What Family Visas Can Singapore Self-Employed EP Holders Apply For?

In 2025, Singapore has made several adjustments to its EP family visa policies. While maintaining the goal of family reunification, the authorities have tightened the review standards for certain visa types. Understanding these changes will help entrepreneurs better plan their family life in Singapore.

1. Spouse Visas: Choosing Between DP and LTVP

1. Dependent's Pass (DP)

• Application Requirements:
• EP holder's monthly salary ≥ SGD 6,000 (2025 new regulation)
• Legal marriage relationship (requires Singapore-certified double-authenticated marriage certificate)
• Validity period tied to EP (maximum 2 years)
• Work Permission:
• Can work directly from 2025 (no separate work pass required)
• However, cannot work in sensitive industries (such as massage parlors, bars, etc.)
• Success Case:
  A fintech founder with monthly salary of SGD 8,000, spouse holding DP working in IT company, approved within 3 months

2. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

• Applicable Situations:
• EP monthly salary SGD 5,000-5,999
• De facto partners (requires proof of living together ≥ 2 years)
• Same-sex partners (requires legal marriage certificate from home country)
• Restrictions:
• Cannot work directly (requires work pass application)
• Must exit country every 90 days (exemption can be applied)
• 2025 Changes:
  New "financial guarantee" requirement (SGD 5,000 deposit)

2. Children's Visas: Balancing Age and Education

1. Children's DP Application

• Age Restrictions:
• Unmarried children under 21 years old (2025 removed requirement for proof of enrollment)
• No age limit for disabled children (requires medical assessment)
• Education Options:
• Public schools: Must pass AEIS exam (pass rate approximately 30%)
• International schools: DP children have priority enrollment (tuition fees SGD 25,000-40,000/year)
• Home education: Requires MOE approval

2. Special Circumstances

• Adopted Children:
  Requires completion of Hague certification process (takes 4-6 months)
• Adult Children:
  Can apply for LTVP (requires proof of financial dependence)
• Case Example:
  A biomedical founder successfully obtained DP for 18-year-old twin children who enrolled in UWC International School

3. Parent Visas: Responding to an Aging Society

1. LTVP Application Requirements

• EP Requirements:
• Monthly salary ≥ SGD 12,000 (2025 raised standard)
• Company employs ≥ 6 local employees (with CPF records)
• Parent Requirements:
• Age ≥ 60 years old (or medical certificate proving need for care)
• No criminal record (requires certification from both countries)

2. Restrictions

• Cannot work (including remote work)
• Must purchase medical insurance (coverage ≥ SGD 500,000)
• Maximum 5 years per approval (cannot convert directly to PR)

3. Alternative Options

• Long-term tourist visa (89 days per visit, not exceeding 183 days annually)
• Silver Pass (requires children to have PR status)

4. Application Strategies Under 2025 New Policies

1. Golden Combination of Document Preparation

• Relationship Proof:
• Marriage certificate/Birth certificate (requires Foreign Ministry certification + Apostille)
• 12 months of cohabitation proof (e.g., joint bank accounts, rental agreements)
• Financial Proof:
• 6 months of payslips (showing qualifying income)
• Bank deposits (recommended balance ≥ SGD 50,000)
• Medical Insurance:
• Hospitalization insurance (annual coverage ≥ SGD 300,000)
• Outpatient insurance (covering private hospitals)

2. Timeline Planning

• Simultaneous Application:
  Submit EP and family visas together (saves 4-6 weeks)
• Phased Application:
  Obtain EP first, then apply for family members (more secure)
• Key Points:
  Avoid June-August school application season (processing delays)

3. Common Rejection Reasons

• Unprofessional document translations (requires SMC certified translators)
• Salary just meets requirement without buffer (recommend 10-15% above minimum)
• Missing required vaccinations (e.g., MMR)

5. Pathways from Family Visas to PR

1. Family Bundle Application

• Entire family can apply for PR together after EP holder has been here for 2 years
• Success rate 22% higher than individual applications

1. Education Investment Bonus Points

• Children attending public schools increases PR success rate by 15%
• Participating in community school activities (e.g., CCAE courses)

1. Building Social Connections

• Spouse doing volunteer work (40 hours annually)
• Parents participating in senior activities

6. Handling Special Family Situations

1. Divorced Families

• Requires complete custody documents
• Non-custodial parent must provide consent letter
• Case: A founder successfully applied for DP for children from ex-spouse

2. Polygamous Cultures

• Limited to one legally recognized spouse
• Other spouses can apply for tourist visas (≤ 30 days per visit)

3. Foster Children

• Requires court guardianship order
• Additional review period of 6-12 months

Conclusion: Family Planning is a Long-term Project

Singapore's 2025 family visa policies are sending a clear signal: this country welcomes families who truly intend to put down roots, not temporary residents. Those EP holders who successfully achieve family reunification often systematically plan each family member's visa pathway from the beginning of their application—they don't wait until EP approval to consider spouse employment issues, don't hastily research school options when children reach school age, and don't learn about elderly care visa details only when parents become old. In this immigration system that increasingly values overall family contribution, successful family planning requires laying groundwork 24 months in advance, viewing each family member's visa type, education choices, and social integration as an organic whole. Remember, when your family plan can demonstrate long-term commitment to your new home, rather than just short-term residence needs, those seemingly strict visa requirements will transform into pathways to success.