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Dependant's Pass

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A Dependant's Pass enables the legally married spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders to live with the main pass holder in Singapore.

Key facts[]

A Dependant's Pass is for the legally married spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders.

An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the candidate.

The pass is valid for up to 2 years, tied to the validity of the main Employment Pass or S Pass.

The Dependant's Pass is renewable.

Eligible Dependant’s Pass holders may be able to work in Singapore if they find jobs.

No foreign worker levy or quota required.

Renewal of Dependant’s Pass[]

Employers can start applying to renew a Dependant's Pass up to 6 months (180 days) before it expires. They must apply before the expiry date. They can check when they can start renewing by entering the expiry date into MOM website's calculator:[1].

Dependants of Employment Pass, S Pass and EntrePass holders will have their Dependant’s Passes automatically extended until 1 July 2020 if their Dependant's Passes expire from 6 May 2020 to 5 June 2020.

They can use MOM's SGWorkPass mobile app or check the new pass expiry dates online.

For dependants of Employment Pass (sponsorship) and EntrePass holders, they can start applying to renew when they get the renewal forms by post, 3 months before the pass expires. Their application has to reach MOM at least 2 months before the pass expires.

Employers or appointed employment agents (EA) may apply for the renewal.

The duration of validity of the renewed pass is tied to the main pass holder’s pass or up to the duration requested, whichever is shorter.

It costs $225 to renew each pass and $30 for each Multiple Journey visa (if applicable).

Renewal using EP Online is completed within 3 weeks for most cases.

Renewal by post for dependants of Employment Passes (sponsorship) and EntrePass holders only is completed within 8 weeks for most cases.

Note:

  • Renewals are not guaranteed. Applications will be evaluated against current eligibility criteria.
  • Employers are urged to to apply for renewal early. Renewing early does not mean that the Dependant's Pass holder will lose the remaining days in their current pass. The duration of the renewed pass will start when the current pass expires.
  • If the deadline is missed, an application for a new pass must be made.

Applications for renewal must be made using the renewal forms for dependants of Employment Pass (sponsorship) and EntrePass holders.

Renewal procedure[]

  • Log in to EP Online to apply for renewal.
  • For dependants of Employment Pass (sponsorship) and EntrePass holders: complete the form and post it to MOM. Remember to include all supporting documents mentioned in the form.
  • The outcome will be emailed to the email address indicated in the application.
  • If your renewal is successful, you will get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
  • If you are the dependant of an Employment Pass holder, the renewed Dependant's Pass will be valid for 3 months.
  • For dependants of S Pass holders, the renewed Dependant's Pass will be valid for 2 months.
  • You must follow the instructions in the IPA to get the pass issued before the IPA or current Dependant's Pass expires, whichever occurs first. The duration of the renewed pass will start when the current pass expires.

After the renewed Dependant's Pass is issued, check the notification letter to see if the notification letter states:

  • if getting a new card, that the existing card must be returned to MOM.
  • if continuing to use the existing card, that it must be kept by the pass holder.

Note: If pass holders return the existing card when they do not need to, they have to pay $60 to replace the pass.

If pass holders need to return the card to MOM, they can post it to Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. They can use EP Online’s “card return” function to tell MOM why they are unable to return the card.

For Dependant's Pass holders who entered Singapore using the SG Arrival Card, the following immigration details must be entered when getting their pass renewed:

  • Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) card number - refer to ICA’s email or message containing details of the SG Arrival Card.
  • Date of Short-Term Visit Pass issued and number of days permitted to stay in Singapore - refer to ICA’s stamp on the passport.
  • Instruction to upload the Disembarkation/Embarkation D/E card - upload the passport page showing the pass holder’s date of arrival in Singapore instead.

Relevant legislation[]

Eligibility for Dependant's Pass[]

Eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders can bring certain family members to Singapore on a Dependant's Pass.

They can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their families if they meet the following requirements:

  • earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000. This is based on their salary, and not based on their combined household income.
  • are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually their employer).

Employment Pass or S Pass holders can get a pass for the following family members:

  • Legally married spouse.
  • Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.

