Step 4: Apply for a Dependant's Pass (for Foreign Child)

The Dependant’s Pass (DP) is an immigration pass issued to a foreign child so that he or she is allowed to remain in Singapore until the adoption proceedings has been completed.

A foreign child can only be placed under your care after obtaining an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the DP from MSF.

Please note that:

• With effect from 27 Feb 2023, ICA has ceased the issuance of physical DP cards. Only digital DPs will be issued.
• With effect from 19 May 2023, security deposits will no longer be required for DP applications.

Validity and Fees Involved for a Dependant’s Pass

1. Validity: 21 months
   
   
2. Cost:
   
   
• $330 for application and processing fees
  
  
• $30 for visa (for child to enter Singapore, if applicable)
  
  

If your DP application is successful, you will be issued with an IPA letter. The IPA letter that will be sent to you will detail the exact amount you will be required to pay.

Dependant’s Pass Application

Only prospective adopters with a favourable HSR can apply for a DP.

Step 1: Apply for a new Dependant’s Pass by submitting all the required documents. The list of required documents can be found in the "New Dependant’s Pass Checklist".  Incomplete submissions will not be processed and may be rejected.

Step 2: You will receive an acknowledgement receipt. MSF may contact you for clarification, request for additional documents or document rectifications, and interviews, if required.

Step 3: Applications received with the ​completed set of forms and documents will be processed within 20 working days. For complex applications where more information/ assessment is required, processing time will be extended.

Step 4: MSF will notify you in writing of the outcome of the DP application.

• If the DP application is successful, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter will be issued to you.
  
• We will highlight the amount to be paid together with information on the payment method within the IPA letter.
• Please indicate the child’s full name and FIN number in the comments during payment and send a screenshot of the completed payment to MSF_CW_DP@msf.gov.sg so that we can verify your transaction.
  
  

You will then make an appointment with MSF for the issuance of the DP. Both applicants and the child must be present during the appointment at MSF.

• During the appointment, you are also required to bring the original documents (submitted for the DP application) for MSF’s verification.
  
• Once the formalities are completed, you will receive an email notification to retrieve the Child’s electronic DP. If you do not receive the email notification within 2 weeks of completing the formalities, please contact MSF_CW_DP@msf.gov.sg for assistance.
  
• If you fail to complete the formalities and retrieve the Child's electronic DP within 3 months upon receiving the IPA letter, you may risk having the DP cancelled.
  
  

Note:

• After the Child's DP is issued, you must initiate the adoption proceedings in the Family Justice Courts within 3 weeks. Applicants who fail to do so may risk having the DP cancelled.
• Replacement of physical DP: For any loss of physical DP, there is a replacement fee of $100 for the first loss and $300 for each subsequent loss. You need to file a police report, and submit the police report to MSF before a replacement electronic DP can be issued.
• If your child is pursuing full-time studies in Singapore, the child may be required to submit a Student Pass application after the DP is approved to obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from ICA. Depending on the educational institution, the requirement and procedure may differ. Please contact ICA for more information.

Before the new Adoption of Children Act (ACA) 2022 takes effect:

• If you have been issued with a HSR waiver, you must use it to apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) (if the child is not a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident) and submit an adoption application to the Court before the ACA 2022 takes effect. Otherwise, the new requirements under the ACA 2022 will apply, i.e. you will need to undergo an Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA).
  
  

a. Apply for Extension of Dependant’s Pass by submitting all required documents.

b. The DP will only be renewed for valid reasons. If a DP extension is required, please make an extension application with MSF at least 1 month prior to the expiry date. Each extension is valid for 6 months.

Once the Court grants the Adoption Order, your child will be issued with a new birth certificate by ICA. Please apply for a suitable immigration pass in order for your child to continue residing in Singapore. The following scenarios may be applicable to you:

1. Child is currently attending school or has enrolled into a school in Singapore:
• You may apply for a Student’s Pass (STP) for your child after completion of the adoption proceedings so that your child can continue attending school.
  
  
2. Child is not schooling but wishes to continue residing in Singapore:
• You may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for your child.
  
  
3. You may also apply for Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency for your child.
   
   

Note: Under the Immigration Act, it is an offence to overstay after the expiry/termination of an immigration pass, including the DP. To avoid overstaying, please apply for and obtain the appropriate immigration pass before the expiry/termination of your child’s DP.

1. Once the Adoption Order is granted, please submit a copy of the child’s new Singapore Birth Certificate to MSF_CW_DP@msf.gov.sg to enable the refund of the security deposit.
   
   
2. If the Court dismisses your application, you are required to return the DP to MSF for cancellation. Please contact MSF at MSF_CW_DP@msf.gov.sg to schedule a date for the return of the child’s DP.
   
   
3. The refund will be made to the prospective adopter who paid for the security deposit within two months after submission of the relevant documents (if Adoption Order is passed) or the DP (if the Family Court had dismissed the adoption application).