Different LOC options to work as a foreign dependent, living in Singapore
In Singapore, various types of passes and permits govern the eligibility of foreigners to live and work in the country. Among these are the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which allow certain family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders for example, to reside in Singapore.
However, holding a DP or LTVP does not automatically grant the right to work. To do so legally, the pass holder typically requires a Letter of Consent (LOC), which serves as official approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to work in Singapore. Understanding these terms -DP, LTVP, and LOC- is essential for navigating employment options for foreign dependents living in Singapore.
What is a Dependant’s Pass (DP)?
A Dependant’s Pass (DP) is a type of visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows the spouse and children of eligible foreign professionals working in Singapore to live with them.
📌Who can apply for a DP?
The main pass holder (the “sponsor”) must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 and have one of the following work passes:
- Employment Pass (EP)
- S Pass
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
- Tech.Pass
👨👩👧👦 Who qualifies as a dependent?
- Legally married spouse
- Unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children
Other family members (like parents or common-law partners) are not eligible for DPs but may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) instead.
What is a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?
A Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is a pass issued by Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible foreigners to stay in Singapore for extended periods (beyond typical short-term visit limits), usually for family-related or special circumstances.
📌 Who Can Apply for a LTVP?
You can apply for a LTVP, via ICA, if you are related to a:
- Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR)
- Spouse (legally married)
- Unmarried child under 21 (including legally adopted)
- Parents (only if the sponsor is a SC)
- Foreign-born stepchild or handicapped child
- Common-law spouse (with supporting documents)
- Student Pass holder (for a parent/grandparent)
You can apply for a LTVP, via MOM, if you are related to a:
- Work pass holder (e.g. EP holder)
- Common-law spouse
- Stepchild
- Parents (on specific conditions)
📌 What is a Letter of Consent (LOC)?
It is a document issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows certain pass holders to work legally in Singapore without needing an independent work pass (like an Employment Pass or a S Pass).
Note that the LOC being a work pass tied to a stay pass, if the stay pass is cancelled or expired, the LOC will automatically expire.
What are the types of LOC?
- LOC for DP/LTVP holders from MOM, who are business owners;
- LOC for DP/LTVP holders tied to an ONE Pass holder, as employees;
- LOC for LTVP/LTVP+ holders from ICA, as employees;
- PLOC for LTVP/LTVP+ holders from ICA, as employees;
- LOC for EP holders who are taking up secondary directorship.
In summary, the Dependant’s Pass (DP), Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), and Letter of Consent (LOC) are key components of Singapore’s framework for allowing eligible foreigners to live and work in the country.
While the DP and LTVP provide residency rights to family members of work pass holders or Singapore citizens/Permanent Residents, the LOC is a crucial document that enables certain pass holders to take up employment legally.
Understanding these terms and their interrelationship is essential for ensuring compliance with local regulations and making informed decisions about living and working in Singapore.
The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, FCCS, is a MOM licensed Employment Agency* for more than 10 years and we are here to assist you with your or your employees’ work and family passes applications.
Contact us: bizsupport(@)fccsingapore.com
*EA Licence no.10C4756