If their family members are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass, they may qualify for a Long Term Visit Pass.

Working in Singapore[]

Dependants of Employment Pass, EntrePass or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders can get a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore if they find a job here.

Dependants of S Pass holders will need to apply for a Work Permit, S Pass or Employment Pass instead. They will have to meet the eligibility criteria for these passes.

Note:

Documents required[]

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

  • Copy of the personal particulars page of the dependant’s passport.
  • For children who share a passport with their parent, applicants must also submit the parent’s personal particulars page.

Applicants may need to submit additional documents depending on the family member they are applying for:

  • Spouse (legally married) : copy of the marriage certificate.
  • Unmarried children under 21 years of age : 1) copy of the official birth certificate stating the parent’s names. 2) Verification of Vaccination Requirements (for entry to Singapore) document issued by the Health Promotion Board is needed for foreign-born children who are aged 12 years and below. This document is only required when applying for a new Dependant's Pass – this includes those whose Dependant's Passes have expired or have been cancelled for more than 30 days. Existing Dependant's Pass, Long Term Visit Pass and Student's Pass holders do not need to furnish this document.
  • Unmarried, legally adopted children under 21 years - 1) copy of the adoption order or other relevant documents. 2) Verification of Vaccination Requirements (for entry to Singapore) document issued by the Health Promotion Board is needed for foreign-born children who are aged 12 years old and below. This document is only required when applying for a new Dependant's Pass – this includes those whose Dependant's Passes have expired or have been cancelled for more than 30 days. Existing Dependant's Pass, Long Term Visit Pass and Student's Pass holders do not need to furnish this document.

MOM may ask for other documents when the application is reviewed.

For non-English documents, applicants must submit the original document and an English translation. The translation can be done by a translation service provider.

Dependant's Passes for newborns[]

This section deals with getting a Dependant's Pass for a baby born in Singapore and extending a Special Pass if needed.

Eligible Employment Pass and S Pass holders can get their company to can apply for a Dependant's Pass for their baby born in Singapore. They will need to get a passport for the baby and apply for the pass within 6 weeks of the date of birth.

After the baby is born, the hospital will give them a Notification of Live Birth and Advisory Note from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Within 2 weeks, these documents can be used to register for a birth certificate.

The Notification of Live Birth and Advisory Note is also a Special Pass that allows their newborn to stay in Singapore for 6 weeks. During this time, they should get a passport for the baby from their embassy or high commission.

Once the passport is ready, the Employment Pass and S Pass holders can ask their employer to apply for a Dependant’s Pass through EP Online. Applying online is much faster, and an outcome will be obtained within 3 weeks for most cases.

If their baby’s passport is not ready, their employer will need to send MOM the following documents:

  • A copy of the baby’s birth certificate.
  • Letter from their embassy showing that they have applied for a passport for their baby.

Their employer’s contact details must be left with MOM who will then advise them on how to proceed with the Dependant’s Pass application.

In this case, they may need to extend their baby’s Special Pass.

Extend a Special Pass if you need more time If your newborn’s passport is not ready yet, you can request to extend the Special Pass. Please submit this request only if the Advisory Note from ICA is expiring within 7 days.

If your newborn’s passport is not ready by the end of 6 weeks, you can ask to extend the Special Pass.

If you have applied for a Dependant’s Pass, make an appointment to get a newborn Special Pass.

Either you, your representative or a family member can attend the appointment. Your baby need not be present.

Bring these documents for the visit:

The appointment letter. Both parents’ original Employment Pass, S Pass or DP cards. A copy of the baby’s birth certificate. A copy of the ICA Advisory Note. Letter from embassy or high commission showing that you have applied for a passport for your baby. A copy of the baby’s completed Dependant’s Pass application. If you do not intend to get a Dependant’s Pass, you need to apply to ICA to get a visit pass or extend the Special Pass. Go to the Visitor’s Service Centre, Level 4, ICA Building to apply.

If the pass application is unsuccessful If your baby’s Dependant’s Pass application is unsuccessful, you need to do one of the following:

Make sure the baby leaves Singapore before the Special Pass expires. MOM will not grant an extension of the Special Pass. Apply for a visit pass from ICA by going to the Visitor Services Centre, Level 4, ICA Building.

