Singapore Work Visa Requirements for Teachers: The 2026 Complete Checklist

You've just gotten an offer from an international school in Singapore. The salary is competitive. The school is solid. But now comes the question that keeps you up: Will I actually get the visa?

Singapore is one of the most desirable teaching destinations in Asia. It's also one of the most regulated. The good news? The process is straightforward if you know what you're up against. The visa rules are clear, the timeline is predictable, and schools here are experienced at navigating the paperwork. The catch? Singapore raised its salary threshold in 2025, and it's going up again next year. You need to understand what the numbers mean for your offer.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting an Employment Pass (EP) to teach in Singapore.

The Employment Pass: Your Path to Teaching in Singapore

The Employment Pass is the work visa for foreign professionals in Singapore, including teachers. It's valid for two years and allows you to work for your sponsoring employer.

Here's what makes it different from other countries: Singapore uses a points-based system called COMPASS to assess all EP applicants. This went into effect in September 2023. You don't just need the right salary. You need to demonstrate that hiring you makes sense for Singapore's economy [1].

The employer handles the application. Your school submits your details to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on your behalf. You don't pay a fee. Your school does. This is important: any offer that asks you to pay visa fees is a red flag.

Salary Requirements: The Numbers Keep Changing

This is where things get tricky, because Singapore just updated its salary rules, and more changes are coming.

Right now (2026):

The minimum qualifying salary for an Employment Pass in the non-financial services sector is SGD 5,600 per month [1].

But here's the part schools don't always tell you: the requirement increases with age.

Age	Minimum Monthly Salary
Under 30	SGD 5,600
30–39	SGD 6,800
40–44	SGD 9,100
45+	SGD 10,700

This is why a 45-year-old teacher might need the same salary offer as a 25-year-old, but with a higher dollar figure attached.

Starting January 1, 2027, the minimums are increasing. The new thresholds will start at SGD 6,000 and climb from there [1]. Your school should know about this already. If they offer you a salary that looks good today but drops below the 2027 threshold, you'll have a problem when it comes time to renew.

What international schools actually pay:

At international schools in Singapore, salaries are typically higher than the minimum. English teachers can expect SGD 5,000–10,000 monthly, depending on the school, your experience, and your qualifications [2]. This usually includes benefits like flights, housing allowance, health insurance, and professional development support.

The takeaway: Make sure your offer is well above the minimum. Not just today, but for 2027. A school that offers you exactly SGD 5,600 is taking a risk, and that risk becomes your problem.

COMPASS Points: How Singapore Evaluates Your Application

The Employment Pass isn't automatic. You need to score 40 points or higher across six criteria [1].

Schools often don't tell teachers about COMPASS because it's their job to submit your file, not explain the system. But understanding it helps you know whether your application has a fighting chance.

The six criteria include things like:

• Your qualifications and how they match the role

• Your work experience in the sector

• Your salary compared to local standards

• Whether your role is on Singapore's shortage occupation list

Teachers with a bachelor's degree, relevant qualifications (like a PGDE or Master's in Education), and 2+ years of international school experience typically clear this hurdle. But it's not guaranteed.

Here's what matters: since September 2023, all EP applicants must have their degrees verified. This means MOM checks whether your university is accredited, whether your degree is legitimate, and whether your transcript is authentic [1]. If your institution isn't recognized or your credentials are questionable, your application can be rejected even if you meet the salary requirement.

This is why schools ask for official transcripts and degree certificates — they're documenting proof for the government.

Your Qualifications Checklist

To teach in Singapore, you need:

1. A Bachelor's Degree

This is non-negotiable. It must be from a recognized university. If you got your degree from an institution that's not well-known outside your country, bring official accreditation documents. MOM will verify it anyway.

For subject-specific roles, a degree aligned with what you're teaching helps. An English degree for an English teaching position carries more weight than a general degree in education.

2. Teaching Credentials or Experience

International schools in Singapore typically prefer one of the following:

• A teaching degree (B.Ed or equivalent)

• A postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE)

• A master's degree in education or your subject area

• Minimum 2 years of verified teaching experience

If you're an experienced teacher without formal credentials, your years of work count. If you're fresh from a teaching degree with no classroom experience, expect schools to offer you a contract conditional on visa approval. First-time teachers take longer to process [3].

3. English Language Proficiency

For non-English first-language speakers, schools might request IELTS or TOEFL scores if your teaching credential was awarded in a non-English language country. International schools want to be sure you can teach fluently in English.

4. Medical and Police Clearance

You'll need a medical clearance from your home country doctor and a police clearance from your home country. Get these started before you sign a contract. They take 4–6 weeks and can't be rushed [3].

5. Documentation Everything

Bring original or certified copies of:

• Your bachelor's degree diploma

• Official transcripts from your university

• Your teaching credentials (PGDE, Master's, etc.)

