Singapore is calling for nurses from around the world. If you’re a qualified nurse looking for better pay, modern hospitals, and a safe place to work, Singapore might be your best choice in 2026.
The country needs more nurses because its population is getting older and healthcare demand keeps growing. This creates real opportunities for foreign nurses who want to work in one of Asia’s most advanced healthcare systems.
This guide shows you everything about nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners—from salaries and work passes to licensing steps and how to apply successfully.
Why Singapore Needs Foreign Nurses Right Now
Singapore has some of the best hospitals in Asia, but it doesn’t have enough nurses to staff them all. Here’s why they’re hiring from overseas:
Aging Population: More elderly people means more hospital visits and long-term care needs.
Medical Tourism: Thousands of international patients come to Singapore for treatment every year.
New Healthcare Facilities: The government keeps building new hospitals and clinics across the island.
Local Shortage: Not enough Singaporean students are choosing nursing as a career.
For foreign nurses, this means:
- Employers actively recruit from the Philippines, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other countries
- Work pass sponsorship is commonly offered
- Training programs help you adapt to Singapore’s healthcare system
- Long-term career growth is possible with the right qualifications
Singapore treats foreign nurses professionally. The rules are clear, salaries are paid on time, and your legal rights are protected.
Types of Nursing Jobs Available for Foreigners
Foreign nurses work in different healthcare settings across Singapore. Your job type depends on your qualifications, experience, and which license you hold.
Public Hospitals
Large government hospitals like Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and National University Hospital hire many foreign nurses.
Common roles: Staff nurses, registered nurses, ICU nurses, emergency room nurses
Work environment: Fast-paced, high patient volume, modern equipment
Benefits: Good training programs, stable employment, clear promotion paths
Private Hospitals
Private facilities like Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Raffles Hospital, and Gleneagles Hospital also employ foreign nurses.
Common roles: Registered nurses, specialty nurses, surgical nurses
Work environment: Smaller patient groups, international patients, premium care standards
Benefits: Often higher pay, more personalized care settings
Community Clinics
Neighborhood clinics provide primary care and need experienced nurses.
Common roles: Clinic nurses, general practice nurses
Work environment: Regular hours, less stressful than hospitals, community-focused
Benefits: Better work-life balance, consistent schedules
Eldercare Facilities
Nursing homes and senior care centers have growing demand.
Common roles: Geriatric nurses, aged care nurses, long-term care nurses
Work environment: Focus on elderly patients, slower pace than acute care
Benefits: Meaningful long-term patient relationships, steady demand
Specialty Nursing Positions
Experienced nurses can work in specialized departments.
Available specialties: Oncology nursing, dialysis nursing, pediatric nursing, operating room nursing, critical care nursing
Requirements: Usually need 2-3 years of specialty experience plus relevant certifications
Benefits: Higher salaries, advanced skills development
How Much Do Foreign Nurses Earn in Singapore?
Nursing salaries in Singapore are competitive compared to other Asian countries. Your exact pay depends on your qualifications, experience, and employer.
Monthly Salary Ranges (2026)
Enrolled Nurse: SGD 2,200 to SGD 3,000 (approximately USD 1,650 to USD 2,250)
Staff Nurse: SGD 3,000 to SGD 4,500 (approximately USD 2,250 to USD 3,400)
Registered Nurse: SGD 4,500 to SGD 6,500 (approximately USD 3,400 to USD 4,900)
Senior/Specialist Nurse: SGD 6,500+ (approximately USD 4,900+)
Additional Income
Many nurses earn extra money through:
- Overtime pay: Time-and-a-half or double-time rates
- Night shift allowance: Extra SGD 10-20 per shift
- Weekend premiums: Additional pay for Saturday/Sunday work
- Annual bonuses: Usually 1-2 months of salary
- Performance bonuses: Based on patient care quality
- Housing allowance: SGD 200-500 monthly at some employers
- Transport allowance: SGD 50-100 monthly
Living Costs to Consider
Monthly expenses in Singapore:
- Shared room rental: SGD 600-900
- Private room rental: SGD 900-1,400
- Food (cooking at home): SGD 300-500
- Public transport: SGD 100-150
- Phone and internet: SGD 50-80
- Personal expenses: SGD 200-400
Most nurses can save SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,000 monthly after expenses.
