Complete Guide to Moving to Singapore in 2026

Singapore is one of those rare places that manages to be both a global financial powerhouse and a genuinely pleasant place to live. A city-state of 5.9 million people packed onto an island roughly half the size of London, it punches absurdly above its weight in nearly every quality-of-life metric: safety, healthcare, infrastructure, education, and ease of doing business. If Hong Kong is Asia’s trading floor, Singapore is its boardroom — orderly, efficient, and meticulously planned.

The trade-off is cost. Singapore is consistently ranked among the world’s most expensive cities, and the gap between “comfortable” and “struggling” here is defined almost entirely by housing. A single professional on an Employment Pass earning SGD 8,000–12,000 per month will live well. Someone at the SGD 5,000 minimum will need to be strategic about every dollar. This guide covers exactly how to navigate that equation.

See how Singapore compares against other destinations in our best countries in Asia rankings, or browse by persona: digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or families.

Visa & Work Pass Options

Singapore has no digital nomad visa, no freelancer visa, and no easy path for remote workers without a local employer. Every long-term stay requires either employment by a Singapore-registered company or a significant business investment. The system is designed to attract talent that directly contributes to the local economy.

Employment Pass (EP)

The EP is the standard work visa for professionals, managers, and executives. As of 2024, the minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,000/month for most sectors and SGD 5,600/month for financial services. Older candidates need higher salaries — the Ministry of Manpower uses a points-based COMPASS framework that evaluates salary, qualifications, company diversity, and support for local employment. EPs are typically issued for 1–2 years and are renewable. Your employer applies on your behalf, and processing takes 2–8 weeks.

S Pass

Aimed at mid-level skilled workers, the S Pass requires a minimum salary of SGD 3,150/month. Companies face a quota — S Pass holders can make up only 10–15% of a firm’s workforce, depending on the sector. This visa is common in engineering, manufacturing, and technical roles.

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

Singapore’s elite visa, the ONE Pass targets top-tier talent earning at least SGD 30,000/month (roughly $22,000 USD) or individuals with exceptional achievements in arts, sports, science, or academia. Holders can work for multiple employers simultaneously, start businesses, and bring family members. It’s valid for 5 years — the longest initial duration of any Singapore work pass.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The PEP is tied to the individual, not a specific employer, giving holders more flexibility to switch jobs without reapplying. You qualify if you earn at least SGD 22,500/month on an existing EP or earned the equivalent overseas. It’s valid for 3 years but is non-renewable — designed as a bridge, not a permanent solution.

EntrePass

For entrepreneurs starting a Singapore-registered company. You need either venture backing, meaningful intellectual property, or a track record of business achievement. The bar is high — Singapore isn’t looking for lifestyle businesses but for startups with genuine growth potential. The company must be registered with ACRA and less than 6 months old at the time of application, with at least SGD 50,000 in paid-up capital.

Dependant’s Pass

EP and S Pass holders earning above SGD 6,000/month can sponsor their spouse and children. For parents and parents-in-law, the Long-Term Visit Pass requires an EP holder earning at least SGD 12,000/month. Dependants can work in Singapore if they obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from an employer.

Cost of Living: HDB vs Private Condo

Housing is the single biggest expense in Singapore and the factor that most dramatically affects your quality of life. The city offers two distinct rental markets: HDB flats (government-built public housing, home to 80% of Singaporeans) and private condominiums. Everything else — food, transport, healthcare — is manageable. Rent is where the real money goes.

Beyond housing, Singapore’s daily costs break down like this:

• Food: Hawker centers are Singapore’s superpower — full meals for $3–5 at UNESCO-recognized food courts. A chicken rice plate at Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat runs SGD 4–6. Mid-range restaurants cost $15–40 per person. Groceries at FairPrice or Cold Storage run $300–500/mo. Cooking at home is not significantly cheaper than hawker food, which is why many Singaporeans eat out daily.
• Transport: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is world-class — clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and cheap. A monthly pass costs $80–100. Buses fill the gaps. Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) rides cost $8–20 across the island. You absolutely do not need a car. In fact, buying one is financial madness: Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system means a Toyota Corolla costs $100,000–150,000.
• Entertainment: Cinema tickets $10–14. Craft beer $12–18 at bars. Alcohol is heavily taxed. A bottle of wine at a restaurant starts at $40–60. Many expats shift toward home entertaining and hawker center socializing to manage costs.
• Internet & mobile: Fiber broadband 1 Gbps costs SGD 40–50/mo ($30–37 USD). Mobile plans with 30–50 GB data run SGD 20–35/mo. Singapore has some of the fastest internet in the world.