• Any professional certifications (TEFL, IB, Cambridge, etc.)

• Your resume with verified dates and school names

Singapore doesn't accept photocopies for visa applications. Everything is verified against originals.

The Application Timeline: What Actually Happens

Once you sign a contract with a Singapore school, here's the sequence:

Week 1-2: Contract and Documentation

You sign the contract. Your school begins gathering your documents. You send originals or certified copies of your degree, teaching credentials, and transcripts. The school submits your Employment Pass application to MOM, including all documentation and their justification for why they need a foreign teacher for this role.

Week 3-6: Processing and COMPASS Review

MOM reviews your application against COMPASS criteria. They verify your degree with your university. They check your work history. If anything is unclear, they ask your school for more information. This is where delays happen [3]. If MOM finds an inconsistency — a gap in your resume, a credential that doesn't match, a university that's hard to verify — they'll request clarification.

Week 7-8: In-Principle Approval

If everything checks out, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This letter says your visa has been approved, pending final checks when you arrive in Singapore. Your school will send this to you. With this letter, you can book your flight [3].

After Arrival: Medical and Work Pass Card

When you land in Singapore, you complete a medical examination at an approved clinic. You then visit the MOM office to collect your work pass card — a physical document you'll carry. Once you have this, you can begin work. The entire process from contract signing to work pass card usually takes 4–8 weeks, though first-time teachers sometimes take longer due to additional documentation requests [3].

Common Concerns (And What Actually Happens)

"I've taught abroad but not in an international school. Is that a problem?"

It depends. MOM cares about verified teaching experience. If you taught English as a second language in Vietnam for three years, that counts. If you tutored informally, that doesn't. The school will verify each employer you list on your resume. Make sure your references are accurate and reachable. Schools that have closed or can't verify your employment will slow down your application [3].

"My degree is from a university that's not famous. Will it be rejected?"

Not automatically. MOM checks accreditation, not fame. If your university is accredited in your country and recognized by your government's education ministry, it should pass verification. If you attended a private or newer institution, bring your accreditation certificate with your application. This speeds things up.

"What if I'm turning 40 next month? Which salary bracket applies?"

MOM uses your age at the time of application. If you're 39 when the school applies, you'll be evaluated under the under-40 bracket. When you renew your EP, your age then determines the rate. So if you're close to a birthday, the timing matters.

"Can I start work before my work pass arrives?"

No. You cannot legally work in Singapore without your work pass card in hand. Some international schools are experienced enough to plan the school year around visa processing timelines. Others don't plan well and expect you to arrive before your pass is ready. If a school suggests starting work on a tourist visa and "switching to the work pass later," that's a red flag. It's illegal and common enough that many teachers experience it [3]. Don't do it.

The Long-Term Path: Permanent Residency and Beyond

Most teachers think about the Employment Pass as a two-year contract. But if you're planning to stay longer, understand the PR pathway.

After holding an Employment Pass for some years (typically 2–3 years of stable employment), you can apply for Permanent Residency. PR isn't automatic, but teachers with job stability and a clean record have a reasonable chance.

PR changes everything.

Without PR: Your work pass ties you to your employer. If your school doesn't renew your contract, your right to work in Singapore ends. You have to find another job or leave.

With PR: You can change jobs freely. You're no longer tied to your school. This gives you power in contract negotiations and the ability to leave a bad school without losing your visa.

Beyond employment, PR holders get access to government housing (HDB flats at subsidized rates), priority enrollment for children in local schools, and eligibility for Singapore citizenship after 2–5 years of PR status [4]. Many long-term international teachers eventually apply for citizenship, particularly those with families.

This is the path most teachers in Singapore aspire to. It takes time, but it's achievable if you're deliberate about building a stable career.

Key Takeaways

• Employment Pass is standard. This is the visa type for all foreign teachers in Singapore. Your school handles the application.

• Salary matters, but it's just one factor. You need SGD 5,600+ monthly (2026), but MOM also evaluates your qualifications under COMPASS. You need 40+ points across six criteria.

• Salary minimums are going up. As of January 1, 2027, the floor increases. Make sure your offer is future-proof.

• Degree verification is mandatory. Bring official, certified documents. If your university isn't easily verified, get an accreditation certificate.

• Medical and police clearance takes time. Start these 4–6 weeks before you want to leave your current country.

• The whole process takes 4–8 weeks. First-time teachers sometimes take longer. Plan your move accordingly.

• You can't work on a tourist visa. No matter what a school tells you, working without your work pass card in hand is illegal. Wait for your IPA and work pass.

• Permanent Residency is possible after 2–3 years. If you plan to stay long-term, understand that PR is a realistic goal that changes your career options in Singapore dramatically.