Work Pass Options for Foreign Nurses
You cannot work legally in Singapore without a valid work pass. Your employer must sponsor your application.
Employment Pass (EP)
Who qualifies: Highly qualified registered nurses with strong experience
Minimum salary: At least SGD 5,000 monthly (higher for older applicants)
Benefits:
- Bring family members to Singapore
- Easy to renew
- Can eventually apply for permanent residence
- No quota limits
Best for: Senior nurses, nurse managers, specialist nurses
S Pass
Who qualifies: Mid-level skilled nurses with relevant diplomas or degrees
Minimum salary: At least SGD 3,150 monthly
Requirements:
- Acceptable qualifications
- Employer meets S Pass quota
- Pass Ministry of Manpower assessment
Benefits:
- Renewable work authorization
- Can bring family if earning above SGD 6,000
- Pathway to permanent residence
Best for: Staff nurses, enrolled nurses, general duty nurses
Training Employment Pass
Who qualifies: Newly hired foreign nurses completing clinical orientation
Duration: Temporary, usually 3-6 months
Purpose: Allows supervised practice while completing Singapore Nursing Board requirements
Transition: Converts to S Pass or Employment Pass after registration completes
Singapore Nursing Board Registration Process
All nurses must register with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) before practicing. Your employer usually helps with this process.
Step 1: Credential Verification
Submit your nursing degree or diploma for evaluation. SNB checks if your education meets Singapore standards.
Documents needed:
- Original degree/diploma certificate
- Official transcripts
- Course curriculum details
- Clinical training hours documentation
Processing time: 4-8 weeks
Step 2: English Language Requirement
If your nursing education wasn’t in English, you may need:
- IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum score varies)
- Other approved English tests
Exemptions: Nurses from Philippines, India, or English-speaking countries often skip this requirement.
Step 3: Assessment Process
SNB reviews your qualifications and may require:
Supervised Practice Period: Work under supervision for 3-6 months while demonstrating competency
Bridging Courses: Short training programs if your education has gaps
Written/Practical Exams: Some nurses take competency assessments
Step 4: Registration Approval
Once approved, you receive:
- SNB registration number
- Practicing certificate (renewable annually)
- Legal authorization to work as a nurse in Singapore
Registration fees: Approximately SGD 150-300
Timeline: Complete process takes 2-4 months on average
Benefits Foreign Nurses Receive
Singapore employers offer comprehensive benefit packages to attract and keep good nurses.
Standard Benefits Include:
Work Pass Sponsorship: Employer pays all visa application fees and handles paperwork
Paid Leave:
- Annual leave: 7-21 days per year (increases with tenure)
- Sick leave: 14 days outpatient, 60 days hospitalized
- Public holidays: 11 days off yearly
Health Coverage:
- Medical insurance for workplace injuries
- Outpatient benefits at some employers
- Subsidized healthcare at government hospitals
Professional Development:
- Orientation training programs
- Continuing education courses
- Certification exam support
- Conference attendance opportunities
Financial Support:
- Sign-on bonuses (SGD 1,000-3,000 for some positions)
- Contract completion bonuses
- Shift differential payments
- Annual wage increases
Additional Perks:
- Uniform provision
- Subsidized meals during shifts
- Staff wellness programs
- Employee assistance counseling
Documents You Need to Apply
Having complete documentation speeds up your application and approval process.
Essential Documents:
Personal Identification:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Birth certificate copy
Educational Credentials:
- Nursing degree or diploma certificate
- Official transcripts from nursing school
- Course syllabi or curriculum details
Professional Documentation:
- Current nursing license from home country
- Work experience letters from previous employers
- Professional reference letters
- Continuing education certificates
Medical Requirements:
- Complete health screening results
- Tuberculosis test clearance
- Vaccination records (Hepatitis B, others as required)
- Medical fitness certificate
Work Pass Application:
- Completed application forms
- Employer sponsorship letter
- Passport-sized photos meeting Singapore specifications
Pro Tip: Get all documents translated to English by certified translators if they’re in other languages.
How to Apply for Nursing Jobs Successfully
Follow these steps to improve your chances of getting hired.
