Work Permit (Performing Artiste)

Instead of the former PVP, foreign artistes performing at any bar, discotheque, lounge, night club, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant will need to apply for a Work Permit (Performing Artiste). The maximum duration of the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) is 6 months. If a longer work period is required, an Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit should be obtained. Companies/Firms is given a quota for the number of foreign artistes they can hire based on the seating capacity and operating hours of the entertainment outlets.

1 A foreigner who is involved in activities directly related to the organisation or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, cause, or political end.

2 A foreign religious worker giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion.

3 A foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not supported/sponsored by any Singapore Government agency to cover an event or write a story in Singapore.

The Work Permit (Performing Artiste) is issued only to foreign artistes performing at any bar, discotheque, lounge, night club, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant. Companies must have a valid PEL issued by the Public Entertainment Licensing Unit. At the time of applying for a Work Permit (Performing Artiste) you cannot be in Singapore unless you are a Malaysian. An administrative fee of $40 will be charged for each application. The processing time is 1 working day for online applications and 7 working days for manual applications For successful applications, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will issue an In-Principle Approval letter to the employer. This will also act as a one-time entry visa for the foreigner to enter Singapore.

U pon approval of the Work Permit application, an applicant should: Send the foreign worker for a medical examination. Request for the issuance of the WP; and Register the foreign worker’s address with the Ministry Of Manpower

A Work Permit will only be issued if the foreign worker passes a medical examination by a Singapore- registered doctor within 14 days of arrival.  Those who fail the medical examination will have to be repatriated. The medical examination screens the foreign worker for infectious diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria) that are of public health concern and is a check on whether the foreign worker is generally fit to work. In addition the Employer as to furnish a Security Bond Form to MOM. The rest of the collection procedures are the same as for Work Permits.

Public entertainers include:  Stage, radio or television artistes (e.g. singers, dancers, actors) and musicians. Athletes (all sportsmen in any sporting events or tournaments e.g. golfers, tennis players, horse jockeys, racing drivers, runners) The public entertainer will be treated as non-resident if he is in Singapore for less than 183 days in a calendar year. You are subject to a withholding tax of 15% on your gross income from services performed in Singapore. The withholding tax rate will be reduced from 15% to 10% if the income for your services performed in Singapore is due and payable to you during the period from 22 Feb 2010 to 31 Mar 2015. Tax exemption for short-term employment of 60 days or less in a calendar year does not apply to you.

Authorisation Forms: Key Data Form | Authorisation to Apply WP | Authorisation to Cancel WP

For assistance in Online Application email filmo@filmo.com