Nursing Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners 2026: SNB Registration, Pay, Roles & How to Apply

Nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners involve having an employment offer from an eligible healthcare employer, being registered or enrolled with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB), and obtaining the appropriate work pass. The types of nursing jobs for foreigners include registered nurse, enrolled nurse, or supporting care, depending on their qualifications and experience. For professional nursing, the process of registration with the SNB is normally initiated by the employer, while foreign nurses need to qualify for the SNB Licensure Exam.

Many applicants try to register with the SNB before finding a job. In practice, foreign-trained nurses need an employment offer from an eligible healthcare institution before SNB registration can move forward.

This guide explains nursing roles, eligibility, the SNB process, salaries, where to find jobs and agencies, documents, costs, and common scams.

Can Foreign Nurses Work in Singapore?

Yes, foreign nurses can work in Singapore if they meet SNB registration requirements and hold the correct work pass. The healthcare employer usually starts the SNB process and also applies for the work pass.

Which Nursing Jobs Can Foreigners Get in Singapore?

Nursing roles differ by qualification, employer, and work setting. The examples below are common role types to explore and are not a list of confirmed vacancies.

Staff Nurse Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners

Staff nurse jobs in Singapore for foreigners usually require the applicant to qualify for SNB registration as a registered nurse. Staff nurses may work in public hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, community care settings, or nursing homes. A professional work pass such as an S Pass or Employment Pass may apply depending on the salary and job level.

Nursing Aide Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners

Nursing aide jobs in Singapore for foreigners involve support work such as helping patients with hygiene, mobility, meals, and daily care. These roles are different from registered nursing, so the exact qualifications and work pass depend on the employer and care setting. Applicants who do not yet qualify for SNB registration may explore support care roles if the employer can legally hire them for that position.

Nursing Home Jobs for Foreigners in Singapore

Nursing home jobs for foreigners in Singapore can include registered nurse, enrolled nurse, nursing aide, and other support roles. Nurses who want to practise professionally still need the correct SNB registration or enrolment, while support roles follow the employer's own qualification and work pass requirements. SNB registration for foreign-trained nurses also requires an offer from an eligible healthcare institution.

Advanced Practice and Specialty Nurse Roles

For Advanced Practice Nurses, the educational and experience level required in nursing is greater. SNB education requirements for APNs include that the RN should be registered with a valid practicing certificate, should have at least five years of experience in RN practice, and should have completed an accredited master's degree in nursing.

How Much Do Nurses Earn in Singapore?

Nursing pay depends on the role, experience, employer, shift pattern, and qualification. There is no single salary that applies to every nurse in Singapore.

Indeed reported an average registered nurse salary of SGD 3,814 per month based on around 1,500 reported salaries, updated on September 27, 2026. Nurse's aides averaged about SGD 2,202 per month based on reported salary data. 

Who Is Eligible to Work as a Nurse in Singapore?

Applicants looking for nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners must meet both professional and immigration requirements. SNB assesses foreign nursing qualifications and registration eligibility before a nurse can practise in Singapore.

Common requirements include:

• A nursing qualification that SNB considers suitable for registration or enrolment

• Registration with the nursing authority in the country where you trained

• A current practising licence where applicable

• A job offer from an eligible healthcare institution in Singapore

• Nursing education and registration documents

• Verification documents sent by the issuing authority where required

• Successful completion of the SNB Licensure Examination if SNB requires it

• A valid practising certificate before starting nursing work

SNB does not publish a simple list saying every nursing school from a particular country is automatically accepted. Applications are assessed based on the applicant's training, registration, documents, and role.

How Do Foreign Nurses Get Registered and Hired in Singapore?

For nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners, the usual order is to find an eligible employer first and then begin the SNB registration process. SNB reviews the application, decides whether the nurse can sit the licensure examination, and the employer handles the work pass process.

