Bringing your loved ones to live with you in Singapore is a dream for many working professionals and PRs. But when it comes to parents, the rules aren’t always straightforward.
If you’re searching for how to apply for a Dependant Pass for parents in Singapore, let’s clear up the confusion and show you the real options that work in 2025.
Parents are not eligible for a Dependant Pass in Singapore—only spouses and children of Employment Pass holders qualify. To bring parents over, you’ll need to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) via ICA.
Only Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents can sponsor their parents for an LTVP, and you’ll need to meet specific income, housing, and documentation requirements.
For those who don’t qualify for the LTVP, short-term visit options or assistance from a licensed immigration agent may be suitable alternatives.
Let’s start with a key truth: You cannot bring your parents to Singapore on a Dependant Pass (DP).
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) only allows Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders to apply for a dependant's pass for their legally married spouse and children under 21 years old. Parents are not eligible under this scheme.
So, what’s the alternative?
The answer: the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — not MOM. This is the route most people use to bring their parents into Singapore.
Now that we know the Dependent Pass is off the table, the next question is—who can apply for the LTVP for parents?
Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR), you may sponsor your parents to live in Singapore under the LTVP.
If you're on an Employment Pass, S Pass, or EntrePass, you cannot sponsor your parents for any type of long-term immigration pass.
The only option available to employment pass holders is a Short-Term Visit Pass, valid up to 90 days.
To qualify as a sponsor, you’ll need to show:
A minimum income (usually SGD 2,000/month or more; higher is better)
A local residential address (HDB or private)
Proof of your relationship with your parents (e.g., birth certificate)
Evidence that you can financially support them
If the sponsor is on a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), they still cannot sponsor parents for a dependant pass or LTVP.
Let’s make this easy with a quick comparison:
| Criteria | Dependent Pass (DP) | Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | MOM | ICA |
| Who can apply | EP/S Pass holders | Singapore Citizens/PRs |
| Eligible family members | Spouse, child under 21 | Parents, step-parents |
| Linked to employment | Yes | No |
| Work rights | Allowed with Letter of Consent | Not allowed unless separate work pass granted |
| Validity | Follows sponsor's pass | 1-5 years, discretionary |
It’s important to understand the role of each pass type and how they apply to different family members. While a dependant's pass covers certain dependants of S Pass or EP holders, it doesn’t include parents.
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough based on ICA’s 2025 guidelines.
Before you begin, get these ready:
Copy of your NRIC or PR certificate
Copy of your parents’ passports
Your birth certificate showing your parents’ names
Latest income documents (e.g., payslip, Notice of Assessment)
Proof of housing (e.g., tenancy agreement or HDB ownership)
Certified translation of any non-English documents
If applicable, marriage certificate or proof of guardianship for step-parents
Head over to ICA’s MyICA portal and log in with your Singpass.
Select “Apply for Long-Term Visit Pass”
Choose "Parents" as the category
Complete the application form
Upload all required documents
Pay the application fee (SGD 30 as of 2025)
After submitting your documents, you can log into the portal to check the application status. Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
During this time, ICA may request clarifications or additional paperwork from the applicant.
Not everyone qualifies for the LTVP. But don’t worry—there are still options:
If you’re not eligible for the LTVP, you can invite your parents to Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass (30–90 days). You may also apply for an extension if the initial period is too short.
Sometimes a licensed employment agent or immigration consultant can help you prepare a stronger application by ensuring no detail is overlooked.
In exceptional cases (e.g. medical emergencies or caregiving), a Special Pass or other discretionary permits may be issued. However, these are rare and subject to ICA’s discretion.
Even a small error can lead to delays or rejections. Watch out for:
Missing documents like marriage certificate or income proof
Uploading files in the wrong format
Submitting forms with incorrect info about age or family member relationship
Using expired passports
Failing to translate non-English documents
If the applicant is rejected, you will receive a letter from ICA explaining the reason.
To bring your parents to live in Singapore, your best bet is the Long-Term Visit Pass. The Dependant Pass does not apply to parents, even if you're an Employment Pass or PEP holder.
Make sure you meet the criteria, submit a strong application, and provide accurate documents. If things get too complex, consider engaging a professional.
Family matters, and with the right steps, you can have your parents with you in Singapore, stress-free.
Need help applying for an LTVP for your parents?
Visit ICA’s official website or consult us for guidance.
For each case, always review ICA’s most current rules before submitting your application.
