Relocating to foreign countries is something families do because of work circumstances, opportunities for a better life, or joining others in their family that has already migrated. In Singapore, if you are an S Pass holder or an Employment Pass (EP), earning at least $6,000 a month, you can relocate with your family with you or bring them over to join you later on either a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or a Long-Term Visitors Pass (LTVP).
For a smooth transition for you and your loved ones, you would do well to understand what is required for entry and for everyone to remain in the country. So, let’s delve deeper into the differences between the various passes and what eligibility is required.
Dependant’s Pass
Applying for a Dependant’s Pass (DP), essentially a relocation visa, will allow your spouse and children to join you in Singapore, though you do need to be an EP or S Pass holder. This pass is not to be confused with a work visa since it is a mandatory residence visa. Family members who can apply include:
- Children under the age of 21 years who are unmarried, including legally adopted children
- Legally married spouse
The Dependant’s Pass is valid for up to 2 years, as long as the main work pass is still valid. After that, it can be renewed but must be applied for by the employer or their appointed agent.
Long-Term Visit Pass
A long-term visit pass is a residence visa allowing your family to accompany you in Singapore while you are holding an EP or S Pass for work. Eligible pass holders who fall under the following may apply:
- A common-law spouse
- To be considered a spouse by common law, you will have had to live together for a minimum of 2 years in a marriage-like relationship. This also qualifies you to divide debts or assets equally.
- Unmarried disabled children over the age of 21 years.
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years of age.
- Parents
- Earning a minimum of S$12,000 per month
Eligibility
While eligibility resides on the main factor that the family member applying holds either an EP or S Pass, other requirements need to be met for your family to come to Singapore to join you using a Dependant’s Pass.
Dependant’s Pass
- You need to earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 independently.
- You are sponsored by an established Singapore-registered company.
Long-Term Visit Pass
- Earn a minimum of S$6,000 salary per month.
- Are sponsored, usually by your employer, and work for a Singapore-registered company.
Required Documents
Additional documents may be requested from you at the time of application and upon review. However, take note that any non-English documents must be submitted as one file containing the original document and the certified English translation.
When submitting your Dependant’s Pass application form, you will need the following documents with additional or different paperwork required of the family member being applied on behalf of.
Dependant’s Pass
- A copy of the candidate’s passport stating their particulars.
- Copy of marriage certificate for the spouse
- For children registered on their parent’s passport, a copy of the parent’s personal particulars needs to be attached.
- Copy of birth certificate for unmarried children under 21 years
- Copy of the adoption order or other relevant documents for legally adopted, unmarried children under 21 years
Long-Term Visit Pass
- The candidate’s passport with up-to-date personal particulars.
- A copy of a common-law marriage certificate or an affidavit notarized in the applicant’s home country/region declaring that the work pass holder and their spouse are in a common-law relationship recognised under the laws. They can also submit a letter from the home country/region’s embassy of the work pass holder or spouse stating that they are in a common-law relationship recognised under the laws of their country/region.
- For children with disability above the age of 21 need to submit a letter or report from a medical practitioner about the child’s condition.
A copy of the court order on the child’s custody, along with a letter from the other biological parent stating there is no objection to bringing the child to Singapore, must be submitted for unmarried stepchildren under the age of 21 years. - A copy of the work pass holder’s birth certificate with both parents’ names must be submitted when applying for the work pass holder’s parents.
Where To Apply
To fill in and submit your application, once you have all the documentation needed ready, you can apply on the myMOM portal (Ministry of Manpower). This centralised eServices business portal allows employers to easily access workforce information and also perform transactions with just one login.
Once you log in, you fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay S$105 for each application. You can also log on to the EP Online portal once the application has been approved for printing the in-principle approval letter (IPA).
The Application Process
Dependents applying for either pass (DP or LTVP) will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with certified WHO EUL vaccines (including boosters where eligible) for their passes to be issued. A separate application form needs to be filled out for each family member. A foreigner residing in Singapore with a pass that is soon to expire at the time of application may find his visit pass from being rejected for an extension.
Be sure to bring your family over only once the pass has been approved to reduce any risks, and this is easy to do, considering you can apply on their behalf before they ever enter the country.
Only an employment agent (EA) or employer can submit an application, which costs S$105 per pass on submission. Once the pass has been issued, a final payment of S$225 per pass is required, with an additional S$30 if you need a multiple-journey visa.
Once you have submitted all the paperwork and paid the initial fee, an average waiting period of around three weeks is to be expected for EP and S Pass holders. You can check the status of your application online, and once approved, an email will be sent to the address given on the application form.
In special cases where a baby is born in Singapore, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will issue the parent a Special Pass valid for six weeks. During this time, the parent must apply for their Dependant’s Pass.
A Final Thought
Technology has made the efficiency and efficacy of overseas travel applications that much simpler and easier, and residing in Singapore to settle as a family can be done by following a few simple steps. But, of course, all countries have rules and regulations. Still, Singapore, considered a tax haven for foreigners, has seen an influx of professional and other skilled workers over the past few years.
And now, with an easy-to-follow procedure to apply for a DP or Long Term Visit Pass, you can enjoy beautiful Singapore as a family. Bring your spouse and children over to join you without worrying about how they will stay in the country legally, and apply for the relevant pass with ease.
These passes need to be applied by the work pass holder’s employer or their third-party agent. If you are looking to outsource your work pass application process to a consultancy, Immigration SG is your one-stop solution. We can help manage all immigration-related tasks for your company and employees. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
