Family sponsorship in Singapore refers to the legal process by which a resident or foreigner working in Singapore sponsors close family members — such as a spouse, children, or sometimes parents — to live with them in Singapore. This can rely on a valid work pass (like Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), or EntrePass), or on permanent resident / citizen status.
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Family sponsorship reflects Singapore’s commitment to family unity while ensuring that immigration and residency remain governed by strict, transparent regulations. If you want to ensure a smooth, legally compliant family reunion in Singapore, understanding the rules, processes, and common pitfalls is critical. That’s exactly where Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP can add value — guiding your family sponsorship journey every step of the way.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members in Singapore
Work Pass Holders (EP, S Pass, PEP, EntrePass)
If you hold a valid EP, S Pass, PEP or EntrePass, you may be eligible to sponsor certain family members, depending on your salary or business criteria:
- For EP or S Pass holders, the minimum fixed monthly salary is typically SGD 6,000 for sponsoring a dependent spouse or children under 21.
- Eligible dependents under this route are: legally married spouse, unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted ones).
- For parents or long-term relatives, a higher threshold often applies. For example, EP holders must earn at least SGD 12,000/month to sponsor parents.
- For EntrePass holders (foreign entrepreneurs), family sponsorship is formally allowed only if certain business criteria are satisfied — e.g. a minimum annual business spending (TBS) and local hiring requirements (e.g. hire local staff) before dependents can be eligible.
Permanent Residents (PR) or Singapore Citizens
If you are a PR or a citizen of Singapore, you can sponsor your immediate family members for long-term passes or permanent residence, under certain schemes: spouse, unmarried children under 21 (born within legal marriage or legally adopted), and in some cases parents (if you meet residency, income, and other requirements).
PR / citizen sponsorship is often used when the family wants to settle permanently in Singapore rather than stay on a temporary pass tied to employment.
What Pass Types Are Used for Family Sponsorship
When you sponsor family members in Singapore, depending on your pass status and who you are sponsoring, different pass types are used:
- Dependant’s Pass (DP): For legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including adopted children), when the sponsor holds EP, S Pass, PEP or meets the appropriate thresholds.
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For common-law spouse, stepchildren, unmarried handicapped children above 21, parents, or other eligible relatives — especially when DP is not applicable. For example, parents are often only eligible under LTVP (if salary or business criteria are met).
- Permanent Residence (PR) via Sponsorship: If a Singapore citizen or PR sponsors a spouse and/or children (under 21), they may apply for PR under the family-ties or spouse-sponsorship scheme.
Different passes carry different privileges: DP/LTVP allow family stay (and with certain permissions, work or study), whereas PR gives more permanent/prolonged residence with broader rights.
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
| Sponsor’s Status / Pass | Minimum Income / Business Criteria | Who Can Be Sponsored | Pass Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP or S Pass holder | At least SGD 6,000/month | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 (incl. adopted) | Dependant’s Pass (DP) |
| EP holder earning higher (e.g. ≥ SGD 12,000) | N/A | Parents (or possibly other dependents) | Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
| EntrePass holder (entrepreneurs) | Annual business spending + local hiring criteria | Spouse, children, parents (if criteria met) | DP or LTVP depending on relationship |
| Singapore PR / Citizen | Stable financial and residency status | Spouse, children under 21, sometimes parents | PR sponsorship or long-term passes via PR scheme |
Application Process for Family Sponsorship
1. Prepare Documentation
You will need standard documentation: passport copies, valid work pass copy, marriage certificate (for spouse), birth certificates (for children), adoption orders (for adopted children), proof of sponsor’s employment or business, salary slips or business financial statements, and sometimes proof of accommodation and ability to support dependents.
If applying for DP: employer (or designated Employment Agent) usually submits the application online for you (especially for EP/S Pass holders).
If applying for LTVP (e.g. for parents, stepchildren, common-law spouse), the submission process may differ slightly; documentation may include custody/guardianship papers for stepchildren, or notarised affidavits for common-law spouses.
2. Submit Application & Pay Fees
The application fee is usually SGD 105 per pass at the time of submission. Upon approval, there is a pass issuance fee of SGD 225, plus any applicable multiple journey visa (if needed).
You may choose to submit the family pass application together with the main pass application or later. For EP/S Pass holders, processing of DP normally takes up to 3 weeks.
For PEP or other passes, the processing may take longer (up to 8 weeks) before approval.
3. Post-Approval & Move to Singapore
Once approved, the family member receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) or notification letter. They must travel to Singapore and complete any biometric registration (fingerprints, photo) if required. Then they receive the official pass card.
