The importance of obtaining a Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore cannot be overstated. Without this document, an LTVP / LTVP+ / DP holder cannot work in the country. Failure to comply can result in severe consequences.
We have prepared this comprehensive guide to obtaining an LOC in Singapore to help individuals learn what they need to secure one and what to expect during the process. Whether you are a foreign worker looking to work in Singapore or an employer looking to hire a foreign worker, this article will provide valuable information to help you achieve your goals.
Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore
What is a Singaporean LOC?
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore issues a Letter of Consent (LOC) to allow dependents of work pass holders to work in the country. The LOC acts as a form of authorization for the dependent to work in Singapore and is usually valid for a specified time frame and linked to a specific employer.
If you need a refresher on the types of work passes in Singapore, visit our guide to Singapore work visas.
Who is eligible to apply for a Letter of Consent?
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or the Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) holders
The LTVP and the LTVP+ are two types of passes issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore. The primary difference between the two is the privileges and benefits they offer to the holder.
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To be eligible for an LOC, one must either be:
- Married to a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) while holding an LTVP or LTVP+.
- An unmarried child under 21 years old of a Singapore citizen or PR who holds an LTVP.
Dependant’s Pass (DP) holders who are business owners
A Dependent Pass (DP) is a visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore that allows qualified family members of work pass holders to live and reside in the country.
If a DP holder wants to work for the company they own, they must apply for an LOC. They must belong to one of the following categories:
- A company director with a minimum 30% shareholding in the company.
- A sole proprietor of a business registered with ACRA.
- A partner in a firm registered with ACRA.
- Additional Information
Here are some additional details to take note of with LOC application:
- To apply for an LOC, the DP, LTVP, or LTVP+ must be valid for a minimum of three months.
- For those holding LTVP or LTVP+, they are required to have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
- Dependents of S Pass holders are not eligible for an LOC and need to apply for an Employment Pass or an S Pass instead.
- LOC applicants cannot work in prohibited occupations., such as a dance hostess.
Requirements for a Letter of Consent in Singapore
To apply for a LOC, one must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- A filled-out LOC application form.
- Personal information, including passport and DP or LTVP details.
In certain cases, if you belong to the specific occupation listed below, additional documents may be required:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Regional Representatives
- Lawyers
- Football players or coaches
- Food establishment employees
Note that if any supporting documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated by an authorised translation service provider.
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Letter of Consent Application
The process of obtaining a Letter of Consent in Singapore can be initiated by either the employer or an appointed employment agent (EA). These entities can apply for LOCs on behalf of the applicant, as the case is for LTVP or LTVP+ holders.
For DP holders, when applying for a LOC in Singapore, there are two options for submitting an application: online or manually. Both submission methods are considered equally, but submitting online through myMOM Portal is faster and more convenient. If you submit manually, it is important to ensure you have all the required physical documents to ensure your application is accurate. In this case, it may be more convenient to acquire the services of a designated corporate service provider.
The processing time for a LOC application typically takes between 1–3 weeks. If the LOC gets lost, it’s essential to report the loss and request a replacement. It is also necessary to renew the Letter of Consent six (6) months before its expiration.
You could consider freelancing if you’re a DP holder or LTVP holder who has yet to decide to work in a company. Check out our article on how to freelance in Singapore to learn more about it.
Choose Lanturn for Visa & Immigration Services
Are you planning to work in Singapore and need assistance obtaining a LOC? Look no further!
Lanturn is here to help you navigate the complicated visa and immigration process. With a deep understanding of the requirements and process for acquiring an LOC, we can guide you every step of the way. Trust us to make the process seamless and stress-free. Our team of experts will work with you to ensure that all necessary documents are in order.
If you are a DP holder planning to be a Singapore business owner, Lanturn can help you with the incorporation and LOC application process. We offer a hassle-free and cost-effective Launch with Lanturn programme for first-time business owners.
Contact us today to speak with a visa specialist, and let us help you make your dream of working in Singapore a reality. With Lanturn on your side, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of efficiently and effectively, from incorporation to immigration processes.
Reach out to us today!
