Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme for Family Members in 2026

Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme allows you to bring your spouse and children who are under 21 years of age with you. For expats planning to move to the Lion City, the Dependant’s Pass is essential for bringing their families along.

In this complete guide to Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme, we will cover everything you need to know about the Dependant’s Pass, from eligibility criteria and application process to the renewal and cancellation policies for expats in Singapore.

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What is Singapore’s Family Dependant’s Pass Scheme?

Singapore makes it easy for expats to bring their families and settle in the country with its Dependant’s Pass Scheme. Along with the scheme, Singapore also offers a great education system for your children and a world-class healthcare system for your families.

To access all benefits, first understand what the scheme offers and what the eligibility requirements are for expats in Singapore. Let’s dive into Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme.

Eligibility for Dependant’s Pass Scheme

In order to be eligible for the Dependant’s Pass Program, the primary holder of the Pass must have a valid Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) (as well as certain S Pass holders) and be earning at least SGD $6,000 a month.

A Dependant’s Pass may be applied for by the following family members:

• Spouse: legally married to the primary pass holder
• Children: biological or adopted children under the age of 21

Parents are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass; eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders may sponsor parents for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) only, and only if the main pass holder earns a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD $12,000.

Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass for Newborns

Singapore handles newborn visas differently—no automatic citizenship. Babies of work visa holders born there receive a hospital-issued Notification of Live Birth and Advisory Note.

This is issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). These documents can then be used to register a birth certificate; it also acts as a special pass, allowing the newborn to stay in the country for six weeks.

During this time, the parents should apply for a passport for the baby from their respective country’s embassy or high commission and apply for the appropriate immigration pass (e.g., a Dependant’s Pass if eligible).

Documents Required for a Dependant’s Pass Scheme

The application process and documents required for Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme are fairly straightforward. The primary pass holder must submit an application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on behalf of the family member.

Here is the list of documents required:

1. Completed application form
2. Copy of the family member’s passport
3. Marriage certificate (for spouse)
4. Birth certificate (for children)
5. Any other relevant documents, such as educational certificates or letters of employment.

Note that the application for children under 16 should be signed by the parent on behalf of the child. Non-English certificates must be translated by a certified translator and submitted with the original.

How to Apply for a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore and How Long Does the Process Take?

Dependent’s Pass applications can be submitted either electronically (for dependants of Employment Pass and S Pass holders) or manually (for dependents of EntrePass, Personalized Employment Pass, and Employment Pass Sponsor holders).

Note that the employer of the Singapore work visa holder must submit separate Dependant’s Pass applications for each eligible family member. Typically, Dependant’s Pass applications take three to six weeks to process.

If the Dependant’s Pass is submitted alongside a work visa application, results typically come at the same time.

Here is a list of documents that you will need to bring with you when you collect your Dependant’s Pass:

• In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter
• Your or your child’s travel document (passport)
• Any other documents requested in the IPA letter, such as medical test reports, embarkation/disembarkation cards, etc.

Benefits of Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass Scheme

Apart from bringing your family to Singapore, there are many other benefits that come with the Dependant’s Pass Scheme. From access to top educational institutions to healthcare facilities, here are some of the benefits associated with the Dependant Pass Scheme:

1. Education: Dependant’s Pass holders may apply for admission to local schools and universities in Singapore, subject to admission processes and availability.
2. Healthcare: Dependant’s Pass holders can access Singapore’s healthcare system; however, government healthcare subsidies and many schemes are reserved mainly for citizens (and, to a lesser extent, permanent residents), so DP holders should plan for private insurance and out-of-pocket costs.
3. Social activities: Family members are eligible for a range of social activities, including sports clubs and community events.

Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to work generally must obtain their own qualifying work pass (e.g., Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit). The previous wide use of Letters of Consent (LOC) for DP spouses ended from 1 May 2021, except for specific DP business-owner cases that meet MOM’s criteria.

Renewal and Cancellation of Dependant’s Pass

The Dependant’s Pass can be renewed before expiration using the same process and documents. We recommend that you apply at least two months early.

In some cases, a Dependant’s Pass may be canceled. This may happen if the primary pass holder’s own pass is canceled, if the family member no longer meets the eligibility criteria, or if the family member violates Singapore laws or regulations.

Where a DP holder secures an EP or S Pass to work, the DP is typically cancelled upon issuance of the work pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for family members in Singapore?

We recommend that you apply for a Dependant’s Pass with or right after your Work Pass to avoid delays. Waiting until approval means weeks before your family can join you in Singapore.

Who is eligible for a Dependant’s Pass in Singapore?

Employment Pass or S Pass holders who earn at least SGD $6,000 per month, as well as PEP and (subject to scheme-specific rules) EntrePass holders, may sponsor their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted) for a Dependant’s Pass.

Can a dependant open a bank account in Singapore?

A Dependant’s Pass holder can open a bank account in Singapore. They will need to prepare the required documents, including a valid passport, Dependant’s Pass, and/or secondary ID like a utility bill or employer letter. Exact requirements vary by bank.

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Conclusion

If you are planning to move to Singapore with your family and have an Employment Pass or Work Pass, you will need to apply for a Dependant’s Pass to give your family members a legal basis to reside in Singapore.

Access to public schools and healthcare is possible but subject to separate admission processes and subsidy rules (and often requires private insurance planning). You can also read our comprehensive guide to Singapore visas for American expats for more information.

We would also like to remind you that you will need medical insurance while in the Lion City. Paying for medical expenses out of pocket can be very expensive, and if you are unsure about which healthcare plan to take out, you can always contact Pacific Prime.

Tip: If you plan to leave Singapore, learn more about how to cancel your Work Pass in Pacific Prime’s Comprehensive Guide on the Singapore Work Pass Cancellation Guide.

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime can help you find a health insurance plan that meets both your needs and your budget. Contact one of our experts today for a free quote!

• About
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Martin Lee

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

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