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Country Requirements Guide

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8 min

TEFL Requirements by Country in Asia (2026)

Every Asian teaching market has different requirements. Here is a clear, up-to-date breakdown of what each country expects โ€” TEFL hours, degree requirements, visa routes and salary.

South East Asia requirements

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญThailandModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Required for work permit
Visa route
Non-Immigrant B โ†’ Teaching Licence
Typical salary
THB 35โ€“60k/mo
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณVietnamModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Required for work permit
Visa route
Work permit + Temporary Residence Card
Typical salary
USD 1,200โ€“2,000/mo
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ญCambodiaEasy
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Not always required
Visa route
Ordinary visa โ†’ Business/Work permit
Typical salary
USD 900โ€“1,500/mo
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉIndonesiaModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Required for KITAS
Visa route
KITAS sponsored by employer
Typical salary
USD 1,000โ€“2,000/mo
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พMalaysiaModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Usually required
Visa route
Employment Pass
Typical salary
MYR 3,500โ€“6,000/mo
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญPhilippinesEasyโ€“Moderate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Varies by role
Visa route
AEP (Alien Employment Permit)
Typical salary
USD 700โ€“1,200/mo

East Asia requirements

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ทSouth KoreaModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs (EPIK requires it)
Degree
Required โ€” from English-speaking country
Visa route
E-2 teaching visa
Typical salary
KRW 2.1โ€“3.0m/mo + housing
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตJapanModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Required
Visa route
Instructor visa
Typical salary
JPY 250โ€“350k/mo
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณChinaModerate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Required
Visa route
Z work visa
Typical salary
CNY 12โ€“25k/mo
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผTaiwanEasyโ€“Moderate
TEFL required
120 hrs min
Degree
Usually required
Visa route
Resident visa + ARC
Typical salary
TWD 55โ€“80k/mo

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Our 120-hour course meets the TEFL requirements for every country listed above.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Asian country has the easiest teaching requirements?

Cambodia is the most accessible โ€” degree not always required, visa process simpler, and a 120-hour TEFL certificate is often sufficient to find a role.

Do requirements change frequently?

Vietnam and China have both tightened requirements in recent years. We update this guide annually. Always verify current requirements with the relevant embassy or hiring school before applying.

What happens if I work without the right visa?

Working without appropriate authorisation carries serious risks including fines, deportation and a ban from re-entry. Always ensure your employer provides proper work authorisation.

How long does visa processing take?

Korea's E-2 visa typically takes 3โ€“6 weeks. Thailand's Non-B conversion can be done in-country. Vietnam's work permit takes 4โ€“8 weeks. Factor this into your timeline when planning your move.