Singapore, known for its dynamic economy and vibrant multicultural society, attracts a significant number of expatriates who relocate with their families for a variety of reasons especially while pursuing and growing their careers. If you are a family member of an expat who is considering to migrate to Singapore, learning the Dependant’s Pass Scheme can help you better prepare for your stay in Singapore. In this article, we will cover dependant pass overview, how to apply, the work restrictions and applying for employment.
Dependant Pass Overview:
Dependant Passes hold an average duration of up to 2 years and are typically granted to spouses and children (unmarried and below 21 years old) of Employment Pass or S Pass holders with a minimum monthly salary of $6000 per month in Singapore. It is tied to the validity of the main work pass holder. The application of the dependant pass must submitted by the main work pass holder’s employer or an appointed employment agent (EA) via the EP eService on myMOM Portal and costs $105 per application. While the Dependant Pass provides access to various services and facilities, including healthcare and education, it does not automatically grant the right to work.
Work Restrictions for Dependant Pass Holders:
Dependant Pass holders are generally not allowed to work in Singapore. The primary purpose of the Dependant Pass is to facilitate family reunification and support the dependants' stay in the country without engaging in employment. Violating these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including the cancellation of the Dependant Pass and possible deportation.
Applying for Employment in Singapore:
If a dependant wishes to work in Singapore, they will need to have a minimum of three months validity remaining on their current Dependent Pass before they can be considered for a job and apply for a work pass. The type of work pass required depends on the individual's qualifications, the nature of the job, and other relevant factors. The commonly sought work passes include the Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. Eligible DP holders who wish to operate a business can apply for the Letter of Consent for DP holders who are business owners. An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the candidate.
Employment Pass (EP)
The EP is a work visa that allows foreigners of who are professionals, managers, and executives with acceptable qualifications to work in Singapore.
Eligibility: To qualify for an EP, candidates will need to pass a 2-stage eligibility framework, which includes meeting the EP qualifying salary and passing the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
Application Process: An employer or appointed employment agent must apply the EP on behalf of the candidate. The application process takes up to 10 business days after submission of the application form and required documents to the employer or an employment agent.
Validity: The EP has a validity period of up to 2 years for first-time applicants, and up to 3 years validity for renewals.
S Pass
The S Pass is a work visa designed for mid-skilled foreign workers such as associate professionals or technicians (APTs), who may not meet the EP criteria.
Eligibility: To qualify for an S Pass, candidates must meet certain criteria, which include earning a fixed monthly salary comparable to the top one-third of the local APT workforce by age and hold the relevant qualifications required.
Application Process: An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the applicant. The application process takes up to 10 business days after submission of the application form and required documents to the employer or an employment agent.
Validity: The S Pass has a validity period of up to 2 years.
DP holders who obtain an EP or S Pass will be granted the work and stay privileges associated with the EP or S Pass. Since their stay in Singapore is no longer dependent on the main pass holder, they will no longer require a DP, and their DP needs to be canceled before their EP or S Pass is issued.
Work Permit
The Work Permit is a basic visa offered to semi-skilled workers for specific industries.
Eligibility: To qualify for a Work Permit, applicants must be aged at least 18 years old.
Application Process: An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the applicant. The application process takes up to 1 week after submission of the application form and required documents to the employer or an employment agent.
Validity: For DP holders, the Work Permit’s duration will be tied to the validity of the candidate’s DP.
DP holders who get a Work Permit will be required to hold on to both the DP and Work Permit. Additionally, they are exempt from the six-monthly medical examination, security bond requirements, or pregnancy restrictions. They do not need medical insurance from their employers if they are already covered under a medical insurance plan that meets the MOM’s prevailing minimum mandatory insurance coverage requirement.
Other Alternatives
Apart from applying for a work pass to work in Singapore, DP holders who are business owners can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC).
Letter of Consent
The Letter of Consent is issued by MOM to DP holders who wish to operate a business in Singapore.
Eligibility: To apply for an LOC, you need to be one of the following types of business owner:
- The sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business.
- A partner of an ACRA-registered business.
- A company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered business.
Application Process: The application process takes up to 4 weeks for most cases. Application can be done via the EP eService on myMOM Portal with no surcharges.
Conditions: To be eligible for a renewal of the LOC, you will also need to hire at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months.
Validity: For first-time candidates, the validity is one year from the date of issue or up to the expiry date of the DP, whichever is shorter. For renewals of LOC, the validity period is up to the expiry date of the DP.
Conclusion:
While the Dependant Pass facilitates the stay of family members in Singapore, it does not grant the right to work. Dependents interested in pursuing employment in Singapore should explore the appropriate work pass options and adhere to the prevailing regulations. Staying informed about the latest policies through official channels like the Ministry of Manpower ensures a smooth and legal transition into the Singaporean workforce.
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