10 ways you can work in Singapore without needing a work pass

Arbitration or mediation services[i]

Useful if you’re here to arbitrate/mediate some commercial dispute.

No race, religion or politics/cause related services allowed for this one.

Exhibitions[ii]

This is most useful if you’re here registered with the organiser of an exhibition to —

provide information on, put up a performance of or give a demonstration of anything related to the subject of the exhibition; or

display or sell the goods or services that are the subject of the exhibition, at the exhibition during the exhibition’s official opening hours

Setting up, maintaining or cleaning up after the event doesn’t count.

Also, check with the National Environmental Agency whether it’s an event they have to approve – if they do, then you can’t rely on this exception. [iii]

Journalism[iv]

This applies if you’re supported by the Singapore government or a statutory board.

If you’re not, and you’re here for less than 60 days, you probably need a Miscellaneous Work Pass. This requires sponsorship by a Singapore based organisation or society.

Casino Junkets[v]

You may not need a work pass, but you have to have the relevant licence under the [vi] Casino Regulatory Authority.

Location filming or fashion shows[vii]

This really only applies to productions leading to TV shows or movies.

This does not apply to artists performing at venues with a Public Entertainment Licence like nightclubs. A work permit for performing artists may be required.

Performances[viii]

Useful for artists performing at public performance venues like the Esplanade or the Indoor Stadium, or events supported by the government or a statutory board.

As with the location filming and fashion show exception, this does not apply to folks working at Public Entertainment Licence like nightclubs. A work permit for performing artists may be required.

Specialised Services related to a new plant/operations/equipment[ix]

This covers things like repair and installation of machinery and setting up new factory production lines.

However, notably, renovation and carpentry work isn’t included.

Seminars and Conferences[x]

This applies to any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk, the main purpose of which is not the sale or promotion of goods or services. Useful if you are a speaker, moderator, facilitator or trainer.

You can’t rely on this if your event relates to race or religion, is cause-related or is directed towards a political end. For this you will need a miscellaneous work permit.

Doing the catering, setting up or administration work doesn’t count.

Sports[xi]

This applies to any sports competition, event or training (including involvement as a sportsman, a coach, an umpire, a referee or a key support staff) supported by the Government or any statutory board.

Doesn’t apply if you’re a sportsman employed by a Singapore sports organisation.