Introduction
The Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a type of long-term visa that allows the dependants of Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and Employment Pass (EP) holders to live and work in Singapore. This pass is typically issued to spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents of the main applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a DP, the applicant must be:
- A spouse of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder
- An unmarried child under 21 years of age of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder
- A parent of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder who is at least 60 years of age and not employed in Singapore
Permitted Work Activities
For Spouses:
- Spouses of Singapore citizens and PRs can work in Singapore without any restrictions.
- Spouses of EP holders can work in Singapore, but only in certain professions or industries, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Information technology
- Financial services
For Unmarried Children:
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age can work in Singapore, but only with the approval of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- Such approval is typically granted if the child has a valid offer of employment and the work does not interfere with their education.
For Parents:
- Parents of Singapore citizens, PRs, or EP holders who are at least 60 years of age and not employed in Singapore can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead of a DP.
- LTVPs do not permit employment in Singapore.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate of child)
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements)
2. Submit Application Online:
- Visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website and create an account.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee (S$100).
3. Biometrics Appointment:
- Once the application is submitted, you will receive a notification to schedule a biometrics appointment.
- The biometrics appointment involves taking your fingerprints and photograph.
4. Processing Time:
- The processing time for DP applications can vary depending on individual circumstances.
- However, you can expect a decision within 4-8 weeks.
5. Approval:
- If your application is approved, you will receive a Notification of Approval (NoA).
- The NoA will state the duration of your DP and any conditions attached to it.
Benefits of Holding a DP
- Right to live and work in Singapore
- Access to healthcare and education
- Eligibility for Singapore citizenship or PR status (after meeting certain criteria)
- Possibility of working in restricted industries (for spouses of EP holders)
Additional Considerations
- The DP is valid for a period of 1-2 years and can be renewed multiple times.
- DP holders must maintain a valid passport and proof of financial support throughout the duration of their stay in Singapore.
- DP holders are required to inform ICA of any changes in their marital status, address, or employment.
Conclusion
A Dependant’s Pass allows the dependants of Singapore citizens, PRs, and EP holders to live and work in Singapore. The application process is straightforward, and the benefits of holding a DP are numerous. If you qualify for a DP, it is an excellent option to support your family’s relocation and future aspirations in Singapore.
Useful Tables
Table 1: DP Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Spouse of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder |
| Unmarried Child | Unmarried child under 21 years of age of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder |
| Parent | Parent of a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder who is at least 60 years of age and not employed in Singapore |
Table 2: Permitted Work Activities for DP Holders
| Category | Permitted Work Activities |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Unrestricted |
| Spouse of EP Holder | Restricted to certain professions or industries |
| Unmarried Child | With MOM approval |
Table 3: DP Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather required documents |
| 2 | Submit application online |
| 3 | Attend biometrics appointment |
| 4 | Wait for processing (4-8 weeks) |
| 5 | Receive NoA (if approved) |
Table 4: Benefits of Holding a DP
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Right to live and work in Singapore | Unlimited stay and employment |
| Access to healthcare and education | Coverage under Singapore’s healthcare and education systems |
| Eligibility for Singapore citizenship or PR status | After meeting certain criteria |
| Possibility of working in restricted industries | For spouses of EP holders |
