The Chamber • Publications
Following my partner to Singapore: which visa & for what purpose?
We often talk about expatriation as a professional adventure: a new job, an international challenge, a career taking off. But behind these career choices, how should one position themselves as a “trailing spouse”?
In Singapore, as in many major expatriation destinations, this role is common and, unlike countries that do not allow spouses to work, the city-state offers a range of options depending on what the spouse wishes to do.
Main types of residence visas in Singapore:
First, it’s important to understand the difference between the two main residence visas issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM): the Dependant’s Pass (commonly named DP) and the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
The DP is for a spouse married to someone holding a work visa (Employment Pass – EP, S Pass, Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass – ONE Pass, etc.) with a minimum monthly salary of SGD 6,000 in Singapore.
The LTVP is for unmarried partners.
Important: Singapore does not recognize same-sex unions. In such cases, the partner is not eligible for a long-term residence visa (other than the one issued by immigration – ICA, Short-Term Visit Pass – STVP, valid for visitors staying maximum 3 months).
Under a DP or LTVP, a spouse who does not wish to work is allowed to live in Singapore and travel freely in and out of the country (multi-entry pass), as long as the main visa holder’s work pass remains valid. The duration of the DP/LTVP matches the partner’s work visa duration.
This also means that the DP/LTVP is affected if the main visa is cancelled or if the partner changes jobs.
If the trailing spouse wants to work:
If they wish to work in Singapore, a foreign employee (without Permanent Resident status – PR) must obtain a work visa sponsored by their employer.
Several options are available for someone holding a DP/LTVP: the employer may apply for a standard work visa such as an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass; or the employer may apply for a work authorization tied to the residence visa, such as a Work Permit or a Letter of Consent (LOC) (for spouses of ONE Pass holders)
In the second case, the spouse remains dependent on their partner’s status. If the main visa holder loses their job, both the residence visa and any work authorization linked to it will be cancelled.
However, if the main work pass holder’s job is stable and long-term, these work options linked to a dependant pass can be advantageous, as they are generally less restrictive for employers (lower salary, qualification and experience requirements).
If the trailing spouse wants to start a business:
For entrepreneurship, the work pass is (generally) applied for after the company has been set up in Singapore.
You’ll first need to choose the appropriate business structure adapted to the situation and the type of activity desired (typically a Sole Proprietorship or a Private Limited Company), then apply for either an independent work visa (such as an EntrePass or Tech.Pass) or a work authorization linked to your DP/LTVP, such as a LOC as a business owner
To more information about entrepreneurship in Singapore, read this article.
Whether you are on a DP/LTVP or planning to move to Singapore with your partner, you now have a clearer overview of the main options available to live and work in Singapore.
Looking for a job?
Submit your candidate profile on our platform, apply for job offers online or maximize your chances by registering for a consulting session with our recruitment consultants:
https://www.fccsingapore.com/recruitment/candidate.html
Want to start or grow your business in Singapore?
For company set-up and assistance with your work visa application, contact us:
The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) is a non-profit, self-funded and dynamic association under Singaporean law that supports companies and entrepreneurs in their market discovery. (prospecting mission, market research, participation in trade shows) and their development in Singapore (company set-up, work and family passes, and recruitment – MOM EA License 10C4756, entertainment of our business community of nearly 700 members through the organization of 200 annual events).
The information presented in this article is for guidance only and does not commit the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. It is valid as of the publication date (22 April 2026).
For official updates, visit the Ministry of Manpower website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/
SOURCE: LE PETIT JOURNAL
