How to Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore

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A Letter of Consent (LOC) is a work authorisation issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It allows Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), LTVP+ holders, and Dependant’s Pass holders to work or operate a business in Singapore. The LOC is tied to the Dependant’s Pass or LTVP and enables spouses and children of Singapore citizens or PRs, as well as dependents of Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders, to work in Singapore under certain conditions.

Key Benefits of an LOC:

  • Work Legally in Singapore: The LOC grants you the legal right to work without needing a separate work pass.
  • Run a Business: Dependant’s Pass holders can operate businesses in Singapore.
  • No Minimum Salary Requirement: Unlike other work passes, the LOC does not have any qualifying salary criteria.

For those who may need additional work authorisation or flexibility, consider exploring options like the Employment Pass, which is available to highly skilled professionals.

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2. Types of Letter of Consent

There are three main types of LOC, depending on your status in Singapore:

1. For ICA-Issued LTVP/LTVP+ Holders: These individuals are typically the spouses or unmarried children of Singaporeans or Permanent Residents.

2. For Dependant’s Pass Holders: Spouses of EP, S Pass, and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders can apply for an LOC to either work for an employer or run a business.

3. For Secondary Directorships: Employment Pass holders may apply for an LOC to take on secondary directorships in related companies.

For more information on alternatives, check our guide on applying for the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) if you’re interested in setting up a business in Singapore.

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3. Who Can Apply for a Letter of Consent?

You are eligible to apply for an LOC if:

  • You are a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or LTVP+ holder, and you are the spouse or unmarried child of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR).
  • You are a Dependent’s Pass holder and your sponsor holds an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.
  • You are an Employment Pass holder taking on a secondary directorship in a related company.

Candidates can only begin working after their employer receives the approved LOC.

If you are currently an Employment Pass holder and considering additional work roles or flexibility, read our guide on the Employment Pass for further details.

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4. Applying for a Letter of Consent (LOC) for LTVP/LTVP+ Holders

If you are a Long-Term Visit Pass holder issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), you can apply for an LOC to work in Singapore, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

  1. Written consent from the candidate: Ensure that the candidate (LTVP/LTVP+ holder) provides written consent to apply for the LOC.
  2. Login to EP eService: The employer should log in to the myMOM portal through EP eService to submit the application.
  3. Update turnover information: Ensure that the company’s turnover information for the past three years is updated before submitting the LOC application.
  4. Submit required documents: Upload the necessary documents and fill out the online application.
  5. Processing time: Expect a processing time of one week. If additional documents are required, processing may take longer. 6. Receive approval: Once approved, the employer will receive an email confirming the LOC approval, and the candidate can start working.

Documents Required for Specific Professions:

If the candidate is in certain professions, such as healthcare or law, additional documents are required. For non-English documents, a certified translation must be submitted along with the original document.

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5. Applying for a Letter of Consent (LOC) for Dependant’s Pass Holders

Dependent’s Pass holders who wish to work or operate a business in Singapore can apply for an LOC, provided they meet the necessary criteria.

Eligibility for LOC for DP Holders Who Are Business Owners:

To be eligible to apply for an LOC, you must be one of the following types of business owners:

1. The sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business.

2. A partner of an ACRA-registered business.

3. A company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered business.

Renewal Requirements:

To be eligible for a renewal of the LOC, business owners must also:

  • Hire at least one Singaporean or Permanent Resident who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary.
  • Ensure that the local employee has received CPF contributions for at least three months before applying for the LOC renewal.

Application Process for Business Owners:

If you’re a Dependant’s Pass holder looking to operate a business:

  1. Check Dependant’s Pass validity: Ensure that the Dependant’s Pass is valid for at least three months.
  2. Submit an online request: Request to apply for the LOC through the myMOM portal or engage an employment agent to submit on your behalf.
  3. Update business turnover: Ensure that your business’ turnover information is up-to-date.
  4. Processing time: It takes approximately four weeks to process most applications.
  5. Receive approval: If the LOC is approved, you will receive an email outcome with instructions to proceed.

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6. Applying for a Letter of Consent (LOC) for Secondary Directorship

Another important type of LOC is for Employment Pass holders who are appointed as directors in a related company. If you’re considering appointing an Employment Pass holder to your Board of Directors, they must have an LOC, as directorship duties are considered work under Singapore’s Companies Act.

Eligibility for Secondary Directorship LOC:

1. Related Company: The company appointing the director must be related to the Employment Pass holder’s primary employer by shareholding, and this relationship must be reflected in ACRA’s records.

2. No Objections: The Employment Pass holder’s primary employer must have no objections to them taking up the secondary directorship.

3. Primary Employment Related: The directorship role must be related to the Employment Pass holder’s primary job.

Application Process:

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your company and the Employment Pass holder’s employer are related through shareholding.
  2. Obtain Employer Consent: Ensure that the primary employer provides written consent for the Employment Pass holder to take on this directorship.
  3. Submit Application: You must submit the LOC application through myMOM portal to gain approval.
  4. Register Directorship: Once approved, you can proceed to register the directorship with ACRA.

For more details, you can refer to MOM’s factsheet on EP holders taking up secondary directorship appointments.

If you’re exploring various passes or transitioning into a directorship, you may also find our article on top-rated immigration agencies in Singapore helpful for personalised assistance with complex cases.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to process an LOC application?

A: The standard processing time is 1 week for LTVP/LTVP+ holders and up to 4 weeks for Dependant’s Pass holders, depending on the case.

Q: Can Dependant’s Pass holders operate a business with an LOC?

A: Yes, Dependent’s Pass holders can apply for an LOC to operate their own business in Singapore, provided they meet business ownership requirements.

Q: What documents are required for the LOC application?

A: Documents vary depending on the applicant’s profession and status. Business registration documents, employment records, and proof of ownership may be required for business owners.

Q: Can I renew my LOC?

A: Yes, the LOC can be renewed, especially for business owners, provided they meet local employment criteria (e.g., hiring a local employee and contributing to CPF for at least three months before renewal).

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8. Tips for a Successful LOC Application

  • Keep your documents updated: Always ensure your business turnover information and other records are up-to-date to avoid delays.
  • Plan ahead: Apply for an LOC well in advance of your intended work start date to allow for processing time.
  • Ensure compliance with CPF requirements: If you are renewing an LOC, make sure your local employee has received CPF contributions for at least three months.
  • Consult professionals: If the process seems overwhelming, consider working with an experienced employment agency, like Transform Borders, to streamline your application.

If you’re also interested in other work authorisation types, such as the Personalised Employment Pass, you might find our guide on the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore beneficial.

The Letter of Consent (LOC) is a valuable tool for those looking to work or operate a business in Singapore. Whether you’re an LTVP holder, Dependant’s Pass holder, or Employment Pass holder taking up a secondary directorship, understanding the application process and eligibility criteria is essential for a smooth experience. With the right guidance and preparation, you can navigate the LOC process efficiently and begin your work or business journey in Singapore.


At Transform Borders, we specialise in helping Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Dependant’s Pass holders, and companies navigate the LOC application process. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing an existing LOC, we provide personalised assistance every step of the way. For applicants interested in exploring other work pass options, such as the Employment Pass or EntrePass, we can guide you through each process. Contact us today for professional help and start your journey to working or running a business in Singapore!

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