Healthcare System

Singapore’s healthcare system routinely ranks in the global top 5 for efficiency and outcomes. It’s built on a philosophy of shared responsibility: the government subsidizes care, employers provide insurance, and individuals contribute through mandatory savings. The result is excellent care at costs well below the US, though higher than most of Southeast Asia.

How It Works

• Public hospitals (SGH, NUH, Tan Tock Seng) offer subsidized care for citizens and PRs. Expats on work passes pay unsubsidized rates but still find costs reasonable by Western standards — a GP visit at a polyclinic runs SGD 30–50.
• Private hospitals (Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles) deliver world-class care with shorter wait times and more luxurious facilities. A specialist consultation runs SGD 100–250. These hospitals attract medical tourism from across Asia.
• Medisave: A mandatory medical savings account funded by CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions. Employers and employees each contribute a percentage of salary. Expats on EPs don’t participate in CPF and need private insurance instead.
• MediShield Life: National catastrophic health insurance for citizens and PRs. Covers large hospital bills and expensive outpatient treatments.

What Expats Need

Most employers provide group health insurance as part of compensation packages. If yours doesn’t, or you’re self-employed on an EntrePass, budget $200–500/month for comprehensive private coverage. Plans from Allianz, AXA, and Great Eastern are popular among expats. Dental is typically an add-on. Maternity care in Singapore is excellent but expensive at private hospitals — delivery packages range from SGD 8,000–20,000.

Taxes: Asia’s Most Attractive Tax Regime

Singapore’s tax system is one of its biggest draws for high earners and entrepreneurs. The rates are low, the structure is simple, and several categories of income are simply not taxed at all.

Personal Income Tax

• Progressive rates: 0% on the first SGD 20,000, rising gradually to 22% on income between SGD 320,001–500,000, and 24% on income above SGD 1,000,000. The effective rate for most EP holders earning SGD 100,000–200,000/year is roughly 7–12%.
• No capital gains tax. None. Profits from selling stocks, property, crypto — not taxed (unless you’re classified as a trader by profession).
• No inheritance tax. Abolished in 2008. Wealth transfers to the next generation are untaxed.
• Foreign income: Generally not taxed unless remitted to Singapore. This territorial element makes Singapore attractive for those with international income streams.
• GST (Goods & Services Tax): 9% as of January 2024 (up from 8% in 2023 and 7% prior). Applies to most goods and services. Still far below European VAT rates.

Corporate Tax

A flat 17% headline rate, with effective rates often lower due to partial exemptions for the first SGD 200,000 of chargeable income. Startups can qualify for a 75% exemption on the first SGD 100,000 for their initial three years. This is why multinational companies park their APAC headquarters here — the combination of low corporate tax, no capital gains tax, and extensive double taxation agreements with 90+ countries is hard to beat.

Compared to Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a slightly lower top personal tax rate (15% salaries tax vs Singapore’s 24%), but Singapore’s effective rates are competitive for most income levels, and Singapore offers better infrastructure, stability, and quality of life. Since 2020, Singapore has overtaken Hong Kong as the preferred APAC hub for many multinationals and wealth management firms.

Safety & Rule of Law

Singapore is, by any objective measure, one of the safest countries on Earth. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent. Petty crime is rare. Women walk alone at 3 AM without a second thought. Children take public transit to school independently. The country’s safety record isn’t just good — it’s extraordinary.

