Can Employment Pass Holders Bring Their Family to Singapore? All About Singapore Dependent Passes

Singapore Dependent Passes

Singapore’s vibrant economy, high living standards, and strategic global position make it an attractive destination for professionals worldwide. For Employment Pass (EP) holders, the opportunity to relocate for work often raises a crucial question: Can they bring their family along? Family relocation plays a pivotal role in an expatriate’s decision to move, ensuring a smoother transition and greater peace of mind. Fortunately, Singapore offers several options, including the Dependent Pass, designed to help EP holders relocate their families with minimal hassle. 

What is the Singapore Employment Pass?

The Employment Pass is a work visa granted to foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking employment in Singapore. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the EP is aimed at highly qualified individuals with competitive salaries. Applicants must meet specific educational and professional criteria, and the pass is linked to the holder’s employment. 

Singapore Dependent Pass Overview

The Dependent Pass (DP) is a visa that allows the immediate family members of EP holders to live in Singapore. This pass is typically granted to the spouse and unmarried children of the EP holder under the age of 21. It serves as a pathway for families to reunite in Singapore and enjoy the benefits of living in one of the most livable cities in the world. 

Eligibility for Bringing Family Members to Singapore

To sponsor family members under the Dependent Pass scheme, an EP holder must meet a minimum monthly salary threshold. Currently, this threshold is set at SGD 6,000. Eligible family members include the spouse and biological or legally adopted children of the EP holder, ensuring that close family ties are maintained during their time in Singapore. 

Who Can Apply for a Dependent Pass?

The DP is available to spouses and children under the age of 21. However, children must be unmarried to qualify. For EP holders with larger or extended families, other family members may require different visa arrangements, depending on their relationship with the EP holder. 

Applying for a Dependent Pass

The application process for a DP is relatively straightforward, provided all required documents are in order. Applications are submitted online through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower website. Key documents include marriage and birth certificates, along with the EP holder’s proof of employment and salary. Once submitted, MOM will review the application and issue the pass if all conditions are met. 

How Long Does It Take to Process a Dependent Pass?

On average, DP applications are processed within three to eight weeks. However, processing times may vary based on the completeness of the application, the applicant’s nationality, and other factors. Applicants are advised to submit their documents well in advance of any planned move to Singapore. 

Can Dependent Pass Holders Work in Singapore?

DP holders can work in Singapore, but with effect from 1 May 2021, they must first obtain a relevant work pass (such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit) instead of a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower, except for business owners who meet specific criteria.

DP holders who are business owners or looking to start a new business can apply for an LOC if they meet the following conditions:

  1. The DP holder is a sole proprietor, partner, or company director with a minimum 30% shareholding in the business; and 
  2. The business employs at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident earning at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary (SGD 1,600 as of September 2024) and has been contributing CPF for at least 3 months. 

 

If they do not fulfil the above requirements, they must secure a relevant work pass to continue working in Singapore. 

Challenges and Considerations for EP Holders Bringing Family

Relocating a family to Singapore involves several considerations, especially financial ones. The cost of living in Singapore is high, particularly for housing and education. Families must budget carefully and assess the suitability of available housing options before making the move. 

What Happens if the EP Holder’s Employment Ends?

If the EP holder’s employment ends, the DPs linked to the EP will also be affected. In this case, the family must leave Singapore unless the EP holder finds new employment or the family members transition to another visa. 

Can Family Members Enter Singapore Before the Dependent Pass is Approved?

Family members may enter Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass while waiting for the DP approval. This option allows families to be together while the application is being processed, though they must ensure all travel arrangements comply with Singapore’s entry requirements. 

What Happens When Children Reach the Age Limit for Dependent Passes?

Children who reach the age of 21 are no longer eligible for a DP. At this point, families must explore alternative visa options to ensure their children can legally remain in Singapore, especially if they are pursuing further studies or looking to stay for an extended period. 

Common Reasons for Dependent Pass Rejections

While the application process for a DP in Singapore is generally straightforward, rejections do occur. Several factors can contribute to an unsuccessful application, and understanding these reasons can help applicants avoid common pitfalls. Below are some of the most common reasons for DP rejections, along with strategies to prevent them. 

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

One of the most frequent causes of rejection is the submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation. Missing essential documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or a valid passport can lead to delays or outright rejections. Additionally, errors in the information provided, such as mismatched names or dates, can trigger automatic rejection. 

Prior to submitting an application, ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and up to date. Carefully review the checklist provided by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and double-check all forms for accuracy. Translations of documents not in English must be certified, and any discrepancies in personal details should be clarified or rectified before submission.

2. Failure to Meet Salary Requirements

The sponsoring EP holder must meet a minimum monthly salary requirement to sponsor dependents. The current salary threshold is SGD 6,000. If the EP holder does not meet this requirement, the application for a DP may be denied.

Before applying, confirm that the EP holder’s salary meets the required threshold for dependents. If necessary, consider negotiating a salary adjustment with the employer to meet the minimum requirement. Keep in mind that the threshold may change periodically, so it’s important to verify the current figures before applying. Alternatively, consider applying for a DP only when the EP has been approved.

3. Ineligibility of Dependents

The DP is only available for certain family members, namely the spouse (legally married) and unmarried children under the age of 21. Applications for dependents outside of these categories, such as common-law spouses or children over 21, will likely be rejected.

Ensure that the family members being sponsored meet the eligibility criteria for the DP. If the dependent does not qualify for a DP, consider alternative passes that may allow the child to stay in Singapore legally.

4. Previous Visa Violations

If either the EP holder or the dependent has a history of violating immigration rules or overstaying in Singapore, this could negatively affect the outcome of the application. MOM takes visa violations seriously, and any past transgressions may lead to automatic disqualification.

Check that all previous visa stays in Singapore were in compliance with the rules. If there were any past issues, it’s important to be upfront and address them in the application. Legal advice may be necessary in cases of serious past violations.

How Premia TNC Can Help

Premia TNC is dedicated to helping our clients, who incorporate a company with us, apply for an Employment Pass and bring their families to Singapore through the Dependent Pass. Our experienced team ensures that all necessary requirements are met in compliance with the Ministry of Manpower’s regulations. With our support, EP holders can focus on their careers and enjoy family life in Singapore, knowing that the application is handled with care and expertise. 

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