How to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for Singapore

Singapore is an increasingly popular destination for migrants from around the world seeking a prosperous, safe, and high quality of life. It is easy to see why. Not only does it have the most open economy in the world, but it is also extremely easy for businesses to set up and operate in Singapore. The economy of Singapore is also considered highly stable, with zero foreign debt and a robust balance of trade. For these reasons and many more, Singapore is now extremely attractive to foreign workers and their dependant family members. On this page, we will explain who qualifies for the Dependant’s Pass for Singapore, the requirements which must be met, and the application process

What is the Dependant’s Pass for Singapore?

The Singaporean Dependant’s Pass is intended to enable spouses and children of foreign workers with an Employment Pass or S Pass to join them in Singapore. Dependant passes are only available to legally married spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Passes for family members in Singapore are issued for the same duration as the main Employment or S Pass; typically for two years initially, after which it is possible to apply for an extension.

MoM also states, “As dependants of valid pass holders, they will not be subject to source requirements, six-monthly medical examination, security bond, and pregnancy restrictions”.

Am I eligible for a Dependant’s Pass for Singapore?

According to the Singaporean Ministry of Manpower (MoM), to qualify for a Dependant’s Pass for Singapore, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legally married spouse or unmarried child under 21 years old (this includes legally adopted children) of an Employment Pass or S-Pass holder in Singapore, and;
• The Employment Pass or S-Pass holder must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000, and;
• The Employment Pass or S-Pass holder must be sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company.

Those who are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass may be eligible to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass, including:

• Common-law spouses
• Unmarried children with a disability over 21 years
• Unmarried step-children under 21 years
• Parents (Only available to parents of Dependant’s Pass holders earning at least $12,000 per month)

In order to gain immigration permission for family members, the employer needs to complete a separate application form for each person, however, these can be submitted together with the main Dependant’s Pass application.

MoM advises that where a Dependant Pass holder secures an Employment or S Pass in their own name, they are required to cancel the Dependant’s Pass.

How do I apply for a Dependant’s Pass for Singapore?

Applications for Dependant’s Passes in Singapore have to be completed by either the employer or an employment agent. The steps are as follows:

1. Dependant Pass applications are made online on the myMoM Portal.
2. Several documents will need to be scanned and uploaded with the Dependant’s Pass application, including:
   1. For a legally married spouse – a copy of the marriage certificate
   2. For unmarried children under the age of 21 years – birth certificate and verification of meeting vaccine requirements.
   3. For adopted children under the age of 21 years – a copy of adoption order and verification of meeting vaccine requirements.
3. Pay the application fee of $105 for each pass requested.

Where documents are not written in English, the person making the application is required to create one file, including both the original and translated document.

Once the application, documents, and payment have been submitted, it then takes around three weeks for applications to be processed.

In order to gain immigration permission for family members, the employer needs to complete a separate application form for each person, however, these can be submitted together with the main Employment Pass application.

If approved, the family member is then permitted to travel to Singapore (they will need entry approval to travel to Singapore). Dependants of Employment Pass holders have six months to enter Singapore, and Dependants of S-Pass holders have two months to enter.

At this stage, the employer needs to request the candidate’s pass and pay $225 for each one. A notification letter will then be issued, which permits the candidate to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for their pass card. The candidate will then need to register their biometrics at an Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) if they are a dependant of an Employment Pass holder or the MoM Services Centre if they are a family member of an S-Pass holder. After this, a pass card will be delivered by post.

Can Dependant’s Pass holders work in Singapore?

The MoM rules on dependants working in Singapore state, “Dependant’s Pass holders will need to apply for an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit if they wish to work in Singapore. The relevant qualifying salaries, quotas and levies of the respective work passes will apply”. Dependant’s Pass holders who do secure a work pass will have their Dependant’s Pass cancelled as this is no longer required.

Reiss Edwards has the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Singapore immigration. If you need assistance with your Dependant’s Pass for Singapore or any other immigration matter, contact our Singapore Immigration lawyers on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk