How to Work in Singapore as a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass Spouse: 2025 Guide

Singapore’s top-tier work passes — like the ONE Pass and Tech.Pass — are designed to attract global leaders in business, tech, and innovation. But what about their spouses?

If you’re the spouse of a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass holder, and you’re looking to work legally in Singapore, you’ll need to understand the specific rules and options available to you in 2025.

Here’s what you need to know — clearly, simply, and with up-to-date guidance.

Can a Spouse of a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass Holder Work in Singapore?

• Yes — but not automatically.
• As a spouse, you’ll typically be granted a Dependant’s Pass (DP). However, a Dependant’s Pass does not allow you to work by default.
• To work in Singapore legally, you’ll need to take one of the following steps:

Option 1: Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC)

If you’re offered a job with a Singapore employer, you can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) — but only if you’re a dependant of a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass holder.

Key Conditions (as of 2025):

• You must hold a valid Dependant’s Pass tied to a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass holder
  
• You must have a confirmed job offer with a Singapore-registered company
  
• The employer submits the LOC application on your behalf to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  

LOCs are granted at MOM’s discretion and are tied to both the job and the employer. If you change jobs, a new LOC must be obtained.

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Option 2: Apply for Your Own Work Pass

If you prefer not to rely on an LOC — or if your job doesn’t qualify — you can apply for your own work pass, such as:

• Employment Pass (EP) — for professional roles with a qualifying salary (S$5,000/month or more, higher in financial sectors)
  
• S Pass — for mid-level skilled roles (minimum salary of S$3,150/month as of 2025)
  

In this case, your employment is independent of your spouse’s pass. You will no longer be on a Dependant’s Pass once your new pass is approved.

Option 3: Start Your Own Business in Singapore

As a spouse, you may also choose to run your own business — for example, as a sole proprietor or company director. However, to actively manage or operate the business, you’ll still need approval to work.

There are two options:

• Apply for an LOC tied to your Dependant’s Pass, if you’re involved in running the business
  
• Apply for an EntrePass or Employment Pass if your role qualifies
  

Business ownership does not automatically entitle you to work — the right permits are still required.

Special Note: Differences Between ONE Pass and Tech.Pass

While both are high-level passes, there are slight differences:

• Tech.Pass (no longer accepting new applications as of late 2023) granted greater flexibility for spouses to work under LOC
  
• ONE Pass, introduced in 2023 and still active in 2025, has similar but more streamlined criteria — LOC is generally granted if all conditions are met
  

Regardless of which pass your spouse holds, you must go through the proper channels to secure legal employment status.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC)

Here’s how the process works in 2025:

1. Receive a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer
   
2. Employer logs into MOM’s EP eService and submits the LOC application
   
3. MOM reviews and processes the application (usually within 3–6 weeks)
   
4. If approved, you’ll receive an electronic LOC, valid for the duration of your Dependant’s Pass or the job contract (whichever is shorter)

Summary

Being the spouse of a ONE Pass or Tech.Pass holder gives you the right to live in Singapore — but working here requires proper approval. Whether you’re planning to take up a job, freelance, or start your own business, make sure you’re aligned with MOM’s latest regulations.

Taking the right steps early can help you build your own career path in Singapore, with confidence and compliance.

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