The general steps are:

1. Apply for nursing jobs with eligible healthcare employers.

2. Receive a job offer.

3. The employer's HR team starts the SNB application.

4. SNB reviews the nursing qualifications and documents.

5. SNB decides whether you are eligible for the Licensure Examination.

6. Take the RN or EN examination in English if required.

7. Complete registration or enrollment requirements.

8. Obtain a valid practising certificate.

9. The employer completes the work pass process.

10. Start work only after all required approvals are complete.

SNB states that foreign-trained nurses must first submit a registration application before being considered for the Licensure Examination. The average processing time is around four weeks when documents are complete, although complex cases may take longer.

What Changes Should Foreign Nurses Know in 2026? 

Foreign nurses should pay attention to Singapore's work pass salary rules in 2026, especially if the employer plans to use an S Pass or Employment Pass. The S Pass minimum qualifying salary is currently SGD 3,300 per month for most sectors and increases with age. From January 1, 2027, the base minimum will rise to SGD 3,600 for new applications.

For Employment Pass applications, the existing minimum qualifying monthly salary is SGD 5,600 for most industries. It will rise to SGD 6,000 starting from January 1, 2027, and older candidates have to meet a higher minimum qualifying monthly salary requirement. EP applications are considered under the COMPASS scheme as well.

Where to Find Nursing Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners

Nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners can be found on the careers page of the employer in the healthcare industry, credible job websites, and recruitment firms. Ensure that the prospective employer is open to hiring foreign-trained nurses before submitting any application materials.

Hospital and Nursing Home Career Pages

Foreign nurses may visit career pages on the websites of public healthcare clusters, private hospitals, community hospitals, nursing homes, and other eligible healthcare institutions. Some examples of the large clusters within the Singapore public healthcare system include the National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth. It is advisable to consult the career page of the specific healthcare facility.

Recruitment Agencies for Foreign Nurses in Singapore

Recruitment agencies for foreign nurses in Singapore may be of assistance in finding a match between nurses and their future employer, as well as with some elements of the recruiting process. The employment agencies operating in Singapore have to be licensed by the MOM, and therefore you need to check the agency's legitimacy via the official EA Directory prior to paying any fees or submitting documents.

Can New Graduate Nurses Work in Singapore?

Sometimes, new graduates may find employers willing to consider them, but SNB registration requirements still apply. Foreign-trained applicants generally need to show their nursing registration or licensing details from the country where they trained, which can make immediate overseas employment difficult for someone who has not yet completed local registration.

New graduates should ask employers whether fresh overseas-trained nurses are accepted for the position. They should also check whether the role is for a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, or support worker because the requirements are different.

What Working Conditions, Shifts and Benefits Can Nurses Expect?

Nursing work can involve rotating shifts, weekends, nights, and public holidays depending on the employer and department.

Common employment terms may include:

• Day shift, evening shift, and night shift

• Work during weekends and public holidays

• Annual leave

• Sick leave

• Shift allowance

• Overtime wherever applicable

• Medical insurance

• Insurance

• Housing and accommodation allowance in certain employment contracts

• Probation periods

• Training support

• Uniform allowances in some roles

Foreign workers on an S Pass or Employment Pass should check the salary, working hours, allowances, leave, and benefits carefully before accepting the contract.

What Is the Career Path for Foreign Nurses in Singapore?

Foreign nurses can build their careers after gaining the correct registration and experience in Singapore.

Possible paths include:

• Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse after gaining the required qualification

• Registered Nurse to senior clinical roles

• Specialty nursing in areas like intensive care, renal care, operating theatre, or mental health

• Nurse educator or management roles

• Advanced Practice Nurse after meeting SNB's education and experience requirements

For APN roles, SNB demands that the candidates be RNs with an advanced degree in nursing education through the Master of Nursing program and relevant clinical experience.

What Documents Do Foreign Nurses Need?

Documents should be prepared by candidates early on, as verification from the issuing institution or nursing board might be required by SNB and/or employers.