Step 1: Check Your Qualifications
Make sure you meet basic requirements:
- Completed nursing diploma or degree from recognized institution
- At least 1-2 years of clinical experience (preferred)
- Good English communication skills
- Valid nursing license in your home country
Step 2: Search for Jobs
Top job portals for Singapore nursing positions:
- HealthcareNetwork.sg
- MyCareersFuture.sg (government job portal)
- JobStreet Singapore
- Indeed Singapore
- Hospital websites (apply directly)
Direct applications: Visit websites of major hospitals and submit applications through their career pages.
Step 3: Prepare Your Resume
Singapore employers expect:
- Professional format (no photos unless requested)
- Clear work history with specific duties
- Relevant certifications and training
- Contact information
- References available upon request
Keep it concise: 2 pages maximum
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Positions
Don’t put all hopes on one job. Apply to:
- 5-10 different hospitals or clinics
- Both public and private employers
- Different nursing specialties you’re qualified for
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Common interview questions:
- Why do you want to work in Singapore?
- Describe your clinical experience
- How do you handle difficult patients?
- What are your career goals?
- Can you work night shifts or weekends?
Interview tips:
- Dress professionally
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Show enthusiasm for nursing
- Ask thoughtful questions about the role
- Follow up with thank-you email
Step 6: Work with Recruitment Agencies
Reputable agencies that place foreign nurses:
- HealthStaff Recruitment
- Agensi Pekerjaan VR Excellence
- CareerLink Healthcare
Agency benefits: They handle job matching, interview coordination, and sometimes visa processing support.
Real Success Story: From Application to Employment
Maria, a registered nurse from the Philippines with 4 years of ICU experience, applied for nursing jobs in Singapore in early 2025.
She submitted applications to 8 different hospitals through MyCareersFuture.sg. Within 3 weeks, she received interview invitations from 3 hospitals.
After video interviews, she accepted a staff nurse position at a public hospital offering SGD 3,800 monthly plus allowances. Her employer sponsored her S Pass and guided her through SNB registration.
The entire process from application to arrival in Singapore took 4 months. She completed a 6-week orientation program and now works in the cardiology ward, earning overtime and saving SGD 1,500 monthly.
Maria’s advice: “Apply to many positions, be patient with the process, and prepare all documents in advance.”
Path to Permanent Residence
Many foreign nurses eventually apply for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore.
Eligibility factors:
- Stable employment for at least 2-3 years
- Good salary level
- Professional qualifications
- Family ties in Singapore
- Contribution to Singapore society
Benefits of PR status:
- No need for work pass renewals
- Can change employers freely
- Access to public housing
- Better healthcare subsidies
- Children get priority school enrollment
- Path to citizenship after several years
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse in Singapore without experience?
Some entry-level positions accept new graduates, but most employers prefer nurses with at least 1-2 years of clinical experience. You may start with supervised training roles.
Do I need to speak Chinese or Malay?
No. English is the working language in all Singapore hospitals and clinics. Knowing other languages helps but isn’t required.
Will my employer provide housing?
Usually no. Most foreign nurses arrange their own accommodation. However, some employers offer housing allowances (SGD 200-500 monthly) or help finding rooms.
How long does the work pass take?
S Pass applications typically process within 3-6 weeks. Employment Pass may take 8-10 weeks. Processing times vary based on application completeness.
Can nursing jobs lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Nurses with stable employment, good salaries, and professional qualifications can apply for PR after working in Singapore for 2-3 years. Approval isn’t guaranteed but many nurses succeed.
What if I don’t pass SNB registration?
You can reapply after completing required bridging courses or gaining more supervised practice experience. Your employer usually supports you through this process.
Start Your Singapore Nursing Career Today
Nursing jobs in Singapore offer foreign professionals excellent opportunities in 2026. You’ll find competitive salaries, modern healthcare facilities, clear legal protections, and realistic paths to long-term residency.
The demand for qualified nurses continues growing across public hospitals, private clinics, and eldercare facilities. With proper preparation and complete documentation, you can successfully transition to Singapore’s healthcare system.
Take these actions now:
- Check if your qualifications meet Singapore standards
- Prepare all required documents
- Search jobs on MyCareersFuture.sg and hospital websites
- Apply to multiple positions
- Research living costs and salary expectations
- Connect with recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare system is ready for dedicated nurses who want professional growth and financial stability. Your nursing career in one of Asia’s most advanced countries can start today.
Article Updated: January 2026 | Salary ranges and visa requirements may change based on Singapore government policies and healthcare sector conditions