For internationally qualified nurses, Singapore offers a direct pathway to advance your career with employer-sponsored visas, competitive salaries averaging SGD 3,800–5,500/month, and a world-class healthcare system. The Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) registration and securing an S Pass are critical steps. This guide details the 2026 process, from credential assessment to landing a role at major hospitals like SingHealth or National University Health System (NUHS).
Why Singapore Actively Recruits International Nurses
Singapore faces an aging population and a sustained demand for skilled healthcare professionals, creating a robust recruitment market for foreign nurses. The Ministry of Health (MOH) supports this through streamlined employment pass frameworks. Key healthcare clusters—SingHealth, NUHS, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital regularly sponsor visas. Nurses with specialties in geriatrics, ICU, or peri-operative care are in particularly high demand for roles in precincts like Novena or Outram.
What Are the 2026 Licensing & Visa Requirements?
To practice, you must first obtain SNB registration, followed by a work pass sponsored by your employer. The mandatory requirements include:
- Education: A recognized nursing diploma or degree. An Educational Commission for Foreign Nursing Graduates (ECFNG) certificate may be required for certain countries.
- Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of post-registration clinical experience in an acute care hospital setting.
- SNB Registration: Pass the SNB Licensing Examination or competency assessment. This includes meeting English proficiency via IELTS (Academic 7.0) or OET (Grade B) if your training was not in English.
- Work Pass: Employers typically sponsor an S Pass (minimum salary ~SGD 3,000) or an Employment Pass for senior roles.
How to Apply with Visa Sponsorship: A 5-Step Process
Step 1: Credential Assessment & SNB Application
Submit your academic transcripts, license verification, and employment certificates to the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) for evaluation. Begin this process before securing a job, as approval is required for the work pass.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer with Sponsorship
Apply directly to public healthcare clusters or through approved agencies like MOH Holdings. Your offer must explicitly state the employer will sponsor your S Pass or Employment Pass.
Step 3: Complete Pre-Employment Checks
Once the employer files your pass application with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), you’ll undergo a medical examination (including chest X-ray and HIV test) as per Singapore’s entry requirements.
Step 4: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)
The IPA letter allows you to enter Singapore. You must then complete the SNB registration formalities and convert your IPA to a formal pass card.
Step 5: Begin Employment and Finalize Registration
Attend hospital orientation. Your employer will facilitate the final step of collecting your Singapore Nurse Practicing Certificate (SNPC).
Which Healthcare Institutions are Hiring?
Major public and private employers with established sponsorship programs include:
- Public Healthcare Clusters: SingHealth, National University Health System (NUHS), Alexandra Hospital.
- Community Care: Active Global Respite Care, Ren Ci Hospital.
- Private Hospitals: Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital.
For current openings, monitor the official MOH Healthcare Careers portal.
What is the salary and benefits package?
Salaries are structured competitively. A staff nurse typically earns SGD 3,800–4,800/month, while senior staff nurses can earn SGD 4,500–5,500+.
The comprehensive benefits package usually includes:
- Annual Wage Supplement (13th-month bonus)
- Housing subsidy or employer-assisted accommodation
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Generous annual leave (18–21 days)
- Professional development allowance for continuing education.
Conclusion
With reasonable pay, robust healthcare coverage, and visa sponsorship, Singapore offers international registered nurses great options. Singapore is a great place for nurses looking for stability and career advancement because of its sophisticated healthcare system and strong need for qualified workers. If you are eligible, think about applying right now to land a fulfilling nursing position in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a nurse in Singapore?
Yes, you must pass the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) test and register with the Singapore Nursing Council (SNC).
What salary can I expect as a registered nurse in Singapore?
Assistant nurses can make up to $1,450 per month, depending on their experience and qualifications.
