Who Qualifies for a Work Pass Exemption and How to Apply

Singapore’s structured employment framework requires most foreign professionals to secure a valid work pass before engaging in any work-related activities. However, the system provides specific exemptions for eligible individuals performing certain short-term, specialised assignments. Understanding who qualifies for a work pass exemption and how to comply with the notification process is essential for businesses seeking to bring in global talent for temporary projects.

These exemptions are not a workaround to the standard work pass system but a regulated pathway for specific, value-added activities. This guide details the eligible professions, the strict duration limits, and the mandatory e-Notification process required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to ensure full compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Work pass exemptions apply to specific short-term, specialised activities such as journalism, performing arts, mediation, and trade exhibitions. Activities must align with MOM’s defined criteria.
• Individuals must notify MOM of their work pass exempt activity after arriving in Singapore and before starting work. This includes providing personal details, activity type, and duration.
• Exempt individuals can work for up to 90 days in a calendar year, with the duration tracked cumulatively across all visits.
• Certain activities, like attending business meetings or conferences as a participant, do not require MOM notification, provided they do not involve a contract of service in Singapore.
• Adhering to MOM regulations is essential to avoid penalties. Businesses must ensure activities fall within the exemption scope and track the duration of work accurately.

How to Qualify for a Work Pass Exemption

There are requirements that an individual has to meet before they can qualify for a work pass exemption:

1. Be Employed Before Entering: The applicant must be hired to perform the work pass exempt activity before entering Singapore. It is important to note that this does not automatically guarantee entry into the city-state, as the eligibility to enter will be determined at the immigration checkpoints.
2. Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP): The applicant must have a STVP issued by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) that allows the individual to remain here during the activity.
3. Inform MOM: The individual must let MOM know that they intend to work in an exempted activity after entering Singapore, and before starting it. Failing to do so constitutes an offence unless certain conditions are met.
4. Comply With Other Requirements: Individuals are expected to adhere to other specific legal requirements in Singapore.

Related Read: Singapore Work Pass Application: Tips for Success

When is MOM Not Required to Be Informed?

Individuals need not inform MOM if they are taking part in these activities for the duration of the STVP:

• Attending company meetings, meetings with business partners, or corporate retreats
• Attending workshops, conferences, seminars, visits, training courses, or study tours as a participant
• Attending exhibitions as a trade visitor

These above-mentioned activities should not involve a contract of service or for service with an employer in Singapore. If the individual is a trainer or speaker at a training course or workshop, they must inform MOM to get a WP exemption or Miscellaneous Work Pass. If on-the-job training is performed, a work pass is required.

How Long Can Exempt Individuals Work for?

Exempt individuals are allowed to work for up to a total of 90 days in a calendar year. The duration allowable for each visit to Singapore depends on the STVP issued at the entry point at the checkpoints. Any request to extend the STVP will not be considered.

Understanding the 90-Day Limit

The work pass exemption is strictly for short-term engagements. Its limit is an aggregate of all periods worked under the exemption. For example:

• A specialist works for 20 days in March.
• The same specialist returns for a 40-day project in July.
• They return again for another 30 days in November.

In this scenario, the individual has used 90 days (20 + 40 + 30) and has reached their annual limit. They cannot perform any more exempt work in Singapore for the remainder of that calendar year. Any further work would require a standard work pass. Companies must diligently track the days worked by each professional to avoid accidentally exceeding this cap.

Work Pass Exempt Activities in Singapore

Notifying MOM

When to Notify MOM

The individual must notify MOM of the work pass exempt activity after they have arrived in Singapore and obtained a STVP at immigration and before commencing the activity.

How to Notify MOM

The applicant must submit an e-notification with these details:

• Applicant’s personal details
• Passport number and expiry date
• Disembarkation or embarkation card number
• STVP expiry date
• Type of activity that will be performed
• Start and end date of the activity
• Workplace address

After applying, they must print out the notification letter.

Extending the Notification

Work pass exempt individuals can apply to extend the duration of their notification of a work pass exempt activity. They must meet these requirements before doing so:

• The notification can be extended before the end date of the activity in the original notification. If the extension is needed after the end date of the activity, a new notification must be resubmitted.
• The total activity period cannot exceed 90 days in a calendar year.
• The STVP should still be valid for the extension period.

Strategic Use of a Regulated Tool

The work pass exemption provides valuable flexibility for companies needing short-term, specialised expertise from abroad. It allows businesses to be agile and competitive by quickly accessing global talent for high-impact projects.

However, this flexibility is conditional on strict adherence to the rules. By understanding which activities qualify, respecting the 90-day limit, and completing the mandatory e-Notification process, businesses can leverage this pathway effectively and compliantly. For any engagement that falls outside these narrow parameters, applying for the appropriate work pass is the only legal and correct course of action.

At InCorp, our immigration specialists are well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you determine whether your hires are eligible for work pass exemption. Talk to us to find out more!

About the Author

Mel Bakar

Mel specializes in Employment Pass and Work Pass applications through the Ministry of Manpower. She also handles Long-Term Visit Pass applications through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

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