30 January 2024

Singapore announces visa exemption for Mainland Chinese nationals and updates to work pass requirements

The government of Singapore recently announced the introduction of a visa exemption for Mainland Chinese nationals, a new notification process for holders of Personalised Employment Passes (PEP) and a pilot Cultural Orientation Programme for S Pass holders. Effective 4 January 2024, PEP holders (or their employers) are required to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) using a new online form (instead of via email) within one week of the start or end of the PEP holder´s employment, or a change in their employer. PEP holders are also required to declare their annual salary to the MOM by 31 January each year (note: their employers may now assist with this notification). For passes issued on or before 31 December 2022, the declaration must be submitted by 31 January 2024. For passes issued on or after 1 January 2023, the declaration must be submitted by 31 January 2025.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2024-0291