Work Permit For Performing Artiste

Singapore Work Permit for Performing Artiste (PA)

 
The Work Permit for performing artistes allows foreign performers to work in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. Find out about the requirements and how to apply.
 

Work Permit (Performing Artiste) Scheme to Cease from 1 June 2026

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will discontinue the Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme from 1 June 2026 due to widespread abuse uncovered during recent enforcement operations.

Key points:

• No new applications under this scheme will be accepted from 1 June 2026.

• Businesses may continue to employ their existing performing artistes until their current passes expire or are cancelled.

• Companies should prepare alternative arrangements, such as:

  • Engaging performers through third-party entertainment service providers,

  • Hiring eligible performers on regular work passes, or

  • Using the Work Pass Exempt (WPE) route for qualifying short-term performances (excluding venues with Category 1 Public Entertainment Licence).

This decision was made in consultation with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to provide sufficient transition time. MOM and MTI will continue to work with industry partners to monitor sector developments.

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Key facts on Work Permit for Performing Artiste in Singapore

Get an overview and key facts about the Work Permit for foreign performing artistes to work in public entertainment outlets.

Pass facts

Key facts about the Work Permit for performing artiste:

Eligibility for Work Permit for performing artiste

Eligible employers can hire foreign performing artistes to work in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs.

Who can apply

If you want to hire a foreign performing artiste to work in Singapore, your business must:

• Have a CAT 1 Public Entertainment Licence issued by the Singapore Police Force.
• Operate at least 6 hours a day.
• Be classified as a bar, discotheque, lounge, nightclub, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant.
• Employ at least one local full-time employee who is making CPF contributions.

Quota and levy

The number of performing artistes that you can hire is limited by a quota and subject to a levy.
You can employ up to 8 foreign performing artistes. Larger outlets can employ up to 12 foreign artistes on a case-by-case basis.
You will also need to pay a foreign worker levy for each artiste, depending on how many you hire:

Eligibility

Source countries
Foreign performing artistes are not subject to source country restriction.
Age when applying
The minimum age for all non-domestic foreign workers is 18 years old.
Maximum period of employment
The maximum duration of the Work Permit for performing artistes is 6 months.
Other restrictions
Foreign performing artistes are not allowed to hold another Work Permit (even for another occupation) for 1 year after they stop work as a performing artiste.

ACHI BIZ is one of the licensed Employment Agencies in Singapore. We will assist your work pass related applications and appeals at our level best with the regulatory authority Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) for successful outcome.

Please refer to our GUIDES for more information, SERVICES to meet your requirements or CONTACT us if you wish to avail these or many other services.