Singapore is an attractive country not only because of its remarkable economic results registered in the last decade, but also because it is very open to foreign investors interested in starting a business here. There are several ways to open a company inn Singapore and it is important to know that the main requirement for incorporating a business as a foreigner is to appoint a local agent who completes the formalities with the Companies Register. However, such the role of such an agent can be taken by a family member if he or she has obtained a dependant pass.

The Singapore dependant pass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and targets individuals who need to comply with certain requirements. Below, our company formation agents in Singapore explain how to set up a business under the dependant pass.

Foreign investors can rely on us for assistance in obtaining a Singapore dependant pass and registering a business in the city-state.

Who can apply for a dependant pass in Singapore?

There are several criteria imposed by the Ministry of Manpower a person must comply with in order to obtain the Singapore dependant pass. There are also several advantages to be obtained once such a permit has been obtained.

Here is what you need to know about the Singapore dependant pass:

the dependant pass is issued to family members who have already obtained an employment permit, an S pass, a personalized employment visa or an entrepreneur visa;
the spouse and minor children of a foreign citizen holder of any of the above-mentioned visas can apply for a dependant pass;
in order to obtain the Singapore dependant pass, the foreign citizen working in Singapore must earn at least 6,000 SGD per month;
the person applying for a dependant pass must be sponsored by a local agent or by a Singapore company (employer);
the Singapore dependant pass has a validity of 2-years or the same validity as the employment visa of the family member reuniting with his/her relatives.

The main advantage of the dependant pass is that it grants the right to open a company in Singapore.

If you are interested in starting a business under the dependant pass, our company registration consultants in Singapore can assist you.

Documents required to obtain a Singapore dependant pass

The following documents need to be prepared and filed with the Ministry of Manpower when applying for a Singapore dependant pass:

- the valid passport of the applicants (in case both spouse and children apply for such a visa);
- a copy of the marriage certificate of the spouses (it needs to be translated into English);
- copies of the birth certificates of the children entering Singapore under the dependant pass;
- information about the vaccines of foreign children, issued by the Health Promotion Board;
- other information might be required by the Ministry of Manpower at the time of the application.

The Singapore dependant visa is issued within 3 to 5 weeks after the application and prior to its issuance, an In-Principle-Approval letter is issued by the Ministry of Manpower.

Our Singapore company formation specialists can help foreign citizens interested in obtaining various licenses and permits.

Conditions for Singapore residents bringing family members to the city-state

Foreign citizens who have established themselves here and decide to bring family members to Singapore under the Dependant Pass program must also meet a few requirements. Among these, the most important are:

- they have come to Singapore under employment or S passes;
- they earn at least 6,000 SGD per month from salary income;
- they are sponsored by their employers.

Foreign citizens who have come to Singapore under the EntrePass scheme can also bring family members to the city-state. Spouses and unmarried children with a maximum age of 21 can apply for dependant passes and join their families here.

If you want to open a company in Singapore under the dependant pass, our local specialists are at your disposal with complete information on the procedure you need to follow.

The company formation procedure after obtaining the Singapore dependant pass

The good news for those who want to open a company in Singapore after having obtained their dependant pass is that the business registration process will imply the same steps as for any other local or foreign investor. One needs to draft the incorporation documents, file them with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and obtain the Certificate of Registration and all the licenses allowing them to operate.

Starting a business under the Singapore dependant pass implies no special requirements related to the types of companies one can set up, therefore foreign citizens can operate as sole traders or can establish limited liability companies which are preferred by most investors.

Should you need any advice on how to choose the right business form, our company formation agents in Singapore are at your disposal.

Types of companies available for registration under the dependant pass

There are no restrictions on the types of companies one can create as a foreign citizen in Singapore. By far, the private limited liability company is the preferred vehicle as it implies relaxed company registration requirements and is suitable for most activities that suit best the most prolific industries in the city-state.

In the past few years, the startup has become one of the most created types of businesses as it destined to entrepreneurs interested in innovation. Considering the Singapore government is keen on supporting innovative sectors, setting up a startup for this purpose will also imply obtaining various benefits.

However, when opening a Singapore company under the dependant pass there is one additional step to complete. That is applying for a letter of consent with the Ministry of Manpower in order to register the business.

The procedure of starting business in Singapore as a dependant pass holder can be explained in detail by our company registration advisors who can also help you during the entire process.

Obtaining permanent residency as a Singapore dependant pass holder

Foreign citizens who come to Singapore as dependants of holders of employment or entrepreneur visas can qualify to obtain permanent residency if their family members are also eligible. This is why, this scheme is one of the most appealing when it comes to permanent relocation to the city-state.

Apart from enabling one to study, work and even set up a business here, Singapore is one of the most appealing cities to live in the world. The good quality of life and stable economy of this state attracts many foreign citizens interested in settling in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Opening a business in Singapore comes with many advantages and no matter the way you decide to create it, our representatives are at your disposal with tailored services.

Differences between the dependant pass and other types of residence permits

Singapore provides for various types of residence permits that enable foreign citizens to live here. However, these come separate from work visas, which is why when seeking to work in Singapore, one must also apply for an employment permit.

The Singapore dependant pass is one of the main ways through which foreign citizens who already live here can bring family members to join them. Under other types of residence permits, a foreign person’s family members must go through a separate residency application.

The minimum income of a sponsor who brings family members to Singapore as dependants is higher compared to other schemes, however, the benefits family members obtain are also quite important. They can study, work, or even start their own businesses here.

If you decide to move to Singapore under the dependant pass, you can rely local advisors.

Why open a company in Singapore under the dependant pass?

Starting a business in Singapore under the dependant visa will definitely have a positive impact on one’s financial future and living style. According to recent reports, in 2019 the Singapore economy:

- registered a 1.2% quarterly increase on a year-to-year basis until May 2019;
- the construction sector registered the highest growth of 2.9% from the previous 1.2%;
- transportation and storage is another industry which registered an important growth of 0.8%;
- retail remains one of the most important economic sectors of Singapore with an annual increase of 5.9%.

FAQ on the Singapore dependant pass

1.Is it hard to obtain a dependant pass in Singapore?

No, it is not difficult to obtain such a residency visa if all the requirements are met. Considering the main requisite refers to the income of the family member already established here, it quite easy to meet it.

2.How long does it take to obtain such a visa?

The procedure can take between 4 and 8 weeks based on how the application was filed and if the application dossier is complete. This is where our agents can help you.

3.What is the validity of a Singapore dependant pass?

The validity of a dependant pass is the same as that of the residence permit of the family member established here.

4.Can this type of residence permit be renewed?

Yes, the Singapore dependant pass can be renewed. It is advisable to renew it at least 6 months before its expiration date. Our specialists can guide you through this procedure.

For assistance in starting a company under the Singapore dependant pass, please contact our local advisors.

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Why choose us?

Roger Pay is the Managing Director of Bestar and an experienced company formation consultant. He will help you open your company in Singapore as fast as possible.

As a Bestar client, you will benefit from the joint expertise of local lawyers and consultants for opening an offshore company in Singapore.