Dependant Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) , Documents required and templates

Dependant Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) – Documents required and templates

A Dependant Pass (DP) lets the spouse and children of an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder live in Singapore, while a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) extends similar sponsorship to common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children and, in some cases, parents, and each application requires a distinct set of relationship, income and identity documents.

Little Big Employment Agency works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

What is a Dependant Pass (DP) and LTVP?

DP is available to legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder who meets the qualifying salary threshold. LTVP covers relationships DP does not, most commonly common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children over 21, and step-children, subject to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) discretion on a case-by-case basis. Foreign employment of a DP or LTVP holder additionally requires a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before they may legally work.

Who is DP/LTVP for?

DP/LTVP suits families relocating to Singapore together where the principal pass holder meets the minimum qualifying salary for dependant sponsorship, which is generally higher than the pass holder’s own qualifying salary threshold. It is not available to Work Permit holders, and S Pass holders can only sponsor dependants if they meet the higher salary bar ICA applies to DP sponsorship specifically.

Statutory basis

Dependant passes and Long-Term Visit Passes are issued under the Immigration Act 1959 and its subsidiary regulations, administered by ICA. Work authorisation for a DP or LTVP holder is separately governed by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, which prohibits a foreigner from working in Singapore without a valid work pass, including the Letter of Consent that MOM issues to qualifying dependants.

Documents required

Applicants typically need: (1) the principal pass holder’s in-principle approval or valid pass; (2) marriage certificate (DP) or equivalent relationship evidence (LTVP), translated and certified if not in English; (3) the dependant’s passport and, for children, birth certificates; (4) the principal’s latest payslips or employment contract confirming salary meets the sponsorship threshold; and (5) passport-sized photographs meeting ICA specifications.

Cost and timeline

The application fee is S$30, with a further pass issuance fee of S$225 once approved (multiple-journey visa fees may apply separately for nationals requiring one). Processing typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from submission, though LTVP applications involving discretionary relationships often take longer, given ICA’s case-by-case assessment. Once approved, the DP or LTVP is generally issued for the same duration as the principal’s pass.

Step-by-step process

1. Confirm the principal pass holder’s salary meets the DP/LTVP sponsorship threshold. 2. Gather relationship evidence, translating and certifying non-English documents. 3. Submit the application via the MOM or ICA portal as applicable to the relationship type. 4. Respond promptly to any request for additional evidence, particularly for LTVP discretionary cases. 5. On approval, complete the formalities, including any required medical examination. 6. If the dependant intends to work, separately apply for a Letter of Consent before starting employment.

Common mistakes

A common error is assuming the principal’s own qualifying salary automatically qualifies them to sponsor a dependant, when DP sponsorship applies a higher salary bar. Families also under-document common-law relationships for LTVP applications, submitting insufficient evidence of a genuine, subsisting relationship. Others overlook that a DP or LTVP holder cannot legally work until a separate Letter of Consent or, in some cases, a full work pass, is obtained.

FAQs

Can a Work Permit holder sponsor a Dependant Pass?
No, DP sponsorship is generally restricted to Employment Pass and qualifying S Pass holders who meet the applicable salary threshold.

Can an LTVP holder work in Singapore?
Only with a valid Letter of Consent from MOM, or a separate work pass where applicable; an LTVP alone does not confer work rights.

How long does DP/LTVP processing take?
Typically 3 to 8 weeks, though LTVP discretionary cases can take longer.

What is the DP/LTVP application fee?
S$30 for the application, plus S$225 for pass issuance on approval.

Does DP cover unmarried children over 21?
Generally no; such cases are typically considered under LTVP at ICA’s discretion, particularly where the child has a disability.

Related guides

For work rights once the dependant is in Singapore, see Dependant Pass Singapore 2026: eligibility, documents and application process. For the Letter of Consent route specifically, see Letter of Consent (LOC) Singapore: work rights for Dependant’s Pass holders. See also our related eligibility checklist, Dependant Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): eligibility and requirements checklist.

Authoritative references: the Ministry of Manpower, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and the Singapore Economic Development Board.

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.