Looking to move to Singapore to work with your family, or thinking of changing your job in 2018?
Are you aware of the recent changes in salary requirements for work pass holders with dependants?
From 1 January 2018, the minimum qualifying salary a work pass holder (Employment Pass or Spass holder) must earn to be eligible for their immediate family members to accompany them to Singapore on MOM-issued Dependant Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVPs) has increased from S$5,000 to S$6,000 per month.
Pass Types according to Family Member
| Dependant Passes (DP) |
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| Long Term Visit Passes (LTVP) |
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Who will be affected?
The new criteria for a work pass holder to earn a monthly salary of at least S$6,000 for Dependant privileges will apply to:
- All new work visa applications under a new employer (whether the applicant is overseas prior to their appointment, or is an existing work pass holder who is changing employer);
- All renewal of work visa applications under a new employer (i.e. future renewals of a work pass visa originally obtained on 1 January 2018 or later.) *Renewals of work visa applications originally issued before 1 January 2018 and under an existing employer are exempt from the new criteria.
What does this mean?
For Employment Pass (EP) holders:
Scenario 1 – Renewal of EP under existing employer after 1 January 2018
If you are already holding an EP and your EP is due for renewal under your existing employer in 2018 or later, you are not required to increase your minimum monthly salary from S$5,000 to S$6,000, to be eligible to apply for Dependant Passes/LTVPs for your dependants.
Your adult dependants may also continue to work in Singapore if they have obtained a Letter of Consent (linked to the validity of your renewed EP) under a local employer, and your children may continue to attend schools in Singapore (linked to your EP) without requiring a student visa.
However, it is worth noting that for job-pay parity with local workers, you may still need to earn a salary of more than $5,000 to ensure the successful renewal of your EP. What might have been considered fair remuneration for your role and skills in the past, may no longer apply now.
If your/your employee’s EP renewal application is unexpectedly rejected, before proceeding to appeal or apply again, book an appointment with one of our EA personnel to assess your case.
Scenario 2 – Changing jobs in Singapore for a salary lower than $6,000 per month
If you are applying for a new EP under a new company/employer for a salary below $6,000, your dependants will no longer be permitted to stay in Singapore. However, if your adult dependant (spouse/adult child under 21 years of age) is currently working in a local company with a Letter of Consent, your dependant’s employer can apply for an appropriate work pass for them, allowing them to continue living and working in Singapore. For children who are currently studying in Singapore, they may still be able to stay in Singapore on a student visa.
Book an appointment with one of our EA personnel to work out a strategy for your family’s continued stay in Singapore.
For SPass holders:
Scenario 1 – Renewal of SPass under existing employer after 1 January 2018
If you are already holding an SPass which is due for renewal under your existing employer in 2018 or later, you are not required to increase your minimum monthly salary from S$5,000 to S$6,000 to be eligible to renew the Dependant Passes/LTVPs of your dependants.
Unlike dependants of EP work pass holders however, dependants of SPass holders who are holding a DP are not permitted to work in Singapore on a Letter of Consent. Instead, they must find a job with a local employer who will then be responsible for applying for an appropriate work pass for them. For children who are currently studying in Singapore, they may still be able to stay in Singapore on a student visa.
So, if you are currently holding an SPass but your salary does not meet $6,000, do not worry as your dependants will still be able to stay in Singapore for as long as you are working for the same employer and your salary is at least $5,000.
If your/your employee’s Spass renewal application is unexpectedly rejected, before proceeding to appeal or apply again, book an appointment with one of our EA personnel to assess your case.
Scenario 2 – Changing jobs/employer in Singapore for a salary lower than $6,000 per month
If you are holding a S Pass but you are changing jobs under a new employer and earning a monthly salary of less than $6,000, your dependants are no longer eligible to stay in Singapore unless they are already working in Singapore for a local employer on a work pass. For children who are currently studying in Singapore, they may still be able to stay in Singapore on a student visa.
Book an appointment with one of our EA personnel to work out a strategy for your family’s continued stay in Singapore.
While the eligibility criteria for work passes and dependant passes/LTVPs have certainly become more stringent and complicated, and in some cases – life changing – do not fret!
Our qualified employment agency personnel look forward to using their expertise of Singapore immigration matters to assist you with your work and dependant visa applications and renewals.
If you require help to ensure Singapore remains your family’s home, please give us a call and make an appointment for a personalised case-specific consultation. Our consultants are dedicated to working out a solution for you, that is 100% legal and MOM compliant.