Policy Guide: Which is More Suitable for Spouses Holding EP/SP and Similar Passes – DP or LTVP

Many foreigners holding Singapore work passes are confused about whether their spouses should apply for a DP (Dependent Pass) or an LTVP (Long-Term Visit Pass) after meeting the income threshold. The two categories have completely distinct eligibility criteria, with the key factor being the legal marital relationship. This article, based on MOM's official guidelines, outlines the rules for family passes corresponding to various main passes, clearly distinguishing the applicable scenarios for DP and LTVP.


What Passes can be Applied for Spouses

1. EP (Employment Pass), with a monthly salary of S$6,000 or higher

Legally registered spouse: Eligible for DP Dependent Pass

Common law partner: only eligible for LTVP

2. SP Intermediate Certificate, with a monthly salary of S$6,000 or higher

Legally registered spouse: may apply for a DP family pass

Common law de facto partner: Eligible only for LTVP

3. Entrepass Entrepreneur Pass, requires meeting three operational conditions simultaneously

①The company has been operating stably for at least 1 year;

② Hire 3 local ordinary employees or 1 local PMET professional;

③The annual business expenses of the enterprise reach 100,000 SGD;
Legal spouses can apply for a DP, while de facto partners are only eligible for an LTVP.

4. PEP (Personal Employment Pass), ONE (Top-tier Specialist Pass)

No additional income or salary requirements apply. Certified individuals' legal spouses can directly apply for DP; factual partners are only eligible for LTVP applications.


Core Differentiation Between DP and LTVP: Examine the Marriage Legal Relationship


DP (for Legally Registered Spouses)

This document is a family residence permit with priority policy adaptation, applicable to spouses who have completed legal marriage registration and hold official marriage certificates. It takes effect and is extended simultaneously with the principal permit, offering more comprehensive local living and travel benefits.

LTVP (for Common Law Partners)

It specifically applies to Common Law Spouses, i.e., factual partners who have not registered their marriage but have lived together for a long time as a married couple.


Key Points for Recognizing Common Law Partnerships

1. Long-term stable cohabitation;

2. Living together as a married couple and sharing financial responsibilities;

3. Only in certain regions such as Canada and the UK is the legal validity of this relationship recognized. Chinese law does not acknowledge common-law marriages, and relevant applicants can only submit an LTVP.

Simple Summary: With a valid marriage certificate, one can apply for DP as long as the requirements are met; for factual cohabitation without registered marriage, only LTVP can be processed.


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