DP → EP and DP → LOC conversion routes — Costs and fees breakdown
Dependant Pass holders who want to work in Singapore convert either to an Employment Pass (EP) or, in limited cases, obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC), with the EP route carrying government fees of S$105 per pass plus salary-threshold conditions. This guide breaks down both conversion routes, the 2026 costs, thresholds and timelines.
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the conversion routes are
A Dependant Pass by itself does not permit employment. To work, a DP holder must either be sponsored by an employer for an Employment Pass or S Pass, or, where they run their own registered business, apply for a Letter of Consent. Since the phasing out of the LOC for most DP-holder employees, the Employment Pass route has become the primary path for salaried work, while the LOC now applies mainly to DP holders who are business owners of an ACRA-registered entity. Current policy is published by MOM.
Who each route suits
The EP route suits DP holders taking up salaried roles that meet the qualifying salary and COMPASS requirements. The LOC route suits DP holders who own and operate their own Singapore business. Founders structuring a company to support an LOC often need corporate and tax advice; our cross-site notes on the JS-SEZ guide for Singapore companies and the nominee director requirements guide are useful where a resident director is needed.
Cost and fee breakdown (2026)
The Employment Pass carries government charges of S$105 per pass (a S$105 combined application and issuance charge under the current schedule; confirm the live figure on MOM’s site). Employers also budget for the EP qualifying salary, which starts at S$5,600 for most sectors and higher for financial services, and for COMPASS points assessment. LOC applications carry no separate government fee but require the DP holder’s business to be registered, which involves incorporation costs of around S$315 plus corporate secretary fees.
Timelines
Employment Pass applications are typically processed within one to three weeks online, though additional checks extend this. LOC applications for DP-holder business owners are processed by MOM on a case-by-case basis, usually within a few weeks. Converting before the DP lapses avoids gaps in status.
Step-by-step: converting from a DP
First, decide between salaried employment (EP) and self-employment (LOC). Second, for the EP route, secure an employer sponsor and confirm the salary meets the qualifying threshold and COMPASS. Third, submit the EP application through EP Online. Fourth, for the LOC route, register the business with ACRA and apply for the LOC. Fifth, once the new pass or LOC is granted, the individual may commence work. Tech hires should review our hiring foreign tech talent pass playbook; the national talent strategy sits with EDB.
Common mistakes and gotchas
Common errors include assuming the DP permits work during the application, applying for an EP below the qualifying salary, and misunderstanding that the LOC now generally requires business ownership rather than salaried employment. COMPASS scoring is also frequently overlooked.
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
Can a DP holder just get an LOC to work as an employee? Generally no; the LOC now applies mainly to DP holders who own an ACRA-registered business.
What salary is needed for the EP route? The EP qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 for most sectors and is higher for financial services.
How long does an EP application take? Usually one to three weeks online.
Does the LOC route need a registered company? Yes, the DP holder must own a Singapore-registered business.
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.