Letter of Consent (LOC) Singapore: Who’s Eligible, How to Apply & MOM Requirements [2025 Guide]

Thinking of working in Singapore as a Dependant Pass holder? You might need a Letter of Consent (LOC). This handy document from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) lets eligible individuals work legally while staying with their families in Singapore.

If you are wondering how to apply for a LOC, who qualifies, and what the latest 2025 rules are — you are in the right place. Let’s clear the confusion and help you apply LOC the right way — fast and fuss-free. Ready to make your move in Singapore? Let’s go!

What is a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore?

A Letter of Consent (LOC) is an official document issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It allows certain eligible individuals—mainly Dependant Pass (DP) or LTVP holders—to work legally in Singapore without needing a separate work pass.

The purpose of the letter of consent is to give dependents of Employment Pass (EP) holders or Singapore citizens/permanent residents a way to take up employment while staying with their families. It simplifies the process for those who want to work without going through stricter work pass requirements.

The LOC is tied to the main pass (e.g., DP or LTVP) and remains valid as long as that pass is active. Employers must apply on behalf of the candidate through the MOM portal.

All in all, if you are eligible and want to start working in Singapore, a letter of consent MOM approval could be your green light.

Who is Eligible for a Letter of Consent in 2025?

LOC Singapore eligibility is subject to specific criteria laid out by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), which may change over time. Let’s break down who qualifies in 2025.

Dependant Pass (DP) Holders (Primary Eligibilty)

The main group eligible for a Letter of Consent in 2025 are individuals holding a Dependant Pass (DP). These are typically family members—such as spouses or children—of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders who are living in Singapore.

How to apply:

• The DP holder must have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
• The employer must submit the LOC application on the individual’s behalf through the MOM portal.
• The LOC is tied to the validity of the Dependant Pass and will cease to be valid if the DP is cancelled or not renewed.

Note: If the DP holder switches jobs, a new LOC application must be submitted by the new employer.

LTVP / LTVP+ Holders Married to Singapore Citizens or PRs (Conditional Eligibility)

Before 2021, Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or LTVP+ holders who were married to Singapore Citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR) could also apply for a Letter of Consent.

However, MOM updated the policy in May 2021:

• LTVP holders now typically need to apply for a Work Pass instead of an LOC.
• The Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) is an exception, available to selected LTVP/LTVP+ holders eligible through ICA.

As of 2025, this category remains under review, and eligibility may change depending on MOM’s latest policies. Always check MOM’s site for current guidance.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Regardless of the pass type, some universal conditions must be met to qualify for an LOC:

1.    Valid Stay Pass

You must hold a valid Dependant Pass or, in special cases, an LTVP/LTVP+.

2.    Job Offer Required

You must have a job offer in Singapore. The LOC is not issued speculatively or for freelance work unless pre-approved by MOM.

3.    Employer-Sponsored Application

An LOC cannot be self-submitted. Your employer must apply for it through the Ministry of Manpower’s official portal.

How to Apply for an LOC in Singapore

Ready to apply LOC Singapore? The process is straightforward but must be handled correctly—especially since only employers are allowed to submit the application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to secure a Letter of Consent (LOC) in 2025.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1.     Secure a Job Offer

Before anything else, the applicant (DP or eligible LTVP holder) must have a confirmed job offer from a company registered in Singapore. The LOC cannot be applied for without employment in place.

2.     Employer Submits the LOC Application

The employer will submit the LOC through MOM’s EP Online portal (https://www.mom.gov.sg).

Note: Individuals cannot apply for an LOC on their own.

3.     Upload Required Documents

The employer must upload supporting documents during the application process:

• A copy of the applicant’s Dependant Pass (DP) or LTVP
• Personal particulars page of the passport
• Job offer details, such as:
• Employment contract or official job description
• Duration of employment
• Work location
• Business registration details of the employing company (ACRA BizFile)

4.     Pay the Applicable Fees (If Any)

Currently, MOM does not charge a fee for LOC applications. However, this may change, so always verify during the submission process.

5.     Await the Outcome

Processing time typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on MOM’s workload and whether additional information is requested. Applicants and employers can check the application status on MOM’s EP Online system.

Documentos necessários

Application Platform

All LOC submissions must go through the MOM EP Online system. The system requires a CorpPass login, so only authorized employer representatives can access it.

Fees & Processing Time

Taxas: None (as of 2025)

Tempo de processamento: Around 1 to 3 weeks

LOC vs Work Pass: What’s the Difference?

If you’re new to Singapore’s employment framework, it is easy to confuse a Letter of Consent (LOC) with a Work Pass. While both allow legal employment, they are not the same—and understanding the difference is crucial for compliance and planning. Let’s clear it up.

LOC is Not a Work Pass—But It’s Still Legal Work Authorization

A Letter of Consent is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to eligible Dependant Pass (DP) or selected LTVP holders, allowing them to work legally without needing a full work pass.

Unlike the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), the LOC is not tied to qualifications or salary thresholds, and it does not count towards foreign worker quotas.

Key Characteristics of an LOC

• Not a standalone pass – it only works with a valid DP or LTVP.
• No foreign worker levy – unlike Work Permits or S Passes.
• No quota restrictions – companies can hire LOC holders freely.
• Employer must apply – you cannot self-apply.
• Validity – tied directly to the DP/LTVP’s expiry date.

LOC vs Work Pass: Quick Comparison

FAQs About Letter of Consent in Singapore

Whether you are a Dependant Pass holder or an HR manager, these common questions will help you better understand how the LOC works in practice.

Can an LOC Holder Switch Employers?

Yes, but not automatically. If an LOC holder wants to switch to a new employer, the new employer must submit a fresh LOC application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The current LOC will be cancelled once the new one is approved.

Tip: Always ensure the new LOC is approved before resigning from the current job to avoid work disruption.

Is the LOC Renewable After a Job Change?

Technically, a change in job = a new LOC application.

But if the employee remains with the same employer and the existing DP or LTVP is still valid, the LOC can be renewed through the EP Online portal. MOM typically renews LOCs in line with the main pass’s validity.

What Happens if the Main Pass (DP or LTVP) is Cancelled?

The LOC becomes invalid immediately. Since an LOC is tied directly to the DP or LTVP, once the main pass is cancelled, expired, or not renewed, the LOC is automatically void.

If the person still wishes to work in Singapore, they will need to:

• Apply for a Work Pass (e.g., Employment Pass or S Pass), or
• Reapply for a new DP/LTVP and then a new LOC, if eligible.

It is illegal to continue working on an LOC after the supporting pass is cancelled.

How Our Agency Helps With LOC Applications

Applying for a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore may seem straightforward, but getting it right the first time is crucial for quick approval and full compliance with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rules. That’s exactly where One-Visa.com steps in. We specialize in helping Dependant Pass (DP) holders, LTVP spouses, and employers navigate the entire LOC application process smoothly and confidently.

Services We Offer

1.     Employment Eligibility Check

We assess your status against the latest MOM eligibility rules and provide honest advice before you apply.

2.     MOM-Compliant Application Preparation

One-Visa.com guides you through every step—collecting the correct documents, drafting precise job descriptions, and filling out the MOM portal forms accurately, all in line with the latest LOC requirements.

3.     Submission Support

We handle the EP Online submission process on your behalf or coach your employer through it—whichever works best.

Success Story

Managing visa applications can be a tough and time-consuming process for many companies. Shinsuke Tabata, Cofounder and Director of Nulab, shares how One-Visa.com transformed their immigration experience.

“We outsource our visa processing to One Visa as it is very difficult to manage for us. One Visa is very professional and gives us good immigration advice pertaining to our company needs. One Visa is able to attain 100% approval on employment pass for all our employees and in the most efficient way. I would like to thank One Visa Team for their assistance.”

With One-Visa.com, Nulab enjoys a smooth, efficient visa application process that ensures fast approvals for all employees—taking the stress off their internal team and allowing them to focus on growing their business.

Ready to Apply for an LOC?

Don’t risk delays or rejections. Contact one-visa.com today for a free eligibility assessment, and let’s get your application moving!