Application for Dependant's Pass[]

Employers and appointed employment agent (EA) can apply for a Dependant's Pass for family members of their eligible Employment Pass or S Pass employees.

Cost[]

  • $105 when the application is submitted (application fee).
  • 225 for each Dependant's Pass when it is issued.
  • $30 for each Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable).

Processing time[]

Procedure[]

  • The employer or employment agent submits an application for a Dependant's Pass. This results in the issuing of an in-principle approval letter or rejection letter.
  • If the application is approved and completed, the employer or employment agent is sent a notification letter.
  • The foreign employee registers his/her fingerprints and and submits a photo (if required).
  • When the foreign employee receives the Dependant's Pass card, he/she acknowledges the delivery of the card.
  • The authorised recipients or foreigner employee finally receives the Dependant’s Pass card.

Employers or employment agents can submit the application along with the main pass holder’s work pass application or at a later date. A separate application must be submitted for each family member.

If the foreigner is in Singapore with a visit pass that will expire before the Dependant’s Pass is issued, MOM will not be able to extend the visit pass. Employers or employment agents should only bring in the foreigner worker when the pass is approved. They do not need to be in Singapore when the application is made and MOM will not be able to extend their visit pass. For babies born in Singapore to, the foreign worker parent must get a Special Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This pass is valid for 6 weeks, during which employers can apply for a Dependant’s Pass.

To submit an application:

Log in to EP Online to fill up the application and upload the required documents. Pay $105 fee for each application. You can pay by GIRO, VISA, MasterCard or eNets Debit. Check your application status after 3 weeks. It may take longer if additional information is required. If the pass is approved, log in to EP Online and print the in-principle approval (IPA) letter. Send the pass holder’s copy of the IPA to the foreigner. It has a pre-approved single-entry visa for the foreigner to enter Singapore.

After you receive the IPA, you have the following period of time to bring the foreigner to Singapore and get the pass issued:

If the foreigner is a It is valid for Dependant of EP holder 6 months Dependant of S Pass holder 2 months When: For EP dependants, within 6 months of IPA; for S Pass dependants, within 2 months of IPA

Processing time: Immediate

The foreigner must be in Singapore when you ask for the pass to be issued.

To get the pass issued:

Log in to EP Online to make the request and submit the supporting documents (see what you’ll need). Pay the fees using GIRO, or eNETS credit or debit: $225 for each pass. (If applicable) $30 for each Multiple Journey Visa. When the pass is issued, print the notification letter. The notification letter:

Should be given to the foreigner. It allows them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card. States if the foreigner needs to register to have fingerprints and photo taken. Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if there is a change of travel plans: For dependants of Employment Pass holders For dependants of S Pass holders What you'll need You will need the following information for issuing the pass:

The foreigner’s passport details. Details of the foreigner’s current Short Term Visit Pass or immigration pass. The foreigner’s residential address in Singapore. A local address where we can deliver the card. Contact details of at least one authorised recipient to receive an SMS or email alert with delivery details. You may also need to submit PDF copies of these documents:

Disembarkation / Embarkation card (immigration white card). Completed medical examination form or health declaration form. Completed declaration form attached with the candidate’s in-principle approval letter. When: For EP dependants, within 2 weeks; for S Pass dependants, within 1 week

Check the notification letter for whether the foreigner needs to register fingerprints and photo.

For registration, you must make an appointment for the foreigner to visit the relevant MOM centre:

Type of dependant Where to register Timeframe for registration Dependants of Employment Pass holders Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) Within 2 weeks after pass is issued Dependants of S Pass holders MOM Services Centre - Hall C Within 1 week after pass is issued They need to bring these documents for the appointment:

Original passport Appointment letter Notification letter Documents listed in the IPA letter and notification letter When: 4 working days after registration or document verification

We will deliver the card to the given address 4 working days after the foreigner registers and gets documents verified.

If the foreigner does not need to register, we will deliver the card 4 working days after checking the documents.

The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 working day before the delivery.

Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more. If card delivery fails After two unsuccessful deliveries, you’ll have to collect the card at the relevant services centre:

Type of dependant Where to collect Dependants of Employment Pass holders Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) Dependants of S Pass holders MOM Services Centre - Hall C The foreigner or an authorised person can collect it 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. They don’t need an appointment.

Bring along these documents for card collection:

Candidate’s original passport Notification letter If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:

An authorisation letter from the employer NRIC or passport for verification

Appeal a rejected application[]

Employers or employment agents have 3 months to appeal an unsuccessful Dependant’s Pass application. They should appeal only if they can address the reasons for rejection. There will be no change in the outcome unless there is new information in the appeal.

Appeals may be made via EP Online or manually within 3 months from the date of rejection. The process takes at least 3 weeks, sometimes longer. If this window period is missed, a new application must be submitted.

Employers can check the rejection advisory in EP Online to view:

  • the reasons for rejection.
  • advice on what to do next.

If the application was made manually, the rejection letter may be checked.

Only the employer of the main pass holder or authorised third party who submitted the application can make enquiries or appeals. MOM will not entertain enquiries or appeals from the applicant or anyone else.

After the appeal is made, employers can log in to EP Online to:

  • check the status of the appeal.
  • print the outcome letter.

MOM will not be able to discuss appeal matters in person due to the high volume of appeals.

Cancel a Dependant's Pass[]

Employers or appointed employment agents must cancel a Dependant’s Pass if the family member no longer needs the pass. They must also return the cancelled pass card.

The Dependant’s Pass must be cancelled under the following circumstances:

  • The main pass holder has become a Singapore permanent resident.
  • The Dependant's Pass holder intends to leave Singapore and reside elsewhere.

The cancellation process is immediate with no waiting time.

Note:

  • If the main pass is cancelled, the Dependant's Pass will be cancelled at the same time.
  • Personalised Employment Pass holders can cancel their family members’ Dependent Passes. They can also get an authorised employment to cancel it.
  • Employers must buy an air ticket to send the Dependant's Pass holder to the international airport in his/her home country, nearest to the hometown, unless the Dependant's Pass holder agrees in writing to bear the cost. For an overview of scheduled flights, employers can visit Changi Airport’s website or use the iChangi mobile app. They are advised to check with the airlines directly to confirm if the flights are still operating.
  • If the Dependant's Pass holder has left Singapore permanently, employers must cancel the pass within one week from the Dependant Pass holder’s departure date. When the Dependant Pass is cancelled, any related Letter of Consent or Work Permit will also be cancelled.

Procedure[]

  • For Dependant's Pass holders who are still in Singapore, employers may log in to EP Online and cancel the pass. Cancellation is immediate and a 30-day Short Term Visit Pass will be generated for the Dependant's Pass holder. The Short Term Visit Pass must be given to the pass holder who needs to show it and a valid passport to the immigration officer when leaving Singapore.
  • For Dependant's Pass holders who have left Singapore, employers can log in to EP Online and cancel the pass.

Employers must return the original Dependant's Pass card within 1 week from cancellation by posting it to Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. Alternatively, they can use EP Online’s “card return” function to tell MOM why they are unable to return the card.

Replace a Dependant's Pass card[]

How to replace a lost, damaged or stolen Dependant's Pass card. You need to apply for a new Dependant's Pass card within 1 week after it is lost, damaged or stolen.

At a glance When to replace If your pass card is lost, stolen or damaged, you must apply for a replacement within 1 week.

Note:

For a stolen card, you must also file a police report. If you lost the card while overseas, you must inform us immediately. We will issue a letter for you to use when entering Singapore. Who can apply Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).

Note: Dependants of EntrePass or PEP holders can get the main pass holder to apply if they have SingPass.

How much it costs For a damaged card, the fee is $60.

For a lost card, the fee is:

$100 for the first loss. $300 for a subsequent losses. Fees are non-refundable.

How long it takes Immediate for most cases.

Card collection: 4 working days after approval.

