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Can I apply for an LOC as a DP holder?
Current rules: checked 7 September 2026
This article was originally published on 2021-12-29. The update below supersedes the original pass requirements and salary figures.
Working on a Dependant’s Pass
A Dependant’s Pass alone does not authorise employment. Most holders need their own work pass. The business-owner LOC route is for eligible sole proprietors, partners, directors with at least 30% shareholding, or eligible members of a company limited by guarantee. Renewal requires at least one Singapore citizen or permanent resident earning the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary with CPF contributions for at least three months. The full-time LQS is S$1,800 from 1 July 2026. Read the current guide.
Sources: the linked current guides cite the relevant Ministry of Manpower eligibility and application pages.
Original article, retained for historical reference
Historical content: The original text below is not current application guidance. Use the dated update above.
If you are a business owner, you are eligible to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work.
To be eligible, you will need to be one of the following business owners:
- The sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business; or
- A partner of an ACRA-registered business; or
- A company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered business.
Upon renewal of the LOC, you will need to hire at least one Singaporean/ Permanent Resident who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months. The current LQS is at least SGD$1,400 per month.
What if I am an existing DP LOC holder who is a business owner?
DP holders operating a business on an existing LOC can continue to do so until it expires or apply for a one-off renewal of the LOC until 30th April 2022. Thereafter, they must meet the criteria for LOC renewal or obtain an applicable work pass to continue working in Singapore.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
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Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd is a licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower with license number 19C9790.
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