Letter of Consent (LOC) Singapore Requirements 2026 | MOM Eligibility, Documents & Guide
The Letter of Consent (LOC) Singapore is an official approval issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders to work or operate a business legally in Singapore.
It ensures that dependants of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Singapore Citizens (SC), or Permanent Residents (PR) comply with Singapore’s employment laws before starting any work activity.
👉 For full Singapore work pass context, refer to our Work Pass Singapore Guide 2026.
What is a Letter of Consent in Singapore?
A Letter of Consent (LOC) is a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued document that allows eligible Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP/LTVP+) holders to legally work in Singapore or run a business.
Without an LOC or valid work pass, employment in Singapore is not permitted under MOM regulations.
Who is eligible for Letter of Consent in Singapore?
The LOC eligibility Singapore 2026 rules apply to:
Eligible applicants:
- Dependant’s Pass (DP) holders of EP, S Pass or EntrePass holders
- LTVP/LTVP+ holders (especially spouses or children of Singapore Citizens or PRs)
- Certain ICA-issued LTVP holders with job offers or business activity
Key requirement:
- Must have a valid job offer OR business activity in Singapore
- Must hold a valid DP or LTVP with sufficient remaining validity
📌 MOM also issues a Pre-approved LOC (PLOC) for eligible ICA LTVP+ holders in specific cases.
Letter of Consent Singapore Requirements 2026
To obtain an LOC in Singapore, MOM generally requires:
- Valid Dependant’s Pass or LTVP/LTVP+
- Valid passport of applicant
- Job offer from a Singapore employer OR business registration details
- Employer must be Singapore-registered
- Supporting documents requested by MOM
👉 LOC approval is strictly tied to the validity of the underlying pass.
How to Apply for Letter of Consent in Singapore
The LOC is submitted by the employer or appointed employment agent via MOM eServices.
Application steps:
- Employer submits LOC request via MOM portal
- Upload supporting documents
- Provide job or business details
- MOM reviews eligibility
- Receive approval or rejection
- Work or business activity can only begin after approval
📌 Processing usually starts only after complete submission of documents.
Processing Time for Letter of Consent Singapore
The LOC processing time in Singapore is typically:
- Around 3 week for most cases
- Longer if MOM requests additional information
Source: MOM confirms most LOC cases are processed within 1 week (mom.gov.sg)
Can LOC holders work in Singapore?
Yes, but only after MOM approval.
LOC holders must:
- Work only for the approved employer
- Follow MOM employment conditions
- Start work only after LOC is issued
📌 Working without LOC is illegal under Singapore law.
Can LOC holders run a business in Singapore?
Yes. Eligible DP or LTVP holders may use LOC approval to:
- Start or manage a Singapore-registered company
- Act as director or business owner
- Operate business activities legally
Approval depends on MOM assessment and business structure compliance.
Difference between LOC, EP, S Pass and Work Permit
- Employment Pass (EP): professionals, managers, executives
- S Pass: mid-skilled workers
- Work Permit: semi-skilled workers
- Letter of Consent (LOC): DP or LTVP holders working or running business
👉 EP guide: Employment Pass Singapore Requirements 2026
👉 S Pass guide: S Pass Singapore Requirements 2026
👉 Work Permit guide: Work Permit Singapore Requirements 2026
LOC vs Pre-approved LOC (PLOC)
There are two LOC pathways in Singapore:
Standard LOC:
- Requires employer application
- For DP or LTVP holders with job offers
Pre-approved LOC (PLOC):
- Issued for eligible ICA LTVP/LTVP+ holders
- Usually for spouses or children of Singapore Citizens or PRs
- May be granted during LTVP issuance or renewal
📌 PLOC is automatically linked to LTVP validity and does not require separate job-first application in some cases.
Can LOC be cancelled?
Yes. LOC will be cancelled if:
- Employment ends
- DP or LTVP expires or is cancelled
- Employer requests cancellation
- MOM revokes approval due to non-compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Letter of Consent in Singapore?
- A MOM approval allowing eligible DP or LTVP holders to work or run a business.
Who needs LOC in Singapore?
- Dependant’s Pass and eligible LTVP holders who want to work in Singapore.
How long does LOC take?
- Usually around 1 week depending on MOM processing.
Can LOC holders change employer?
- Yes, but a new LOC must be applied by the new employer.
Can LOC holders start work immediately?
- No. Work can only begin after LOC approval.
WORKPASS PTE LTD Support
WORKPASS PTE LTD provides professional assistance for Letter of Consent Application Singapore, including MOM compliance checks, document preparation, and employer submission support for DP and LTVP holders.