Can DP holders start a business with a letter of consent in Singapore?
If you're living in Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass, you may be wondering if it’s possible to start a business here legally. Can you build something of your own, especially when you’re not the primary work pass holder?
The short answer? Yes, but only under specific conditions.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — including eligibility, the application process for the Letter of Consent, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
DP holders can start a business in Singapore only with a valid Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower.
You must own and actively manage the business — either as a sole proprietor or a director/shareholder of a Pte Ltd company.
Freelancing is allowed, but only if registered as a business and approved under an LOC.
Passive roles or silent partnerships are not permitted under a LOC — active involvement is required.
Alternatives like EntrePass or EP are available if your LOC is rejected or if you plan to scale beyond DP limitations.
A Dependant’s Pass (DP) is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to immediate family members of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Personalised Employment Pass holders. It allows them to live and stay in Singapore, but it does not automatically grant permission to work or run a business.
A Dependant Pass is typically given to legally married spouses and children under 21 of main pass holders, and is valid as long as the sponsor's main work pass remains valid.
If you are the spouse of an EP holder and have ambitions to work in Singapore or become self-employed, there are strict legal paths to follow.
The Letter of Consent is an official work authorization from the Ministry of Manpower that allows Dependant’s Pass holders to either:
Work as an employee in an existing company, or
Operate a business that they own and actively manage
In 2021, MOM made changes to the LOC policy — especially for DPs who wish to run a business. Today, to be eligible for a LOC as a business owner, you must meet stricter conditions.
Yes, you can apply for a Letter of Consent to run a business, provided you meet MOM's eligibility criteria.
To do so:
You must be actively involved in the business
You must be either a sole proprietor or a director with at least 30% shareholding in a private limited company
Simply being an investor or silent partner is not sufficient.
You must register your company in Singapore
You must follow the company registration process
You must submit your LOC application through MOM, ideally before operations begin
Here’s what you will need to be eligible for a LOC as a DP business owner:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Singapore Dependant Pass | Must be tied to an EP, PEP, or S Pass holder |
| Registered Entity | Must own a sole proprietorship or be a director/shareholder in a Pte Ltd |
| Active Involvement | Must participate in the daily operations |
| Legal Compliance | Must meet ACRA and MOM regulations |
If you are operating under an informal setup, such as selling on Carousell without business registration, this will not be approved under an LOC.
If you're ready to register a business, here’s what you will have to do:
Use ACRA’s BizFile+ portal for company registration in Singapore.
Choose between:
Sole Proprietorship – simpler, ideal for freelancers
Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – more scalable, suitable for startups
If you need help with the paperwork, many corporate service providers offer full assistance for DP holders.
Prepare:
Your ACRA business profile
Job description of your role
Business activity description
Any necessary permits or licenses
You’ll need to apply for an LOC through the MOM EP Online Portal, using Singpass or via a registered employment agency.
Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. MOM may request further information or supporting documents.
Once approved, you’ll receive the Letter of Consent electronically and can legally begin operations.
Many Dependant's Pass holders ask:
Can I freelance while on a DP?
Yes — but only if you’re structured as a business and apply for an LOC. Freelancing without registration or a valid LOC is not allowed.
Examples of legal setups include:
Web designers or tutors registered as sole proprietors
E-commerce sellers who incorporate a Pte Ltd
Coaches or consultants offering professional services through a registered entity
If you run a business informally and receive income without a valid LOC, you risk breaching Singapore’s work pass conditions.
Not everyone will qualify. If your LOC application is rejected, here are your next options:
Ideal for tech startups or innovators who wish to launch a high-potential company in Singapore. The EntrePass is independent of the DP and has its own eligibility criteria.
You may qualify for an EP if your business meets MOM’s salary, role, and quota requirements.
Once you become a permanent resident, you can run any business without an LOC.
Can I run a business with just a DP?
No. You’ll need a Letter of Consent approved by MOM.
Can I invest in a company and not work in it?
Yes, but as a passive investor only. You can’t be operationally involved without an LOC.
Can I apply for an LOC after registering the business?
Yes — but it's advisable to seek LOC approval before commencing operations.
Starting a business on a Dependant Pass is possible — but only if you do it right.
You’ll need:
A properly registered business entity
A clearly defined executive or ownership role
To apply for a Letter of Consent with supporting documents
Patience and compliance with MOM’s guidelines
If you’re not sure whether your business plan qualifies, consult a licensed agency familiar with LOC and foreigner-run businesses.
Whether you're a stay-at-home spouse with a business idea or a creative freelancer wanting to go legit, we can help. Our consultants specialize in:
LOC applications
Ongoing compliance and renewals
