Singapore’s Dependant Pass (DP) 2026 Guide

Singapore’s dependent pass (DP) is available to the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of Employment Pass and S Pass holders. If you’re moving to Singapore for work and would like to bring your family with you, your employer may apply for a DP for your family members. 

While the process is straightforward since the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides detailed information, this Pacific Prime article will make the process even easier by compiling all of the essential information in one place to help your relocation to Singapore go as smoothly as it can.  

Further reading: Want to live in Singapore on a long-term visit pass (LTVP) instead? Or maybe you’ve got funds to invest in the country? Pacific Prime has in-depth articles on those topics and more. 

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What is a Dependent Pass (DP) in Singapore?

A Dependent Pass (DP) in Singapore allows spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 (including legally adopted children) of certain Employment Pass, S Pass, Overseas Network Pass, and Expertise Pass holders (i.e., the main applicant) to live in Singapore. 

For the main applicant, there are also other eligibility criteria. The applicant has to be sponsored by an established Singapore company, which is usually their employer, and earn a fixed minimum salary of SGD $6,000 (USD $4,707) per month. 

The DP’s validity will be for the same duration (usually up to two years) as the main applicant’s work pass, and DP holders are free to enter, live, and leave Singapore without having to apply for any additional Singapore visas. 

Here are some other key facts about the DP in Singapore:

• DP holders must be applied for by an employer or an appointed employment agent.
• DP holders are renewable as long as the main applicant’s work pass is renewed, and employers can start applying to renew it up to 6 months before the validity is over.
• DP holders aren’t subject to any foreign worker levy or quotas. 
• DP holders can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) if the main applicant can apply.

Working as a Dependent Pass (DP) Holder in Singapore

Dependent Pass (DP) holders can work in Singapore as long as they obtain an Employment Pass, S Pass, or a Work Permit, which must be applied for by employers who wish to recruit a DP holder. 

Required Documents for Singapore’s Dependent Pass (DP) Application 

As a Dependent Pass (DP) must be applied for by the employer or appointed employment agent; the applicant only has to provide all the required documents, including, but not limited to, a passport and documents to prove a relationship to the main applicant. 

Generally speaking, applications for DP in Singapore are straightforward as long as the eligibility criteria are met and all the required documents are submitted. With that said, applications may also be rejected if the applicant has a criminal record. 

Here is the full list of documents needed to apply for a DP in Singapore:

• Spouse
  • Copy of passport.
  • Copy of marriage certificate 
• Unmarried children below the age of 21
  • Copy of passport*
  • Copy of the official birth certificate stating the parents’ names, OR copy of the adoption order/other relevant documents
  • Verification of Vaccination Requirement document issued by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) only in the case of:
    • Foreign-born children below the age of 12 who are applying for a new DP (including those whose DP has expired or been canceled for more than 30 days)

*If the child shares a passport with their parents, a copy of the parents’ passports must also be submitted.

Dependent Pass (DP) for a Newborn in Singapore 

If your baby isn’t a Singapore citizen, your baby will also need to get a Dependent Pass (DP) within 6 weeks of birth. From registering the birth to getting a passport from your embassy, there are a few additional steps when it comes to gathering the documents.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:

1. Register the Birth: Register your baby’s birth with the ICA within 14 days. You will then get the child’s birth certificate and an ICA advisory note, informing you that your newborn has been granted a Special Pass and can stay in Singapore for 42 days from the date of birth.
2. Get a Passport for Your Child: Before the 42 days are up, you’ll also need to get a passport for your child. The process will be different depending on your country of nationality, so you’re advised to contact your country’s embassy or consulate. 
3. Ask Your Employer to Apply for a DP for Your Child: Before the 42 days are up, ask your employer to apply for a DP for your child through the myMOM portal. Note that any delay beyond 42 days from your child’s birth is regarded as an offense under Singapore’s Immigration Act. 

Don’t worry if there are delays in getting the baby’s passport. As long as you’ve applied for the passport, you can show proof of passport application to extend your baby’s Special Pass. The proof can be a letter from your embassy confirming that you have applied for a passport for your baby. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a Dependent Pass (DP) in Singapore?

Spouses and unmarried children (including legally adopted children) below the age of 21 of either an Employment Pass, S Pass, Overseas Networks Pass, or Expertise Pass holder are eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass (DP) in Singapore. 

Is it possible for a Dependent Pass (DP) application to be rejected in Singapore?

If all eligibility criteria are met, it’s highly unlikely that a Dependent Pass (DP) application will be rejected in Singapore. The only time a DP application may be rejected is if the required documents aren’t submitted or if the applicant has a criminal record. 

What documents are required for Singapore’s Dependent Pass?

The Dependent Pass application requires a copy of the dependent’s passport’s personal particulars page as well as supporting documents such as a marriage certificate (for spouses) or a birth or adoption certificate (for children). 

How long does it take to get a Dependent Pass in Singapore?

Most applications for dependents of EP or S Pass holders are processed within 3 weeks. Timelines can extend to 6 weeks for certain sponsor categories or complex cases, with DP card issuance and delivery adding 4 working days after biometrics.

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Conclusion

Singapore’s Dependent Pass (DP) is the solution for those who are moving to Singapore for work and want to bring their spouses or children with them. After all, no one wants to leave their family behind when relocating to another country. 

But please remember to consider health insurance. Although your employer may provide you and your dependents with employer-sponsored health insurance, it’s worth securing your own plan for several reasons. 

You may find your employer-sponsored health plan to be insufficient, or you may prefer to have individual coverage in case you switch jobs or relocate. In these cases, it’s worth looking into a top-up or individual health insurance plan. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to look far. Pacific Prime can help. We have over 25 years of experience guiding expats like yourself to the right plan for their needs and budget, and providing plenty of support and assistance throughout your insurance journey in Singapore. 

Contact us today for a free quote comparison! 

• About
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Palida Weerawat

Palida is a passionate writer who is now creating content at Pacific Prime Thailand. She recently earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, where she received formal training to write clearly and effectively. While studying, Palida had experiences publishing social and cultural features on social media platforms and working as an English tutor, where she refined her skills in breaking down complex ideas and explaining them in a simple, straightforward manner—skills that she has transitioned into delivering insurance-related content.

With her background as an avid traveler and as an exchange student in Spain, Palida values the benefits of insurance and understands the frustrations that may come with making the best decisions for your health and safety in an unknown environment. Here at Pacific Prime, she aspires to create content that will help expats and travelers understand international health insurance with ease.

In her spare time, Palida enjoys reading short stories as much as binging on sitcoms. She is also a self-proclaimed "foodie" with the goal of trying as many cuisines from all over the world as possible. Combining her passion for writing with her love for food, she is an aspiring Google Local Guide reviewer.

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