies will not support an LOC application.
Understanding the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) Requirement
The defining condition for renewing a Business Owner LOC is the mandatory hiring of at least one Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident who earns at least the Local Qualifying Salary (SGD 1,600 as of 2026).
This reflects the government’s policy balance: they allow you to work on a DP for the first year, but to continue, you must prove you are creating jobs for locals.
- The Threshold: The LQS is currently set at SGD 1,600 (as of 2026). This is strictly enforced.
- CPF Contributions: You must pay the required Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for this local employee.
- Timing: To successfully renew, you typically need to show that you have hired the local employee and paid CPF for at least 3 months prior to the renewal date. Koobiz‘s payroll services ensure these contributions are filed correctly and on time to prevent LOC rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about LOC and Work Passes in Singapore
Below are the most common technical questions Koobiz receives regarding the validity, renewal, and conversion of Singapore work passes.
What Happens to My LOC if My Main Pass is Cancelled?
The LOC is strictly tied to the validity of your main LTVP or Dependent Pass; if your main pass is cancelled, expired, or revoked, the LOC becomes immediately invalid and you must stop working.
Can I Convert from LTVP/DP to Employment Pass (EP)?
Yes, if you secure a job meeting the EP salary threshold (typically above SGD 5,000, depending on age and sector), your employer can apply for an Employment Pass, which will replace your current LTVP or DP upon approval.
Is the Foreign Worker Levy Applicable to LOC Holders?
No, employers of LOC holders (specifically LTVP) are exempt from the Foreign Worker Levy, unlike Work Permits where levies apply, making LOC holders more cost-effective for businesses.
About Koobiz
Navigating Singapore’s regulatory framework for LTVP and Dependent Pass work rights can be complex. At Koobiz, we simplify this journey. Whether you are a DP holder looking to incorporate a company to secure an LOC, or a business owner requiring assistance with tax, accounting, and corporate bank account opening in Singapore, our expert team is ready to assist.
Disclaimer: Regulations can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the MOM/ICA websites or consult with a professional service provider.
Ready to start your business journey in Singapore?
Visit Koobiz.com today for a consultation on Company Incorporation and LOC applications.
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