Note:

We may call you for an interview before we issue a new card or if you lose your card repeatedly. If you find your lost card after getting a replacement, you must return the lost card to us. Post it to Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. Apply for a replacement card When: Within 1 week of damage or loss

Processing time: Immediate for most cases

To submit an application:

Log in to EP Online and apply. Pay the replacement fees. You can pay using GIRO, or eNETS credit or debit. Once you submit the request, no refund is allowed. If the request is approved, print the card replacement letter. It will have instructions on collecting the replacement card. Pass holders can then proceed to collect the replacement card.

Collect the replacement card When: 4 working days after approval

If you are the pass holder, you can collect the card 4 working days after the request is approved. You don’t need an appointment.

Refer to the table to know where to collect the card:

For dependants of Collect at Employment Pass, EntrePass or PEP holders Employment Pass Services Centre S Pass holders Services desk at MOM Services Centre – Hall C Bring along these documents for your visit:

Your original passport. Card replacement letter. The damaged card (if applicable). Completed declaration form (for lost or stolen cards). Police report (for stolen cards). Note: Overseas police reports should be translated to English. If your card was lost or stolen, you must collect it in person.

If you are replacing a damaged card, you can authorise someone to collect it on your behalf. Make sure they bring these along:

An authorisation letter from the employer. NRIC or passport for verification. Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more.

Notifying MOM of change of personal particulars[]

How to notify MOM of changes to residential address and personal details. If you hold a dependant's pass, find out how to notify MOM of changes, including updates to residential address and passport details.

Change in residential address Who does this: Sponsoring company or main pass holder

To change residential address:

Log in to EP Online to update the address. The update is immediate. Print the acknowledgment page and keep it with your pass card. Change in personal particulars Who does this: Sponsoring company or main pass holder

You need to inform us of changes in your personal particulars such as passport number, name or marital status.

You can update the passport number and expiry date instantly using EP Online. Written requests to update these two details will no longer be accepted.

To change the following particulars, you will need to submit your request and upload the relevant supporting documents.

To change Supporting documents Name Pass holder’s passport Documents to verify the change in name, e.g. deed poll, marriage certificate Nationality Pass holder’s passport Date of birth Pass holder’s passport Birth certificate showing date of birth, country of birth and country of origin Marital status Pass holder’s passport Documents to show the change in marital status, e.g. Marriage certificate or divorce papers Gender Pass holder’s passport Country of birth or origin Pass holder’s passport Birth certificate showing date of birth, country of birth and country of origin Malaysian ID details Pass holder's passport Front and back copy of Malaysian identity card Your request will be processed within 7 working days and the outcome will be posted to you.

We will inform ICA of the changes to passport details. If you wish to clear immigration using the automated gates at the checkpoints, you may do so after 4 working days from the update.

eServices and forms[]

Employment Pass Online (EP Online) Estimated time to complete: 10 – 20 mins

Apply for an Employment Pass or S Pass, and conduct other pass transactions such as renewal, issuance and cancellation. Use EP Online for faster processing times.

Application Status Check via Employment Pass Online (Non-login) Estimated time to complete: 10 mins

Check the status of your application for an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant's Pass, Long Term Visit Pass or Training Employment Pass. No login required.

Card Delivery Status Check via Employment Pass Online (Non-login) Estimated time to complete: 10 mins

Check the card delivery status of an Employment Pass or S Pass and the passes of their dependants. No login required.

iSubmit (for work passes) Estimated time to complete: 10 – 20 mins

Use iSubmit to submit requests such as 6-monthly medical examination forms and supporting documents to the Work Pass Division. No login is required.

Make, change or cancel appointment Estimated time to complete: 10 – 20 mins

Make an appointment for services available at MOM Services Centre (MOMSC) or the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). You can also view, change or cancel your appointment.

Employment Pass/S Pass Validity Check via Employment Pass Online (Non-login) Estimated time to complete: 10 mins

Check the validity of an Employment Pass, S Pass or related pass (e.g. for a prospective tenant). No login required.

Enquire about Employment Pass, S Pass or other passes matters Estimated time to complete: 10 – 20 mins

For enquire on Employment Pass, S Pass or other passes matters

See also[]

References[]

Acknowledgements[]

This article was compiled by Roy Tan.

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