Dependant Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) — Costs and fees breakdown
The Dependant Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) let eligible family members of Employment Pass and S Pass holders live in Singapore, with government charges of S$105 in total per pass (a S$75 application fee plus a S$30 issuance fee). This guide breaks down eligibility, salary thresholds, timelines and the full cost picture for 2026.
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the DP and LTVP are
The Dependant Pass allows the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an eligible pass holder to reside in Singapore. The Long-Term Visit Pass covers common-law spouses, step-children, disabled children over 21, and parents in specified circumstances. Both are issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and are tied to the validity of the sponsor’s work pass. Current requirements are published by MOM and immigration formalities by ICA.
Who is eligible
To sponsor a DP, the Employment Pass or S Pass holder must generally earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000. Sponsoring parents on an LTVP requires a higher fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000. These thresholds are set by MOM and are periodically revised, so employers should confirm the current figure before applying. Employers arranging relocation for senior hires often coordinate corporate structuring at the same time; our cross-site note on the Section 13D offshore fund scheme is relevant for family-office relocations.
Cost and fee breakdown (2026)
The government charges are modest: a S$75 application fee and a S$30 issuance fee per pass, totalling S$105. A multiple-journey visa, where required by nationality, costs S$30. Beyond the government fees, employers and families budget for medical insurance, agency handling fees of S$300 to S$800 per pass where an agent is engaged, and translation or notarisation of marriage and birth certificates, commonly S$50 to S$200 per document.
Timelines
MOM typically processes DP and LTVP applications within three to eight weeks, though family-related passes involving document verification can take longer. The pass is issued for the duration of the sponsor’s work pass, up to a maximum, and must be renewed alongside it. Applications are usually submitted only after the sponsor’s Employment Pass is approved.
Step-by-step: applying for a DP or LTVP
First, confirm the sponsor meets the salary threshold. Second, gather supporting documents, including marriage and birth certificates, translated and notarised where needed. Third, submit the application through MOM’s EP Online. Fourth, pay the S$75 application fee. Fifth, on approval, print the in-principle approval and complete issuance formalities, paying the S$30 issuance fee. For incorporation-side coordination where a resident director is needed, see our note on nominee director requirements.
Common mistakes and gotchas
The frequent problems are sponsors falling just below the salary threshold, incomplete or untranslated civil documents, and assuming a DP automatically permits work, which it does not without a Letter of Consent or separate pass. Families relocating together should read our complete guide to relocating to Singapore with family for the wider checklist.
Documents and information you will need
Applications require the passport bio-page, the sponsor’s work pass and salary evidence such as payslips or the employment contract, and civil documents including marriage and birth certificates. Documents not in English must be officially translated. Where a business is involved, ACRA business profiles and financial statements may be requested. Complete, correctly translated documents are the main reason applications are approved without queries.
Consequences of getting it wrong
Working without the correct pass or Letter of Consent is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, exposing both the individual and the employer to fines and, for the employer, debarment from hiring foreign staff. Overstaying or misdeclaring family relationships can jeopardise future applications. The government fees are small; the cost of a rejected or invalid application is measured in lost time and lost hires.
How we can help
Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) handles the full lifecycle described above: gathering the documents, meeting the deadlines, and coordinating with the relevant authority so nothing falls through the cracks. We work with a panel of corporate and employment law firms where formal legal advice is needed, and we keep fees transparent and fixed where possible so you can budget with confidence. Engaging early, before deadlines loom, is consistently the cheapest path.
FAQs
How much does a Dependant Pass cost? S$105 in government fees per pass (S$75 application plus S$30 issuance), before insurance and agent fees.
What salary must the sponsor earn? At least S$6,000 a month to sponsor a DP; at least S$12,000 to sponsor parents on an LTVP.
Can a DP holder work? Only after obtaining a Letter of Consent or a separate work pass.
How long does processing take? Typically three to eight weeks, longer where documents need verification.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.