If your spouse holds Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass, you can work freely without applying for a separate Letter of Consent (LOC). If your spouse holds a Tech.Pass, you need an LOC first. This guide walks you through every step — and what it means for your business or employment plans.
This guide is for expatriate spouses and dependants who are in Singapore on a Dependant's Pass (DP) linked to either:
If your spouse recently relocated to Singapore on one of these highly skilled professional passes, and you're wondering whether you can work legally — this article answers that question comprehensively.
The Dependant's Pass (DP) is a long-term immigration pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows the immediate family members of eligible Employment Pass or special pass holders to live in Singapore.
Eligible dependants typically include:
For spouses of ONE Pass and Tech.Pass holders, the DP comes with specific — and in many cases, more flexible — work privileges than standard Dependant's Pass arrangements.
Before diving into work rights, it helps to understand the two passes at the centre of this guide.
Launched in January 2023, the ONE Pass is Singapore's most prestigious work visa. It targets world-class professionals in business, arts, culture, sports, and academia — individuals who either earn at least SGD 30,000 per month or have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their field.
Key features of the ONE Pass:
The Tech.Pass is designed for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts who wish to live in Singapore while driving innovation. Applicants must meet specific salary and experience criteria set by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Key features of the Tech.Pass:
Yes — but the rules differ depending on which pass your spouse holds.
If your spouse holds the ONE Pass, you enjoy one of the most favourable arrangements for expatriate spouses in Singapore. As of current MOM policy, Dependant's Pass holders linked to ONE Pass holders can work in Singapore without a separate Letter of Consent.
This means you can:
This is a significant departure from the standard DP rules, and it makes Singapore an attractive destination for families of top global talent.
While an LOC is not required, there are still practical steps to take:
1. Confirm your DP is valid and linked to the ONE Pass holder Your DP should reflect the correct pass type of your sponsor. You can verify this through the MOM's e-Service portal.
2. Inform your employer of your immigration status While you do not need an LOC, your employer's HR team will typically ask for a copy of your DP and passport when onboarding you. Some employers, especially larger corporations or MNCs, have internal compliance checks — ensure your documentation is ready.
3. Register a business if you're self-employed If you plan to run your own business in Singapore, you will need to register a company or sole proprietorship with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Working with a trusted corporate services firm ensures this is done correctly and compliantly from day one.
ATHR Tip: Registering your business in Singapore involves choosing the right business structure, understanding GST obligations, and setting up proper payroll from the outset. Our team can guide you through company incorporation, accounting setup, and ongoing compliance — so you can focus on building your business. Book a free consultation →
If your spouse holds a Tech.Pass, you will need to obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) before you can legally work in Singapore. The LOC is an authorisation issued by MOM that permits Dependant's Pass holders to take up employment.
The good news: for Tech.Pass-linked DPs, the LOC application process is streamlined and employer-driven.
The LOC is applied for by the employing company on your behalf — not by you as the individual. Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Secure a job offer You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer in Singapore before the LOC can be applied for.
Step 2: Employer submits the LOC application Your employer submits the application via the EP Online portal on MOM's website. You will need to provide your employer with:
Step 3: MOM reviews and issues the LOC Processing times are typically fast — most LOCs for Tech.Pass–linked DPs are approved within a few working days. There is no fixed quota or salary threshold for the DP spouse under the Tech.Pass arrangement.
Step 4: Begin employment Once the LOC is issued, you may begin work. The LOC is tied to your specific employer, so if you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a fresh LOC.
If you wish to be self-employed or start your own company as a Tech.Pass spouse, the situation is slightly more nuanced. You would generally need to incorporate a company and become a director or shareholder, rather than relying on an LOC (which covers employment, not entrepreneurship).
Consulting a corporate services provider before incorporating ensures your business structure is compliant with ACRA and MOM requirements from the start.
Can I work part-time as a DP holder linked to a ONE Pass?
Yes. ONE Pass–linked DP holders can take up both full-time and part-time employment without needing an LOC.
What happens to my work rights if my spouse's ONE Pass or Tech.Pass expires or is cancelled?
Your Dependant's Pass — and any associated work rights — will be affected if your sponsor's pass lapses. Your DP is directly tied to the validity of your sponsor's pass. Always ensure your sponsor renews their pass before expiry to avoid disruption.
Can I change jobs freely as a ONE Pass spouse?
Yes. Because no LOC is required, ONE Pass spouses can change employers freely. However, always ensure your DP remains valid throughout employment transitions.
Do I need to pay personal income tax in Singapore?
Yes. If you earn income in Singapore, you are subject to Singapore personal income tax. Tax residents (those who spend 183 days or more in Singapore in a tax year) benefit from lower progressive tax rates. You will need to file your income tax returns with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) annually.
Can I contribute to CPF as a foreigner on a DP?
No. CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions are mandatory only for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. As a DP holder, you are not required or entitled to make CPF contributions.
How long does it take to get an LOC for a Tech.Pass spouse?
Most LOC applications for Tech.Pass–linked DPs are processed within 3 to 5 business days, though processing times can vary. Your employer should submit the application well before your intended start date.
For many expatriate spouses, working or running a business in Singapore is the beginning of a longer journey. Singapore offers several pathways for professionals who wish to put down deeper roots:
Permanent Residency (PR) After living and working in Singapore for a period, DP holders who have been employed may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. A strong employment track record, tax compliance, and community ties all strengthen a PR application.
EntrePass If you are building a significant startup venture in Singapore, the EntrePass may be a more suitable long-term visa than relying on DP work rights. It is designed for innovative entrepreneurs who wish to establish a venture-funded or high-growth business in Singapore.
Transitioning Your Own Pass Depending on your professional background and salary, you may eventually qualify for your own Employment Pass (EP) or even a ONE Pass — independent of your spouse's pass.
Navigating Singapore's immigration landscape can be complex. At ATHR, our team works closely with international professionals and their families to ensure their business and compliance setup is solid at every stage of their Singapore journey. Speak to our team today →
Singapore's progressive immigration framework — and especially the work privileges extended to spouses of ONE Pass and Tech.Pass holders — reflects the country's commitment to attracting and retaining global talent holistically, not just as individuals, but as families.
If you are a DP holder ready to work, build, or grow in Singapore, the opportunity is real and the pathway is clearer than many expect. The key is getting your compliance setup right from the beginning.
At ATHR, we are more than a service provider — we are the compliance partner who stands beside you at every stage of your business journey. Whether you are registering your first company, navigating payroll, or filing your taxes, our team is here to make it seamless.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with ATHR today →
The ATHR Content Team is a group of professional writers from Singapore and the Philippines, committed to delivering informative, practical, and engaging content for business owners across Southeast Asia.
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