If dependents wish to work in Singapore under DP or LTVP, they must obtain a separate work permit or a Letter of Consent (LOC) — and their employment must be sponsored by a Singapore-registered employer.
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
- Salary / Income Threshold Not Met: Many DP applications are rejected because the sponsor’s salary is below the minimum threshold (SGD 6,000/month for spouse/children; higher for parents). It’s essential to assess eligibility before applying.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing passports, invalid marriage or birth certificates, or improperly notarised documents (especially for stepchildren or common-law spouses) can lead to rejection.
- Business-sponsored Passes (EntrePass): These require proof of business performance and local hiring before dependents qualify. Entrepreneurs often underestimate these conditions.
- Over-relying on DP/LTVP for Work Rights: Holding a DP or LTVP does not automatically permit work. Dependents must obtain work authorization (LOC or separate work pass).
- Assuming Approval Is Automatic: Even eligible applicants may face scrutiny. For example, the authority assessing PR sponsorship under family ties may consider factors like sponsor’s residency history, financial stability, social integration, and long-term commitment to Singapore.
Given these complexities, professional legal guidance often makes the difference between a smooth family-reunification and a rejected application.
Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP for Your Family Sponsorship
Navigating family sponsorship in Singapore involves more than just filling forms. Given your busy schedule, your work commitments, and possibly relocating from abroad, you need a legal partner who understands every nuance of Singapore’s immigration and residency regulations — who can anticipate challenges, gather the right documentation, and present a strong, credible application on your behalf.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP:
- We combine global legal expertise with deep regional insight. Whether you hold an Employment Pass, are a foreign entrepreneur, or a Singapore PR exploring family sponsorship, we know which legal route is optimal for you.
- We help prepare and review all documentation, from marriage certificates to adoption orders, business records, salary slips, affidavits, and more.
- We anticipate common pitfalls — like insufficient income threshold, missing paperwork, or incorrect forms — and proactively address them.
- If needed, we offer strategic advice on long-term planning: converting temporary passes (DP or LTVP) into permanent residence, or preparing your application for PR sponsorship under family ties.
- We serve clients worldwide, making it easy for you to manage the sponsorship process even if you currently live outside Singapore.
Our commitment is to make your family sponsorship process smooth, legally compliant, and successful — so you can focus on settling your loved ones, not on immigration paperwork.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Start planning early, especially if you need to meet salary thresholds or get business documentation ready (for EntrePass holders).
- Always use legally valid and certified documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption order, passports, etc.).
- For stepchildren or common-law spouses: prepare custody affidavits, notarised declarations, or equivalent legal evidence.
- If you anticipate long-term residence: consider applying for Permanent Residence (PR) after initial family sponsorship.
- If dependents need to work or study: check eligibility for work passes or study permits, or for Letters of Consent for DP/LTVP holders.
When in doubt, seek legal guidance — a small error can derail your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who qualifies as a dependent for family sponsorship in Singapore?
Generally, a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children) qualify under a Dependant’s Pass (DP). For parents, stepchildren, common-law spouses, or disabled/unmarried adult children, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or other pass may be appropriate depending on eligibility.
What salary do I need to sponsor my family under an Employment Pass?
For EP or S Pass holders, the minimum fixed monthly salary is typically SGD 6,000 for sponsoring spouse or children. For sponsoring parents or extended family, a higher threshold applies (for example, around SGD 12,000 for parents under some conditions).
What if I am an entrepreneur with an EntrePass? Can I still bring my family?
Yes — but only if your business meets certain criteria (e.g. minimum annual business spending, local hiring quotas). Once those are met, you may apply for DP or LTVP for eligible family members.
Does a Dependant’s Pass let my spouse work in Singapore?
Not automatically. To work, your spouse must obtain a separate work pass or a Letter of Consent (LOC), sponsored by a Singapore-registered employer.
Can I eventually convert family sponsorship into permanent residence (PR) for my family?
Yes, if you or your family meet the eligibility criteria under PR sponsorship schemes (for example, if you’re a Singapore citizen or PR and sponsor your spouse/children). However, approval is not guaranteed — factors like financial stability, social integration, and long-term commitment are considered.
If you want to bring your family to Singapore and want the reassurance of legal expertise, clarity, and a high likelihood of success, contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP today. Our team is ready to evaluate your eligibility, prepare a strong application, and guide your family’s journey to Singapore with precision and integrity.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE