Singapore Letter of Consent (LOC & PLOC) Work Rights Guide 2026

Complete guide to Singapore Letter of Consent (LOC & PLOC). MOM rules for LTVP/LTVP+ spouses, Pre-approved LOC (PLOC), and LOC for DP Business Owners (30% equity).

Overview & Statutory Background

A Letter of Consent (LOC) is an authorization issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allowing eligible foreign pass holders (such as LTVP/LTVP+ spouses of Singapore Citizens/PRs, ONE Pass spouses, and DP business owners) to work legally in Singapore without securing a separate EP or S Pass. Pre-approved LOC (PLOC) simplifies employment for foreign spouses of citizens.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

PLOC Target Audience

LTVP/LTVP+ Citizen Spouses

Verified

DP Business Ownership

30% Equity Min.

Verified

MOM LOC Processing

1 to 3 Weeks

Verified

Foreign Worker Levy

Exempt from Levy

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

1. PLOC for LTVP Spouses of Citizens/PRs

Pre-approved Work

Eligible foreign spouses holding LTVP/LTVP+ sponsored by Citizens or PRs can apply for PLOC directly during ICA LTVP registration.

2. LOC for ONE Pass Spouses

Full Work Rights

Spouses of ONE Pass holders on Dependant's Pass (DP) can work for any Singapore employer via MOM LOC.

3. LOC for DP Business Owners

30% Equity + 1 Local

DP holders who own at least 30% of a Singapore Private Limited company can get an LOC if the company hires 1 local staff (S$1,800 LQS).

4. Regular DP Employee Rules

EP/S Pass/Work Permit

Regular DP holders working as employees (non-business owners) must secure a regular Work Permit, S Pass, or EP.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

PLOC: Must hold a valid LTVP or LTVP+ issued by ICA sponsored by a Singapore Citizen or PR.

LOC for Business Owners: DP holder must own at least 30% equity in a Singapore Pte Ltd and hire 1 Singapore Citizen/PR earning S$1,800+ LQS.

LOC for ONE Pass Spouses: Must hold a valid DP under a main ONE Pass holder.

NO FOREIGN WORKER LEVY: Employers hiring via LOC/PLOC do not pay foreign worker levies or count against DRC quotas.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Online LOC Submission via MOM

Employer or business owner submits LOC application online via MOM EP eService (Free of charge).

MOM Business / Shareholding Audit

MOM verifies ACRA shareholding and local employee CPF contributions (takes 1-3 weeks).

LOC Approval Notification

MOM issues electronic Letter of Consent approval notice.

Commence Employment

Pass holder starts work legally. LOC validity is aligned with the main DP/LTVP pass expiry date.

Required Document Checklist

•LOC Candidate Passport & Valid DP or LTVP/LTVP+ Card

•ACRA BizFile Search Report showing 30% equity shareholding (for DP business owners)

•CPF Contribution Statement proving local employee hired at S$1,800 LQS (for DP business owners)

•Signed Employment Contract or MOM Offer Letter (for ONE Pass / LTVP LOC applicants)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Regular DP holders working as corporate employees CANNOT get an LOC; they must be sponsored for an EP, S Pass, or Work Permit. However, DP holders who own at least 30% of a Singapore business can still qualify for an LOC.

A PLOC allows eligible LTVP/LTVP+ spouses of Singapore Citizens or PRs to work in Singapore for any employer without the employer needing to apply for a separate LOC.

The Singapore company must employ at least 1 Singapore Citizen or PR earning the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) of at least S$1,800/month for at least 1 month prior to the LOC application.

Yes. Spouses of ONE Pass holders who hold a Dependant's Pass (DP) can work for any Singapore company via an MOM Letter of Consent (LOC).

No. Hiring an LOC or PLOC holder is completely exempt from MOM foreign worker levies and Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) quota restrictions.

An LOC is valid for the duration of the employment contract or until the candidate's DP/LTVP expires, whichever is shorter.