Epica Learn Series
How LTVP and DP holders can work in Singapore
How LTVP and DP holders can work in Singapore
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Working in Singapore While on Dependant Pass (DP) or Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP.) Is it allowed?
Expats have constantly rated Singapore as one of the best countries that provide limitless career opportunities and excellent life quality. The city-state's reputation as a thriving business hub attracts aspirants and career enthusiasts from all over the world.
MOM (Ministry of Manpower) showed the following statistics in its June 2020 report:
PASS TYPE |
FOREIGN WORKFORCE IN JUNE 2020 |
| Employment Pass (EP) | 189,700 |
| S Pass | 188,800 |
| Work Permit (FDW & CMP) | 940,200 |
| Other Work Passes | 33,100 |
| Total Foreign Workforce | 1,351,800 |
The above data proves that more than 1.3 million foreigners prefer to live and work in Singapore.
MOM offers Employment Pass, Entre Pass, and Personalized Employment Pass to provide holders with freedom and flexibility to work and live in Singapore. MOM also offers Dependant Pass and Long Term Visit Pass to the foreign work visa holders' family members.
Now one of the question most of the Dependants have is – if it is possible to work for them when in Singapore? Because if they can not work in Singapore then it means a career compromise for them.
What are DP and LTVP?
A DP (Dependant's Pass) is issued to the family members of a qualified Singapore work visa holder.
An LTVP (Long Term Visit Pass) is offered to the family members of Singapore citizens or permanent residents or the parents accompanying a child studying in Singapore.
There are specific situations that decide whether you will qualify for a DP or LTVP. A DP or LTVP is directly linked to the respective EP or PR / Citizen. Any cancellation, expiration, or loss of employment by the respective work visa holder will render the connected DPs and LTVPs ineffective.
Who can obtain a DP?
A DP or Dependant Pass is a residence visa granted to the following family members of a work visa holder.
An EP or SP holder must have an earning of a minimum of S$6,000 to bring dependants to Singapore.
Who can obtain an LTVP?
An LTVP is also a residence visa and should not be considered a work visa. It is granted to the following family members of a work pass holder in Singapore:
LTVP+ another type of LTVP given to dependants of Singapore Citizens or PR
In addition to the LTVP mentioned above, there is one more type of LTVP which is granted to dependant spouse and children of a Singapore Citizen or PR.
How can a DP or LTVP holder find work in Singapore?
Both DP and LTVP are residence visas and cannot be used as a work visa. However, there are three options for any DP or LTVP holder if they wish to work in Singapore.
It is necessary to understand all these options in detail to figure out which one is a more viable option for you.
Option 1: PLOC, short for Pre-approved Letter of Consent
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore launched this scheme. A Pre-approved Letter of Consent allows the eligible LTVP-Plus holder to work in Singapore legally. The option to apply for PLOC is given during the application or renewal of your LTVP with the Immigrant and Checkpoints Authority.
Pre approved LOC means it is approved without reference to any specific employer. The holder of PLOC can apply for a job in any company, and on selection the company can employ him or her on the basis of that PLOC. The company need not do any further paperwork or approvals.
To become eligible for PLOC, you must fulfill either either of the following conditions:
A PLOC is an excellent option for the people who want to find work at their own schedule. PLOC holders can switch jobs easily without the need to re-apply for a PLOC when they change jobs.
The validity of a PLOC is the same as the validity of your LTVP. However, you can renew it when you renew your Long Term Visit Pass.
PLOC holders are not allowed to work in some of the restricted occupations, namely:
Option 2: LOC, short for Letter of Consent
A letter of consent (LOC) is issued by MOM in Singapore. It legally allows the respective DP or LTVP/LTVP+ holders to work in Singapore.
A Singapore-registered company can hire as many employees as it wants under LOCs. It makes the LOC holders excellent employee prospects.
One must fulfill these conditions to become eligible for a LOC:
If an employer finds a DP holder or LTVP holder as a suitable employee, then the company can apply for LOC of such a person. Once approved the person can start working for such a company. The procedure for application is simple and approval rate of LOC is quite good.
Generally, you are required to give written consent to your employer or employment agent before they apply for a LOC. However, additional documents are also required if the DP holder is:
A LOC application takes a minimum of three weeks to process. You can start working right after you receive your LOC.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower considers all LOC applications on a case-by-case basis. It depends on:
Option 3: Employment Pass
A DP or LTVP holder can also obtain an Employment Pass Singapore, provided that the company employing is ready to lodge the application for employment pass. There are several merits of getting an Employment Pass by a DP or LTVP holder.
The benefits of an Employment Pass are many. However, the requirements for DP or LTVP holders to obtain an EP are much more stringent.
In order to be eligible, you must:
Your Singapore employer will need the following documents to apply for an EP on your behalf:
Generally, EP applications are processed within three weeks. However, EP applications of professionals in specific specialized industries take longer to process. These industries include law, medical services, financial services, sports, and media.
Different regulatory associations govern these professions, and their permission is required for EP approval.
An EP is valid for two years and is renewable.
Pre-approved Letter of Consent, Letter of Consent, or Employment Pass: Which is better?
If you wish to work in Singapore, you must first define the type of work you want to do. All the Singapore work permits have their own merits and demerits.
Let's take a close look at them:
Work Permit |
Merit |
Demerit |
| PLOC | Flexibility to choose work at your own pace; no minimum educational or professional requirements; easy to apply | Not allowed to work in objectionable occupations; dependant on spouse or parent |
| LOC | Does not require minimum educational or professional requirements; easy to apply | Dependant on sponsoring spouse or parent; no specific minimum fixed salary |
| EP | Can start your own business; commensurate salary; employment status is no more dependent on sponsoring spouse or parent | More stringent requirements; not easy to obtain |
The above data states that a Pre-approved Letter of Consent is a great option for people who wish to find work on their own schedule.
A Letter of Consent is ideal for those who do not have a minimum salary requirement and wish to start working as soon as possible.
However, an Employment Pass is best for those who have high career goals. If you do not want to stay dependant on your spouse/parent and want to draw a hefty salary each month, an Employment Pass is your best option.
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