Work in Singapore

Currently, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower Strategic Skills List shows a need for auditory verbal therapists, clinical audiologists, clinical laboratory technicians/medical technologists, doctors, dieticians, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, radiographers, radiation therapists, respiratory speech therapists, and speech therapists. Individual hospitals are also looking for other specific skills.

Foreign professionals who have found employment in Singapore and are about to commence work will need a Professional Visa or an Employment Pass (EP). To qualify for an EP, you must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,500 and show evidence of recognised qualifications. Degrees, professional qualifications and specialist skills will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Ministry of Manpower.

For health professionals wishing to work in Singapore long-term, a work permit or EP must be obtained through the relevant employer (EPs are issued for periods of one month to a maximum of five years). Bear in mind that Employment Passes and Dependent Passes can only be obtained after you have arrived in Singapore.

The Singapore Government’s Ministry of Manpower offers an online Employment/ S Pass Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to help potential migrants determine their eligibility easily. You will need to submit your approximate fixed monthly salary to complete the assessment.

Foreign doctors in Singapore must obtain one of four types of registration in order to practice medicine in the country – full registration, conditional registration, temporary registration or provisional registration. Applications for registration must be submitted though your Singaporean employer. Full details of registration requirements for each of the categories can be found on the Singapore Medical Council website.