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Work Permit for performing artiste

Apply for a Work Permit for performing artiste

If you want to employ foreign performing artistes, you can apply for their Work Permits and check the application status online. You also need to take certain steps before the pass is issued.

From 1 June 2026, we will cease the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme. Businesses will not be able to apply for new foreign performing artistes on this work pass, but can retain their existing workers until their passes expire.

Businesses can engage entertainment services from service providers instead of hiring performers directly or continue to hire eligible foreign performing artistes on a regular work pass. They can also engage foreigners for short-term performances under the Work Pass Exempt (WPE) framework for events supported by the government or any statutory board, or held at a public performance venue, except for bars, discotheques, lounges, nightclub, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant venues with a Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence (PEL).

Already know the process? Log in to apply.

At a glance

Who can apply Employer or appointed employment agent (EA)
How much it costs

When you submit the application:

  • $75 for each pass

When you get the pass issued:

  • $100 for each pass
How long it takes Within 1 week, unless more information is required
Related eServices

more eServices and forms

Note: 

  • A non-Malaysian worker must not be in Singapore at the time of Work Permit application.
  • If this is the first time you are applying for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity.

How to apply

Step Who does this Result
Submit an application Employer or EA In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for worker’s arrival Employer or EA Security bond, insurance, etc.
Get the permit issued Employer or EA Notification letter
(If required) Register fingerprints and photo Worker Acknowledgment of card delivery
Set up digital work pass Worker Digital work pass
Receive the card Employer or authorised recipients Work Permit card

Submit an applicationShow

Processing time: within 1 week. Some cases will take more time.

To submit an application:

  1. Log in to fill out the application.
  2. Pay $75 for each application. You can pay by GIRO, Visa or Mastercard.
  3. Check the status of your application after 1 week.

It takes around 1 week to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required.

You can view the outcome online. If your application is approved, you can print the in-principle approval letter (IPA).

Make sure the worker’s IPA particulars matches their passport details. If you make an error, such as wrong spelling of name, you will need to correct the error, or the worker will be denied entry into Singapore.

Prepare for worker's arrivalShow

Before the worker arrives:

  1. Buy a security bond (for non-Malaysian workers).
  2. Buy medical insurance for the worker.
  3. Ensure that they comply with the latest travel requirements.

When the worker arrives, you need to:

  1. Send the worker for a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks of arrival. 
  2. Print and complete the Security Bond form.
    • For sole proprietorships and partnerships, it should be signed by the sole proprietor or partner.
    • For private limited companies, it should be signed by a director who is registered with ACRA. If the director wishes to appoint an employee to sign the form, he must provide a written authorisation to us.

Get the permit issuedShow

When: Within 2 weeks of arrival or scheduled date mentioned in the IPA

Processing time: Immediate

You need to get the Work Permit issued within this timeframe:

If the worker is Issue the pass
Malaysian  On the date stated in the in-principle approval letter
From any other source After entering Singapore and within 2 weeks of arrival

To request for the Work Permit to be issued:

  1. Log in to WP Online to make the request.

    You will need a delivery address and contact details for card delivery. You may also need to upload PDF copies of these documents:
    • Personal particulars page of the worker’s current passport (include pages that have amendments).
    • Disembarkation/Embarkation card (immigration white card).
    • Completed medical examination form.
    • Completed Security Bond Form.
    • Completed Work Permit application form.
  2. Pay $100 for each Work Permit issued. You can pay by GIRO, or eNets credit or debit.
  3. After the Work Permit is issued, print the notification letter.

The notification letter:

  • Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if you have a change of travel plans.
  • Should be given to the foreign worker. It allows them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the Work Permit card.
  • States if the worker needs to report to MOM Services Centre – Hall C to register fingerprints and photo.

(If required) Register fingerprints and photoShow

When: Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required)

Check the notification letter for whether the worker needs to register at MOM Services Centre – Hall C. If it is required, the worker needs to register within 1 week of issuing the Work Permit.

You must make an appointment for the worker to register.

For the appointment, the worker should bring:

  • Original passport
  • Appointment letter
  • Notification letter
  • Their mobile phone (with local mobile number) with both Singpass and SGWorkPass apps downloaded

During registration, we will capture the worker's fingerprints, take their photo and register them for a Singpass account. We will also help the worker set up the Singpass and SGWorkPass app on their mobile phone.

Set up digital work passShow

When: On the day of card registration

After they are registered for a Singpass account, inform your worker to:

  1. Download SGWorkPass (if they have not done so yet)
  2. Log into the app with their Singpass
  3. View their digital work pass and employment information

SGWorkPass app allows them easy and secure access to their digital work pass. They can check their status, expiry date and procure services earlier, without having to wait for delivery of their physical work pass cards.

If the worker is not required to report to MOMSC for card registration, please guide them to set up their digital work pass.

 

Receive the cardShow

When: Within 5 working days after registration or document verification

We will deliver the Work Permit card to the address given within 5 working days after the worker registers and gets documents verified. For workers who do not need to register, we will deliver the card within 5 working days after verifying their documents.

Guide your worker to set up their SGWorkPass app to view their digital work pass and employment information.

The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 working day before delivery.

When collecting the card, you will need to show these documents for identification:

Person receiving the card Required documents
Worker Passport or digital work pass
 Authorised person NRIC, FIN or passport

If you do not receive the card within 5 working days, check if you have uploaded the correct documents.

You can also check your card delivery status using WP Online. 

If card delivery fails

After unsuccessful deliveries, you’ll have to collect the card at the service desk of MOM Services Centre – Hall C.

You or an authorised person can collect the card 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don’t need an appointment for collection.

Bring along these documents for card collection:

  • Worker’s original passport or digital work pass
  • Notification letter

If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:

  • An authorisation letter from the employer
  • NRIC or passport for verification
  • Worker’s original passport
  • Notification letter

Information and Services

Ministry of Manpower

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