From Sponsorship to Startup: Work Options for Dependant’s Pass Holders in Singapore (2025 Guide)
Introduction
When I first moved to Singapore as an expat mom, I was excited about the adventure—but also anxious. I had left behind my career, my social network, and my comfort zone. As I began navigating life in a new country, one question kept resurfacing: Can I work here on a Dependant's Pass (DP)?
Having previously gone through the immigrant journey in the U.S., I knew how tough it could be to find a job that requires visa sponsorship. Companies often need to justify the cost and effort of hiring a foreigner, which adds an extra layer of complexity. That experience shaped how I approached working in Singapore—with determination, realism, and a willingness to explore creative paths.
This post shares what I’ve learned and aims to guide other expat moms navigating similar uncertainties—because while the road may not be easy, it's certainly possible.
Understanding the Dependant's Pass
A Dependant's Pass is issued to immediate family members (spouses and children) of Employment Pass or S Pass holders in Singapore. While the DP allows you to live in Singapore, it does not automatically allow you to work.
Up until May 2021, DP holders could apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work. However, a major policy change now requires DP holders to obtain a formal work pass—such as an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Work Permit—just like any other foreign employee.
So, what are the current options if you want to work while holding a Dependant’s Pass? Let's break them down.
Work Options for DP Holders
To help you quickly compare the available options, here’s a quick reference:
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Work Options for Dependant’s Pass Holders in Singapore (2025)
Getting an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit
If you’re planning to work for a Singapore-based employer, they will need to sponsor you for one of these work passes. Requirements vary by pass type:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives.
View official MOM requirements.
- Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (higher for older or more experienced candidates)
- Acceptable qualifications and relevant work experience
- S Pass: For mid-skilled technical staff.
View official MOM requirements.
- Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 3,150 (as of 2023; varies by industry and age)
- Meets eligibility criteria based on qualifications and job type
- Work Permit: For semi-skilled workers, typically in construction, manufacturing, or domestic sectors.
View official MOM requirements.
- No minimum salary but subject to quota and levy
- Only certain nationalities and job roles are eligible
But how easy is it for companies to sponsor these passes?
While possible, it’s not always straightforward. Employers must meet Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements. Specifically, they must:
- Prove that the role can’t be easily filled by a local candidate
- Comply with quota restrictions and sector-specific hiring limits
- Pay monthly levies (especially for S Pass and Work Permit holders)
- Handle administrative steps involved in the work pass application process
These costs—both financial and time-related—can make companies hesitant to sponsor unless the candidate brings highly specialized skills. It’s not impossible, but it does mean going the extra mile to prove your value. That background prepared me to approach Singapore’s job market with clarity, persistence, and openness to nontraditional opportunities.
Tip: Be upfront with potential employers about your DP status—they’ll need to consider the additional step of applying for your pass.
The New Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Introduced in 2023, the ONE Pass is a recent addition to Singapore’s visa landscape.
View official MOM overview.
It was created to attract high-achieving individuals and senior professionals by offering greater work flexibility.
For expat spouses, this can be a game changer. If your partner holds a ONE Pass, you—as a DP holder—can work in Singapore with fewer restrictions compared to traditional EP or S Pass routes. While you still need to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower, the process is generally more straightforward and does not require a separate work pass or employer sponsorship.
The ONE Pass has two main application tracks:
- Salary-based track: Designed for professionals who have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000 in the past 12 months or will earn that under a future Singapore employer. This typically applies to individuals working for well-established, high-revenue companies.
- Expertise-based track: Intended for individuals with exceptional accomplishments in fields like academia or research. If you hold a PhD and have a strong track record of research publications—like I do—you may qualify and even apply independently, without relying on a spouse’s pass or employer sponsorship.
💡 For expat moms with advanced education and academic credentials, this opens up the opportunity to hold a ONE Pass themselves, offering full flexibility to seek or create work on their own terms.
In my case, although I met the criteria for the expertise-based track, I opted for the more straightforward approach—having my husband’s company apply for the ONE Pass based on the salary track. Since the expertise-based path can require more documentation and take longer to process, this choice made it easier to get started and gave me the freedom to explore full-time roles.
It’s still a relatively new scheme, and not many are aware of it—but if you qualify, it’s absolutely worth exploring.
3. Remote Work for an Overseas Employer
If you’re employed by a company that doesn’t have a legal presence in Singapore, you may be able to work remotely without needing a local work pass. However, this remains a legally grey area. It’s essential to check directly with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or consult an immigration lawyer to ensure compliance.
I was in this situation myself—my U.S. consulting client wanted me to continue working with them after my move. But I found the time zone difference made it challenging to sustain. That’s ultimately why I chose the last option: starting my own business. It gave me the freedom to manage my time, align my work with family life, and build something of my own on my own terms.