Common documents include:

• Valid passport

• Updated resume

• Nursing diploma or degree

• Academic transcripts

• Nursing registration certificate from the home country

• Current practising licence

• Employment and experience letters

• Professional reference letters

• Job offer from the Singapore employer

• Verification letters from the nursing authority or school

• Passport-sized photograph

• Other documents requested by SNB or MOM

SNB's registration form asks foreign-trained applicants to provide overseas nursing registration and licensing details, including current practising certificate information. Some documents may need to come directly from the issuing authority rather than from the nurse.

What Are the SNB Registration Costs and Who Pays?

SNB fees are separate from work pass costs, and employers may have different policies on whether they reimburse some professional registration expenses.

SNB's February 2025 guide lists registration-related fees of SGD 115 for an RN and SGD 95 for an EN, excluding document verification and exam costs. The licensure exam fee should be confirmed with SNB or the employer, and applicants should avoid anyone asking for large upfront payments for guaranteed registration or employment. 

What Nursing Job Scams Should Foreigners Avoid in Singapore?

Foreign nurses should be cautious if a recruiter promises guaranteed SNB registration, work pass approval, or immediate nursing employment in exchange for money.

Common warning signs include:

• A guaranteed SNB registration offer

• Guaranteed work pass approval

• An unlicensed recruitment agency

• A fake hospital or nursing home offer

• No proper interview

• Requests for large upfront payments

• Being asked to travel on a tourist pass and start work

• Salary or duties changing after the offer

• Requests for bank passwords or sensitive information too early

How Can You Check Whether a Nursing Job Offer Is Genuine?

Before accepting a nursing job offer, confirm that the employer and recruiter are genuine and that the job terms are clearly written.

• Check the employer on its official website.

• Confirm the recruitment agency in MOM's EA Directory.

• Determine if the employer is able to facilitate SNB registration.

• Review the salary, nursing position, and work pass information.

• Sign an employment contract before leaving for Singapore.

• Do not entertain any promises regarding SNB registration and work passes.

FAQs

1. Can foreigners apply for nursing jobs in Singapore from outside the country?

Yes, foreign nurses can apply for positions as nurses in Singapore even while residing abroad. However, they have to have a job offer from an eligible healthcare organization before applying to SNB.

2. Do Foreign nurses need to pass an exam to work in Singapore?

Foreign-trained nurses may need to pass the SNB Licensure Examination before completing registration or enrolment. SNB decides whether the applicant is eligible to sit the exam after reviewing the registration application.

3. Can I register with the Singapore Nursing Board before I have a job offer?

No, SNB states that foreign-trained nurses need an offer of employment from an eligible healthcare institution in Singapore before they can practise and proceed with the registration process.

4. Which nursing qualifications are recognised in Singapore?

SNB assesses foreign nursing qualifications based on the applicant's education, registration, licensing, and supporting documents. Applicants should not assume that a foreign qualification is automatically accepted.

5. Can a Foreign nurse work as a nursing aide if they do not pass the exam?

Possibly, if an employer has a separate nursing aide or support care role and can legally hire the applicant for it. A nursing aide role is different from working as a registered or enrolled nurse.

6. Do nursing homes in Singapore hire foreign nurses?

Some of these facilities have foreign nurses and staff. However, even professional nurses will need to be registered with the SNB and have the proper work pass.

7. How long does SNB registration take for a foreign nurse?

SNB states that the average processing time is around four weeks when documents are complete and in order. Complex cases or missing documents can take longer.

8. Who pays for the SNB licensure exam and registration fees?

It depends upon the employer and the employment contract. Some employers will be responsible for the fees for professional registration, while some employers will want the nurse to pay the fees.

9. Can my family join me if I work as a nurse in Singapore?

It depends on your work pass and salary. For example, S Pass holders can apply for Dependant's Passes for eligible family members when they earn at least SGD 6,000 per month.

10. How can I check whether nursing jobs in Singapore for foreigners are genuine?

Visit the website of the employer, authenticate any recruiting firm via the EA Directory of MOM, and ensure that the employer is conducting the SNB process properly. Do not pay any amount to guarantee SNB registration and/or work pass approval.