This safety comes with strict laws that new arrivals need to understand:

• Drug laws: Singapore has the death penalty for drug trafficking. Possession of even small amounts of controlled substances can result in lengthy prison sentences or corporal punishment. This is not theoretical — executions are carried out. Do not bring drugs into Singapore. Period.
• Littering: Fines start at SGD 300 for a first offense. Repeat offenders face Corrective Work Orders (public cleaning duty).
• Chewing gum: Importing chewing gum for personal consumption is banned (therapeutic gum from pharmacies is exempt). You won’t go to jail for chewing gum, but you can be fined for importing it.
• Vandalism: Punishable by caning and imprisonment. This includes graffiti.
• Smoking: Banned in most public places, including hawker centers, parks, and within 5 meters of building entrances. Hefty fines enforced.

For the vast majority of expats, Singapore’s strict rules are a feature, not a bug. They’re the reason the streets are spotless, the parks are pristine, and you never feel unsafe. The only people who run into trouble are those who assume the rules aren’t enforced. They are.

Best Neighborhoods for Expats

CBD & Tanjong Pagar

The financial heart of Singapore. If you work in banking, consulting, or tech, you’ll likely be within walking distance of your office. Tanjong Pagar has evolved from a quiet heritage district into a buzzing neighborhood with excellent restaurants, bars, and coworking spaces. Rent is premium — expect SGD 3,000–5,000 for a 1-bedroom condo — but the zero-commute lifestyle appeals to many finance professionals.

Holland Village

The classic expat enclave and for good reason. Holland Village offers a village-within-a-city feel with cafes, independent shops, international restaurants, and a walkable layout. It’s popular with expat families thanks to proximity to international schools (Tanglin Trust, ISS) and ample green space. HDB flats and older condos here are more affordable than CBD, typically SGD 2,200–3,500 for a 1-bedroom.

Tiong Bahru

Singapore’s trendiest neighborhood. Art Deco architecture, specialty coffee shops, independent bookstores, and a legendary hawker center (Tiong Bahru Market). It attracts creative professionals and younger expats who want character over cookie-cutter condo living. Well-connected by MRT. Rents are moderate for the central location: SGD 2,000–3,200 for a 1-bedroom.

East Coast (Katong / Marine Parade)

The relaxed, beachy side of Singapore. East Coast Park runs for 15 km along the shore with cycling paths, seafood restaurants, and weekend barbecue culture. Katong is rich in Peranakan heritage with colorful shophouses and excellent laksa. This area suits people who want more space and a slower pace. Rents are lower than central areas: SGD 1,800–2,800 for a 1-bedroom. The trade-off is a longer MRT commute to the CBD (25–35 minutes).

Bukit Timah

The top choice for families with school-age children. Bukit Timah is home to several of Singapore’s best international schools (UWC South East Asia, SAS, Canadian International), the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and a quieter suburban atmosphere. Housing is predominantly landed properties and large condos — more space, more greenery, higher rents. A 3-bedroom condo here runs SGD 4,500–7,000/mo. Singles rarely choose Bukit Timah; it’s firmly family territory.

Jurong (West Side)

Singapore’s most affordable major district. Jurong East is being developed as the city’s “second CBD” with new commercial space, the Jurong Lake District, and improved transport links. HDB rents here can be as low as SGD 1,500–2,000 for a 1-bedroom. The area lacks the charm of central neighborhoods but offers genuine value for budget-conscious expats willing to commute 30–40 minutes.

Food & Culture

Hawker Centers: Singapore’s Greatest Asset

Singapore’s hawker centers are UNESCO-listed for a reason. These open-air food courts are the social and culinary heart of the nation — hundreds of stalls serving Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan dishes at prices that would be absurd in any other first-world city. A plate of chicken rice, char kway teow, or roti prata costs SGD 4–7 ($3–5 USD). Many Singaporeans eat at hawker centers 2–3 times a day.

Must-visit hawker centers: Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown), Lau Pa Sat (CBD), Old Airport Road (East), Tiong Bahru Market, and Chomp Chomp (Serangoon). The quality at these places isn’t “good for the price” — it’s genuinely world-class. Several hawker stalls have earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.

Multicultural Society

Singapore is 74% Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indian, and 4% other ethnicities, with four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English is the working language for business, government, and education, making Singapore the easiest country in Southeast Asia for English-speaking expats. Singlish — a creole blend of English with Malay, Hokkien, and Tamil elements — is the informal vernacular. You’ll pick it up quickly. “Can lah” and “confirm plus chop” will enter your vocabulary within weeks.

