When moving to Singapore for work, one of the first things you’ll think about is how to bring your family along. The Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) are the main options that let your loved ones stay with you in Singapore. Both passes allow family members to live here, but they differ in who’s eligible, whether they can work, and the conditions attached. Understanding these differences will help you choose what best fits your situation.

What is a Dependant’s Pass?

The Dependant’s Pass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 of eligible Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or other approved work-pass holders.

The DP allows your family to stay in Singapore for as long as your main work pass remains valid. However, it does not automatically grant the right for dependents to work in Singapore.

What You Should Prepare for a Dependant’s Pass Application

To guarantee a seamless application process, careful preparation is necessary before submitting an application for a Dependant’s Pass. First and foremost, you will need official relationship documents that clearly establish your legal relationship with the primary pass holder, such as:

• A marriage certificate for spouses 
• A birth certificate for children.
• Valid passports for dependents

If these documents are in another language, they need to be officially translated into English. Depending on the country of issue, they might also need to be notarized or authenticated.

In order to prove their ability to provide for their family, the primary pass holder should have their employment information on hand, including their employment contract, EP or S Pass details, and most recent drawn salary.

How is it different from the Long-Term Visit Pass?

The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is typically issued for the family of, and also non-traditional family structures and extended family members of Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents.

Dependant’s Pass applications generally have more straightforward criteria tied directly to the main pass holder’s employment status and salary level. LTVP applications, on the other hand, often require more extensive documentation to prove the genuineness of the relationship and may involve additional scrutiny, particularly for common-law partnerships where applicants must demonstrate a stable, long-term relationship. 

Like the DP, the LTVP allows your loved ones to live in Singapore for an extended period, but it also doesn’t come with automatic work rights. LTVP holders must have an employer apply for a valid work pass on their behalf before they can work.

Working and Doing Business

Holders of DP and LTVP can participate as passive investors or own stock in a company. However, they must first obtain an Employment Pass, S Pass, or EntrePass in order to actively manage the business, sign contracts, or get paid.

Generally speaking, holders of Long-Term Visit Passes and Dependent’s Passes are not eligible to serve as resident directors or work unless they acquire a work permit that satisfies this condition.

There are a few exceptions. For instance, spouses of Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) holders may still apply for an LOC to work or run a business. But for most families, working in Singapore now requires securing a separate work pass.

What happens if someone works without approval

Working without proper authorization is a serious offence under Singapore’s immigration and employment laws. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) can revoke the person’s pass, fine the employer, and ban both from future work pass applications. It’s always best to secure the right type of work authorization before starting any job or business activity.

The bottom line

Both the Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass allow families to live together in Singapore, but neither automatically gives the right to work. If employment or business involvement is part of your plan, it’s essential to understand the current regulations and apply for the right pass from the start. 

Our team at Verti Human Capital ensures your family’s stay remains smooth, compliant, and in line with Singapore’s strict employment and immigration rules with our pass application assistance. To learn more, reach out to us at contactus@verti.sg or +65 6909 5691.

All information accurate as of 09 October 2025