Can a Singapore DP holder work or run a business?

Yes, but separate permission is required. To be employed, the employer applies for an EP, S Pass or DP-Work Permit; to run your own business, you must obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC).

• If employed by a company: the employer applies for an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass or DP-Work Permit. If an EP or S Pass is issued, the existing DP is cancelled.
• If running your own business: sole proprietors, partners, or directors of a company holding at least 30% of the shares can apply for a LOC. To renew the LOC, the business must employ at least one Singaporean or permanent resident employee who has received CPF contributions for 3 consecutive months.
• Unpaid volunteer work: no separate pass is needed if it is unpaid and for charitable purposes.

Approval depends on MOM's review.

Lee Kim Alliance provides an Employment Pass application service.

As of November 2026, source: MOM DP work, MOM LOC