4. Starting Your Own Business
Singapore does allow Dependant's Pass (DP) holders to start and operate a business, though it requires an additional step to gain legal work authorization. While not automatic, there are several viable pathways depending on your goals and stage of business.
One pathway is applying for an EntrePass, which is best suited for seasoned entrepreneurs with significant business achievements, funding, or intellectual property. It's intended for those launching innovative, venture-backed startups, and the application process can be competitive and documentation-heavy. View official MOM requirements.
For most DP holders who are just starting out, a more accessible and practical option is to incorporate a local company. When deciding on a business structure, two primary forms are prevalent in Singapore:
- Sole Proprietorship: The simplest business structure, owned and operated by a single individual. It offers full control and ease of setup but comes with unlimited liability—meaning personal assets are at risk. Income is taxed at personal income tax rates.
- Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.): A separate legal entity that provides limited liability protection. It can be more tax-efficient due to corporate tax rates and tends to carry more credibility with clients and partners. However, it involves more administrative requirements, such as appointing directors and company secretaries, and fulfilling annual reporting obligations. If you're a DP holder, this structure also enables you to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) to be employed by your own company, which is not possible under a sole proprietorship.
In my experience, I chose to establish a sole proprietorship for my consultancy and content creation services, as well as testing business concepts. This structure gave me the flexibility to kick things off without overcommitting time or money—allowing me to ease into consulting, content creation, and developing new ideas, while keeping things manageable for my family.
For U.S. expatriates, it's crucial to consider tax implications. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows qualifying individuals to exclude up to USD 126,500 (as of 2024) of foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation, provided they meet the Physical Presence Test or the Bona Fide Residence Test. Having a Singapore-registered business entity strengthens your position when claiming the FEIE by demonstrating a clear local income source.
If you're exploring this path, Enterprise Singapore and GoBusiness offer comprehensive guidance and step-by-step assistance to help you launch and operate a business in Singapore.
My Personal Journey
Plan Ahead: Before moving to Singapore, I worked with my husband to ensure he applied for the ONE Pass. That decision gave me the flexibility to work full time here without the delay or complexity of applying for a separate Employment Pass.
Act Fast: After we settled into our apartment in early March, I quickly registered my sole proprietorship by April. This streamlined structure allowed me to launch my consulting, content creation, and startup exploration work on my own terms—while staying present for my family.
The Future: If any of my ventures gain momentum, I may consider transitioning to a private limited company for better scalability—or even working full time for a Singapore-based company. But for now, I’m content with this lean, flexible setup. I hope sharing my journey helps others reflect on what aligns best with their goals, skills, and season of life.
Tips and Resources
- ✅ Know Your Legal Options
Always refer to the latest MOM guidelines before making any career decisions. Rules can shift quickly, and what worked six months ago may no longer be valid.
- 💻 Consider Remote Work (Cautiously)
If you have clients or an employer overseas, remote work may be feasible—especially in the early stages of your move. Just be aware that this sits in a legal grey area, and you should double-check compliance with MOM or a legal advisor.
- 🤝 Build Local Networks Intentionally
Finding the right circle takes effort and clarity. I began by asking friends for suggestions and followed leads from colleagues. One introduction led to my first local client; that client connected me to a startup group I now love being part of. Define what you’re looking for—and don’t hesitate to reach out. Facebook groups like "Expat Women in Singapore," local events, and professional communities can be great places to start.
- 📚 Upskill With Purpose
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning make it easier than ever to sharpen or pivot your skills. Whether you're planning to re-enter the workforce or start your own venture, every bit of new knowledge helps.
🔗 Trusted Resources
Conclusion
Disclaimer (Updated June 2025): The information in this post is based on my personal experience and the policies available at the time of writing. Immigration and employment regulations can change—please consult the Ministry of Manpower or a qualified advisor for the latest updates. For tax-related matters, especially involving multiple jurisdictions, seek guidance from a professional tax advisor. If you notice any outdated or inaccurate information, feel free to leave a comment so I can keep this resource up to date.
P.S. I'm planning a follow-up post with a step-by-step guide on how to register a sole proprietorship in Singapore—stay tuned!
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Being an expat mom on a Dependant's Pass in Singapore can feel limiting at first—but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of creativity, research, and resilience, you can find or create meaningful work opportunities that suit your new life. Whether you freelance, launch a business, or land a local role, know that you’re not alone—and your professional path doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve moved.
Let’s redefine what it means to work and thrive abroad.
If you found this helpful, follow along for more tips on expat life, midlife career pivots, and parenting abroad at www.drifttoshift.com.
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