2025 Singapore DP Dependent Pass Work Authorization Guide
Behind a single DP Dependent Pass lies vastly different career possibilities and restrictions
01 Policy Evolution: From Lenient LOC to Strict Pass System
Singapore's management of work permissions for DP holders has undergone significant transformation. Before May 2021, DP holders only needed to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower to work for any employer. This pathway was completely closed on May 1, 2021.
Under the new policy implementation, DP holders are divided into two categories:
- Regular job seekers: Must apply for work passes such as EP, SP, or WP, following the exact same process as other foreigners
- Business owners: Can still apply for LOC to start a business, but must meet dual requirements of shareholding percentage and local employment
The 2025 policy further refines requirements, adding a security deposit requirement for business owner LOC applicants (S$5,000 deposit) and strengthening documentation review mechanisms.
02 Work Pathways: Operating Logic of Three Legal Channels
Pathway 1: Converting to Work Pass (EP/SP/WP)
- Applicable to: DP holders planning to be employed by Singapore companies
- Core requirements:
- EP: Monthly salary ≥ S$5,600 (2025 standard) + degree certification
- SP: Monthly salary ≥ S$3,300 + diploma qualification
- WP: No educational requirements, but subject to industry quotas
- Process flow:
- Employer submits application through MOM
- Applicant must cancel existing DP (for EP/SP conversion)
- Can hold both DP + WP simultaneously (if applying for WP)
Pathway 2: Entrepreneurship LOC Channel
- Applicable to: Self-employed entrepreneurs or company shareholders
- Hard requirements:
- Company director/partner/sole proprietor with ≥30% shareholding
- Employ at least 1 local employee (monthly salary ≥ S$1,400 + 3 months of CPF contributions)
- 2025 new requirements:
- Submit 12-month business sustainability proof
- Pay S$5,000 security deposit
Pathway 3: Special Exemptions
- Unpaid voluntary activities: Unpaid work such as charity volunteering
- LTVP+ holders: Eligible individuals can apply for work LOC (doesn't count against company quota)
2025 DP Work Pathways Comparison Table
| Work Method | Pass Type | Local Employment Requirement | Applicant | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employed by company | EP/SP/WP | Employer meets quota | Employer | 1-2 years |
| Self-employment | LOC | At least 1 local employee | Individual | Tied to DP |
| Part-time/Freelance | Not allowed | – | – | – |
03 Practical Guide: Key Steps and Pitfalls in LOC Application
Business Registration Prerequisites
- Company type must be Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
- Mandatory local director: When DP holder serves as director, must appoint another Singapore citizen/PR/EP holder as director
- Business address must be commercial (residential addresses invalid)
Four-Step LOC Application Process
- Complete company registration through ACRA (about 1-2 working days)
- Submit LOC application on MOM website
- Upload shareholding proof, local employee CPF records, etc.
- Pay security deposit (new in 2025)
Common Rejection Reasons
- Local employee salary below standard (2025 qualifying wage is S$1,400)
- Insufficient company financial records to prove sustainability
- Document translations not using SMC-certified translators
04 Career Development: Advanced Strategies from Work Rights to Permanent Residency
PR Application Bundling Mechanism
- DP holders cannot apply for PR independently, must submit as dependent applicant together with main sponsor (EP/SP holder)
- Family bundled applications have 22% higher success rate than individual applications
Fast Track for Entrepreneurs
- Convert DP to EntrePass
- After 1 year of business operations and meeting any of the following:
- Employ 6 local regular employees
- Hire 2 PME professionals with annual operating expenses ≥ S$200,000
- Can apply for PR in as fast as 2 years
Social Integration Bonus Points
- Children attending public schools: PR success rate +15%
- Spouse participating in community volunteering (40 hours annually)
- Parents joining senior citizen activities
Conclusion: Finding Certainty in Policy Gaps
This sophisticated immigration system is sending a clear signal: it encourages genuine family rooting rather than short-term stays. New immigrants who successfully balance career and family often plan 24 months ahead—simultaneously mapping spouse work permissions, children's education choices, and elderly parent care arrangements, weaving each element into a sustainable development network.
After all, in this era of policy changes, certainty belongs only to those who take early steps within the regulatory framework.
