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High Demand

Practice Medicine in Singapore

Singapore offers structured registration pathways through the Singapore Medical Council. With 112 recognised medical schools and growing demand, international doctors can build rewarding careers here.

Regulated by Singapore Medical Council

Registration Pathways

Understand the different routes to medical registration and find the one that matches your qualifications.

Provisional Registration
No Exam

For recent graduates with recognised medical degrees. Allows you to work as a house officer to complete your PGY1 training.

Eligibility

Recognised medical degree from a Second Schedule institution. PGY1 must start within two years of graduation.

Estimated: 1-2 months
Conditional Registration
No Exam

For doctors with completed internships. Work under supervision for 2 years (citizens) or 4 years (non-citizens) before applying for full registration.

Eligibility

Recognised degree or postgraduate qualification, completed housemanship/PGY1, active clinical practice (168+ hours/year for 3 years), job offer from SMC-approved institution, and certificate of good standing.

Estimated: 2-4 years
Full Registration
No Exam

Allows independent medical practice in Singapore. Achieved after satisfactory performance during your Conditional Registration period.

Eligibility

Successful completion of Conditional Registration with consistent satisfactory performance evaluations.

Estimated: After conditional period
Temporary Registration
No Exam

For short-term assignments: Clinical Fellowship (up to 12 months, requires 3+ years experience), Clinical Observership (up to 6 months), or Visiting Expert roles.

Eligibility

Varies by type. Fellowships require 3+ years post-housemanship experience. Observerships have no experience requirement. All require institutional sponsorship.

Estimated: 6-12 months

Requirements & Documents

Key documents, language certifications, and regulatory bodies you need to know about.

Required Documents

Passport

Required

Degree Certificate

Required

Transcripts

Required

Registration Certificate

Required

Cv Resume

Required

Police Clearance

Required

Skills Assessment

Recommended

Reference Letters

Recommended

Language Certifications

Ielts Academic

Level: B2

Oet

Level: B2

Pte Academic

Level: B2

Native Speaker

Level: C2

Regulatory Bodies

Singapore Medical Council(SMC)

Oversees medical registration, licensure decisions, and maintains the list of recognised institutions

Visit website

Specialists Accreditation Board(SAB)

Assesses specialist training and grants specialist accreditation in Singapore

Ministry of Manpower(MOM)

Processes Employment Pass applications for foreign healthcare workers (minimum SGD 5,600/month)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about medical registration and eligibility for this destination.

Check Your Eligibility
Check whether your degree appears in the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act 1997. As of January 2025, 112 medical schools are recognised. If your basic degree is not recognised, you may still qualify through recognised postgraduate qualifications such as MRCP or American Board certifications.
You can pursue recognised postgraduate qualifications (MRCP, American Board certifications), secure employment with an SMC-approved institution, or explore Temporary Registration options such as clinical fellowships or observerships.
If your medical degree was taught in English, that automatically satisfies the language requirement. Otherwise, you need IELTS (7.0 in each component), TOEFL iBT (100+ total, 25+ per section), or OET (Grade B in each component). Results are valid for two years.
Yes, a confirmed job offer from an SMC-approved healthcare institution is essential for Conditional Registration and required for Employment Pass applications. The minimum salary threshold for an Employment Pass is SGD 5,600 per month (as of January 2025).
Obtain your Certificate of Experience, then apply for Conditional Registration. You will work under supervision for 2 years (Singapore citizens) or 4 years (non-citizens). After satisfactory completion, you can apply for Full Registration to practice independently.
Yes, through Temporary Registration. Options include Clinical Fellowship (up to 12 months, requires 3+ years experience), Clinical Observership (up to 6 months, no experience requirement), and Visiting Expert roles for specialists with international standing.

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

Use our free eligibility checker to get a personalised assessment for Singapore based on your qualifications, experience, and documents.