Rikvin Pte Ltd

Singapore Company Registration Specialists

  • WhatsApp Us+65 8699 8821
  • Get a Quote Now


  • Home
  • Services
    • Incorporation
    • Corporate Secretary
    • Taxation
    • Transfer Pricing
    • Accounting
    • Immigration
    • HR Outsourcing
    • Business Advisory & Support
    • Switch to Rikvin
  • Learn
    • Incorporation
    • Work Visas
    • Taxation
    • Accounting
    • Compliance
    • Resources
    • Blogs
    • Infographics
    • Industry Guides
    • FAQs
  • Tools
    • Company Name Check
    • SSIC Codes Search
    • AGM Calculator
    • Tax Calculators
    • Personal Tax Calculator
    • Corporate Tax Calculator
    • Global Tax Calculator
    • Work Visas
    • PEP Assessment
    • More Free Tools
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Blogs / Dependant’s Pass Holders Need to Secure Work Passes

Dependant’s Pass Holders Need to Secure Work Passes

Dependant’s Pass Holders Will Soon Need to Secure Work Passes

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM)  announced on May 1, 2021, that Dependant’s pass (DP) holders need to obtain a work pass rather than a Letter of Consent (LOC) if they wish to work in Singapore. Existing DP LOC holders will be allowed to continue working until the expiry of their LOC.

The shift in policy is intended to adjust the requirements to be in line with other foreigners currently working in Singapore, according to a ministry fact sheet.

The policy change means Singapore companies that hire DP holders will have to comply with the same conditions required to hire foreign workers, including quotas, levies, and qualifying salaries.

Table of Contents

  • New DP Holders who wish to work in Singapore
  • Existing DP Holders running a Singapore business
  • DP Holders starting a new business

New DP Holders Who Wish to Work in Singapore

DP holders will not be able to get a LOC and will need to obtain an EP, S Pass or Work Permit to work in Singapore. Existing DP holders can continue to work in Singapore under the Letter of Consent (LOC) till it expires. Upon expiry, the employer will need to apply for a Work Visa.

As it stands, DP holders working in Singapore with a letter of consent only make up about one percent of all work pass holders.

DP Holders Running a Singapore Business

To continue without a work pass, need to hire at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident who earns at least S$1,400 and is also the recipient of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for at least three months.

Related Read: Detailed guide for DP holders who wish to relocate and work in Singapore »

DP Holders Starting a New Singapore Business

If DP holders wish to start a new business, they will need to incorporate a Singapore company and apply for an Employment Pass, should they wish to be a registered Director.

MOM will update the public further on this new policy in May.

How can Rikvin Help?

Our team of immigration specialists will assist your business in transitioning DP holders to work permits in Singapore.

We ensure that the entire work pass application process for your international employees is done with ease and without you experiencing the hassle.

FAQs

  • Can a Dependant’s Pass holder work in Singapore?
  • Yes, a Dependant’s Pass holder is allowed to work in Singapore. Previously, a DP holder could work on a Letter of Consent (LOC). However, effective 1st May 2021, all DP holders must obtain a Work Pass.
  • What types of Work Passes in Singapore can a DP holder apply for now?
  • A DP holder can either apply for an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit subject to conditions.
  • What happens to existing DP holders working in Singapore on a LOC?
  • Existing DP holders with a LOC can continue to work in Singapore till it expires. Afterwhich, your employer will need to apply for a work pass.
  • I am a DP holder running a business in Singapore. Will this affect me?
  • DP holders that are currently business owners will be allowed to continue without a work pass if their business employs locals. To continue without a work pass, they will need to hire at least one Singaporean or permanent resident who earns at least S$1,400 and is also the recipient of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for at least three months.If DP holding employer does not fully these criteria, they can continue to run their business on their current letter of consent until it expires. They can also apply for a one-off extension until April 30, 2022, when they will need to renew their DP.

 

Related Links :

  • Dependant’s Pass Holders’ Options in Singapore »
  • What is a Dependant’s Pass? »

Secure your Singapore Work Pass today

Rikvin’s team of immigration experts ensure that DP holders can transition to a work pass with a seamless application process.

Contact Us Now

Rikvin Company Registration in Singapore
Rikvin Content

Rikvin’s content team includes in-house and freelance writers across the globe who contribute informative and trending articles to guide aspiring entrepreneurs in taking their business to the next level in Asia.

Manufacturing Sector in Singapore To Grow 50% By 2030
Guide to Singapore’s New Work Pass: The Tech.Pass

Contact Us

  • Rikvin Pte. Ltd. is a part of InCorp Group. All data collected in Rikvin.com website are part of In.Corp Global’s Privacy terms and conditions.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Learning Guide

  • Incorporating a Company in Singapore
  • Singapore Immigration and Work Visas
  • Singapore Taxation
  • Accounting Services
  • Singapore Business Infographics
  • Singapore Industry Guides

Latest Posts

  • Going Offshore: Cayman Islands Company Incorporation vs Setting Up a BVI Company
  • Why Engage a Corporate Secretarial Services Provider?
  • Singapore Tax Basics: A Must-Read Guide for Business Owners
  • Singapore Dividend Taxes: Everything You Need to Know
  • 2024 Singapore GST Rate Change Transitional Rules
InCorp GroupPrimeGlobal

Rikvin Pte Ltd

EA License No. 11C3030

36 Robinson Road,
#20-01 City House,
Singapore 068877

Company Registration

  • Company Incorporation
  • Subsidiary Registration
  • Branch Registration
  • Representative Office Registration
  • Offshore Company Registration

Immigration

  • Employment Pass Guide
  • ONE Pass Guide
  • Tech.Pass Guide
  • Singapore Work Visas
  • SG Immigration Options

Taxation

  • Corporate Tax Guide
  • Personal Tax Guide
  • Tax Filing Calendar
  • Singapore GST Guide
  • Transfer Pricing

Resources

  • Infographics
  • FAQs
  • Singapore Company Name Check
  • Income Tax Calculator
  • Incorporate Now

© 2025 Rikvin Pte Ltd (UEN 200708442E) An InCorp Group Company. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Sitemap | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

© 2025 Rikvin Pte Ltd. UEN: 200708442E · All Rights Reserved.