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A Letter of Consent (LOC) is MOM's permission for an eligible person to work or run a business when their pass does not already allow it. There is more than one version. The best known are the Pre-approved LOC, the LOC for ICA-issued Long-Term Visit Pass holders and the LOC for Dependant's Pass business owners, who need at least 30% of the shares.
Checked against MOM pages updated from to . This is an independent guide, not MOM.
Which Letters of Consent does MOM offer?
| LOC | MOM's description |
|---|---|
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent | For eligible spouses or children pre-approved to work in Singapore |
| LOC for ICA-issued LTVP or LTVP+ holders | Lets eligible spouses or children work in Singapore |
| LOC for Dependant's Pass business owners | For Dependant's Pass holders wishing to operate a business |
| LOC for secondary directorship | For an Employment Pass holder who takes a director role in another company |
Each has its own conditions, so find the one that matches the pass in your hand.
Who gets the Pre-approved Letter of Consent?
MOM says eligible LTVP or LTVP+ holders who are spouses or children of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident can work with a Pre-approved LOC. They are offered the option when they apply for or renew the LTVP with ICA. Some jobs are not allowed for these holders, and both the holder and the employer must meet requirements before work starts. The prospective employer notifies MOM when the holder takes a job.
Who gets the LOC for ICA-issued LTVP holders?
MOM's page says this is for an LTVP or LTVP+ holder who is the spouse or unmarried child of a Singaporean or PR. Specific eligibility rules and extra documents for certain professions sit on linked pages. The pages we read do not state a validity or a fee, so we leave them out.
How does the Dependant's Pass business owner LOC work?
A Dependant's Pass holder who wants to run a business can apply for this LOC. MOM sets these tests.
- The holder owns an ACRA-registered business.
- The holder is a sole proprietor, a partner, or a company director with at least 30% of the shares. A member of a company limited by guarantee is also accepted.
| Item | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| First LOC validity | Earlier of one year from issue or the Dependant's Pass expiry |
| Renewal validity | Until the Dependant's Pass expires |
| Renewal needs | At least 3 months left on the Dependant's Pass |
| Staff | At least 1 Singapore citizen or PR paid the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary |
| CPF | Contributions for at least 3 consecutive months before applying |
The LOC becomes invalid if the Dependant's Pass is cancelled or expires. If the business stops operating, the LOC still has to be cancelled. For the parent pass, see the Dependant Pass guide.
Can an Employment Pass holder use a Letter of Consent?
Yes, for a secondary directorship. MOM's page says the employer who wants to appoint an EP holder to the board of another company must apply for an LOC. MOM approves when the company is related by shareholding to the EP holder's employer, as recorded at ACRA, and the role relates to the primary job. It lasts up to the expiry or cancellation of the current EP and MOM says it takes about 5 weeks. A search summary of MOM's FAQ also mentions assessment by a sector agency for unrelated companies, so the two MOM pages are not worded the same. Check with MOM. Unpaid charitable activities do not need the LOC.
Our page on EP holders starting a business explains why this does not cover running your own firm.
How do you apply?
MOM runs LOC transactions through its eServices. The listing says the eService for LOC covers issuing, renewing or cancelling the pass, for all pass types except the Work Permit. MOM offers an appeals process and renewal, cancellation and replacement steps. Following the application works the same way as other passes, as in the status check guide.
Do you need a provider?
Many holders apply alone. A provider can help when a business is involved, since ACRA records and staff payroll must line up. If you want that, use the quote form on this page. We pass your request to suitable providers and may earn a referral fee. The conditions above come from MOM.
Sources
- MOM, work passes and permits: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits (names and descriptions of each LOC).
- MOM, Pre-approved Letter of Consent: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/pre-approved-letter-of-consent (who qualifies, how offered).
- MOM, LOC for ICA-issued LTVP and LTVP+ holders: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/loc-for-ica-issued-ltvp-holders (who it is for).
- MOM, LOC for Dependant's Pass business owners, eligibility: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/loc-for-dependants-pass-business-owners/eligibility (30% shares, validity, renewal).
- MOM, secondary directorship: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/taking-up-secondary-directorship (EP holder LOC, validity, timing).
