What work pass exempt activities are
Work pass exempt activities are specific short-term activities that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows a foreigner to carry out in Singapore without holding a work pass, provided the activity and its conditions fall within what MOM defines. For some of these activities you must first submit an eNotification to MOM; for others no notification is required.
There is an overall time limit: a foreigner may perform work pass exempt activities for up to 90 days in total per calendar year, across multiple visits, with the duration of each visit governed by the Short-Term Visit Pass issued on entry. Being exempt means no work pass is needed for that specific activity, within the limits and conditions.
An exemption is not a status you hold or build on, so it is not connected to Singapore Permanent Residence, or to Singapore citizenship beyond it, which run through settled, longer-term employment.
Which activities qualify, and notification
The exemption covers a defined list. The key distinction is whether an eNotification to MOM is required before the activity. The table below summarises common activities and their notification position; confirm the current list and conditions on the official MOM page.
| Activity | eNotification to MOM | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Company meetings, corporate retreats, business partner meetings | No | No employment contract involved |
| Attending training, workshops, seminars or conferences as a participant | No | No employment contract involved |
| Visiting a trade exhibition as a visitor | No | No employment contract involved |
| Arbitration and mediation services | Yes | Excludes religious, racial or political matters |
| Exhibiting at an exhibition | Yes | Limited to official exhibition hours |
| Journalism | Yes | Supported by the Government or a statutory board |
| Location filming and fashion shows | Yes | Excludes wedding videography and photography |
| Performances | Yes | Excludes certain licensed venues unless government-sponsored |
| Sports | Yes | Supported by the Government or a statutory board |
Failing to submit a required notification before starting the activity is an offence, so check whether your activity needs one.
The 90-day limit and how it works
The exemption is governed by conditions and, for some activities, a notification, rather than a full application. In outline:
Confirm the activity is on MOM's exempt list and understand its conditions.
For activities that require it, submit the eNotification before the activity begins.
Keep within the overall 90 days per calendar year and the duration of your Short-Term Visit Pass.
Where MOM allows, apply to extend the notification duration within the rules.
Because the 90 days is a total across visits in a calendar year, keep track of your days if you visit more than once.
How it relates to PR
An exemption simply means no work pass is required for a specific short activity; it is not a status and is not a route to permanent residence. PR is a separate, selective assessment that generally favours settled, longer-term employment and genuine ties. If your aim is to settle, the path runs through a substantive role on a standard pass, as our Employment Pass to Singapore PR guide explains.
Common misunderstandings
Exemptions are often misunderstood.
What people get wrong
- Assuming an exemption is open-ended, when it is limited to specific activities and up to 90 days per calendar year.
- Skipping the eNotification that some activities require, which is an offence.
- Assuming no activity needs notification, when several do.
- Treating an exemption as a status or a step to PR, which it is not.
- Relying on unofficial lists instead of MOM’s current exempt activities.
Frequently asked questions
What are work pass exempt activities?
They are specific short-term activities MOM lets a foreigner do in Singapore without a work pass, for up to 90 days in total per calendar year, with some activities requiring an eNotification to MOM first.
How many days can I do exempt activities?
Up to 90 days in total per calendar year, across multiple visits, with each visit governed by the Short-Term Visit Pass issued on entry.
Do I need to notify MOM?
For some activities, yes, such as arbitration and mediation, government-supported journalism or sports, exhibiting, performances and filming. For others, such as attending meetings or seminars, no notification is required. Failing to notify when required is an offence.
Is an exemption a route to PR?
No. It is not a status, just permission to do a specific short activity without a pass, so it is not connected to the selective PR assessment.
What if my activity is not exempt?
Then a work pass, such as the Miscellaneous Work Pass or a standard pass, may be required. Check the official MOM website.
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