Complete Guide to Singapore Dependant's Pass (DP) Application Process

For many foreign professionals working in Singapore, being able to reunite with family is an important guarantee of quality of life. The Singapore government has established the Dependant's Pass (DP) system for this purpose, allowing eligible EP, SP and other work pass holders to apply for long-term residence for their spouses and children. This article will provide a detailed introduction to DP eligibility, required documents, specific procedures and frequently asked questions, helping applicants successfully complete family reunification procedures.

1. Basic Concepts and Eligibility for DP

The Dependant's Pass (DP) is a long-term residence permit issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to immediate family members of primary work pass holders (such as EP or SP). Unlike the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), the DP is directly tied to the main applicant's work pass and typically has the same validity period as the primary pass.

Core conditions for applying for DP include:

1. Main Applicant Eligibility:

• EP holders: Monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000
• SP holders: Monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000 (New policy from September 2023)
• EntrePass holders: Company operating for at least 6 months, employing at least 3 local employees or annual expenditure of SGD 200,000

1. Family Relationship Recognition:

• Legal spouse (marriage certificate required)
• Unmarried children under 21 years old (including adopted children)
• For female main applicants, can apply for unmarried children under 21, but cannot apply DP for spouse (can apply for LTVP)

It's worth noting that DP applications do not include parents. EP holders with a monthly salary of SGD 12,000 can separately apply for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents' long-term residence.

2. Pre-Application Preparation

1. Document Checklist

Main applicant needs to prepare:

• Copy of passport personal information page
• Copy of Singapore work pass
• Recent 3 months' payslips
• Employment contract or company appointment letter
• Company's CPF contribution records for past 6 months (if applicable)

Dependants need to prepare:

• Copy of passport personal information page
• Birth certificate (children) or marriage certificate (spouse)
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• Educational certificates (may be required when spouse applies for work consent)
• Divorce certificate or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)

All non-English documents require notarized translation. It's recommended to start preparing documents 1-2 months in advance, especially for documents that need to be obtained from overseas.

2. Online System Registration

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower requires all DP applications to be submitted through the EP Online system. Main applicants need to first register for a SingPass account (if holding Singapore identity card) or create an EP Online account using work pass information. It's advisable to test account login functionality in advance to avoid technical issues before application deadlines.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Stage One: Online Application

1. Log in to EP Online system and select "Dependant's Pass" application category
2. Fill in main applicant and dependant personal information
3. Upload all required documents (single file not exceeding 2MB)
4. Review information and submit application
5. Pay application fee (SGD 75/person, non-refundable)

The system will generate an application number, which should be recorded and saved. Normal processing time is around 3 weeks, which may extend to 6 weeks during peak periods.

Stage Two: Result Notification and Procedures

After application approval:

1. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
2. Complete the following procedures within IPA validity period (usually 6 months):

• Dependants enter Singapore (if not already in Singapore)
• Book appointment at MOM Service Centre for formal pass processing
• Bring original documents for verification
• Submit medical examination report (required for first-time applications)
• Provide biometric information
• Pay issuance fee (SGD 225/person, valid for two years)

Stage Three: Pass Collection

Within about 5 working days after processing, the DP card will be mailed to the registered address. Dependants can use this card for long-term residence in Singapore and as an identity document.

4. Special Circumstances

1. Applying from Outside Singapore

If dependants are not in Singapore:

• Can apply for entry visa with IPA letter (if required)
• Complete formal procedures after arrival in Singapore
• Note IPA validity period to avoid delays

2. DP Application for Newborns

For babies born in Singapore:

• Must submit DP application within 42 days of birth
• Provide hospital-issued birth certificate
• Medical examination requirement can be waived

3. Adult Children Applications

For children aged 21 but still studying:

• Need to provide additional proof of enrollment
• Pass validity typically given until 21st birthday
• Can attempt to convert to Student Pass after turning 21

5. Rights and Restrictions for DP Holders

Rights Enjoyed:

1. Residence Rights: Can freely enter and exit Singapore during DP validity period
2. Education: Children can attend public primary and secondary schools (must pass admission exams)
3. Work: Spouse can apply for Letter of Consent (LOC) to work without separate work pass

• Regular LOC: Limited industries, employer doesn't need quota
• Training LOC: For vocational training participation

1. Healthcare: Can purchase local medical insurance and access healthcare services

Important Restrictions:

1. Dependency: DP validity tied to main pass; DP automatically expires if main pass is cancelled
2. Work Restrictions: Spouse needs consent letter to work, cannot start own business
3. Residence Interruption: If main applicant leaves Singapore long-term, dependants' residence rights may be affected
4. Renewal Conditions: Must meet salary and other requirements again for each renewal

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Common reasons for DP rejection?

• Main applicant's salary doesn't meet requirements (common for SP holders)
• Incomplete or non-notarized documents
• Insufficient proof of family relationship
• Main applicant's work pass nearing expiry

Q2: How can DP holders apply for work?
Spouses can apply for Letter of Consent (LOC) through MOM website, typically approved within 1-3 working days. However, note:

• Cannot work in massage, bar and other special industries
• Employer doesn't need to pay foreign worker levy
• Salary usually lower than main applicant

Q3: How is DP handled after divorce?
After divorce, ex-spouse's DP becomes invalid and needs to convert to other passes (such as LTVP or work pass) to continue residence. Children's DP can usually be retained, but must prove main applicant still bears parental responsibilities.

Q4: How does DP renewal differ?
Renewal process is simpler than initial application:

• Usually only need to submit main applicant's latest payslips
• No medical examination required
• Can collect new card directly after online application

7. Practical Advice

1. Time Planning: Recommend starting DP application immediately after main pass approval to avoid long-term family separation
2. Document Preparation: Prepare multiple notarized copies of important documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
3. Policy Tracking: Monitor MOM website for policy updates, especially salary threshold adjustments
4. Professional Consultation: For complex situations (cross-border marriages, adopted children), consult registered immigration advisors
5. Emergency Preparation: Keep MOM contact information for timely communication in emergencies

Conclusion

Singapore's Dependant's Pass system provides convenience for foreign professionals' family reunification, but the rigorous application process requires applicants to be well-prepared. By thoroughly understanding policy requirements, preparing documents in advance, and strictly following procedures, most eligible families can successfully complete the application. It's worth noting that Singapore's immigration policies adjust according to economic and social needs. Applicants are advised to stay updated on policy changes during the process and seek professional guidance when necessary to ensure family members can successfully obtain legal residence status in Singapore and enjoy the quality living environment of this multicultural country together.