Kiasu Culture and Work Ethic

Kiasu (Hokkien for “fear of losing out”) defines much of Singaporean culture. It drives academic competitiveness, the queuing culture at new restaurant openings, and a relentless work ethic. Singapore consistently ranks among the most overworked countries in Asia. Standard work weeks are 44–48 hours, and many professionals work longer. If work-life balance is your top priority, be honest with yourself — Singapore’s culture rewards output over leisure.

That said, the weekend scene is vibrant. Singapore packs an enormous amount into its 733 square kilometers: Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, the Southern Ridges hiking trail, rooftop bars at Marina Bay Sands, weekend trips to Bintan or Johor Bahru (30 minutes across the causeway to Malaysia), and some of the best diving in Southeast Asia within a short flight.

Climate: Hot, Humid, Always

Singapore sits one degree north of the equator. There are no seasons. The temperature ranges from 28–33°C (82–91°F) year-round with 80–90% humidity. Thunderstorms roll through most afternoons, especially during the northeast monsoon (November–January). Air conditioning is not a luxury — it’s a survival necessity. Budget for higher electricity bills (SGD 100–250/mo) and accept that you’ll live in a permanent summer. Some people love it. Others find the relentless heat exhausting after a year or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely in Singapore without a work pass?

No. Singapore has no digital nomad visa or remote work visa. Working while on a tourist visa (even for a foreign employer) is technically illegal. You need an Employment Pass, S Pass, ONE Pass, or EntrePass to work legally. Some people enter on tourist visas and work quietly, but this carries real risk — Singapore’s immigration enforcement is thorough and penalties include fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably?

A single person should aim for at least SGD 6,000–8,000/mo ($4,500–6,000 USD) to live comfortably with a private condo and regular dining out. At the EP minimum of SGD 5,000, you can manage in an HDB flat with careful budgeting. Families should target SGD 12,000–18,000/mo, especially if international school fees (SGD 30,000–50,000/year per child) are a factor.

Is it easy to get Permanent Residency (PR)?

PR is competitive and not guaranteed. EP holders can apply after working in Singapore for at least 6 months. Factors that improve your chances: higher salary, in-demand skills, time spent in Singapore, family ties (Singaporean spouse or children), and community contributions. The process takes 4–6 months, and approval rates have tightened in recent years. PR unlocks CPF contributions, HDB purchase eligibility, and subsidized healthcare — significant financial benefits.

What’s the social scene like for expats?

Singapore has a large and active expat community, particularly in finance, tech, and consulting. Meetup groups, sports leagues (rugby, football, dragon boat), professional networks, and expat clubs (the American Club, Hollandse Club, Tanglin Club) provide easy entry points. Making local Singaporean friends takes more effort — the culture is polite but initially reserved. Food is the universal social connector here. Invite people to eat and doors open.

How does Singapore compare to Hong Kong?

Both are financial hubs with low taxes and efficient infrastructure. Singapore wins on safety, cleanliness, family-friendliness, and political stability. Hong Kong wins on nightlife, proximity to mainland China, and slightly lower taxes. Since 2020, talent flow has shifted significantly toward Singapore. For most relocators choosing between the two today, Singapore is the more predictable and comfortable option.

Are there good international schools?

Yes — Singapore has over 60 international schools, many world-renowned. Top options include United World College (UWC), Singapore American School (SAS), Tanglin Trust School, and Canadian International School. Fees range from SGD 20,000 to SGD 50,000+ per year. Waitlists at top schools can be 1–2 years, so apply well before your move.

Is Singapore Right for You?

Singapore rewards a specific kind of relocator: someone who values safety, efficiency, career advancement, and access to the broader Asia-Pacific region above all else. It’s ideal for finance professionals, tech workers at multinationals, entrepreneurs building Asia-focused businesses, and families who want top-tier education and healthcare in a safe, clean environment.

It’s less ideal for budget-conscious nomads (no visa pathway, high costs), people who prioritize work-life balance over career growth, or those who need four seasons and outdoor adventure. The heat is relentless, the pace is fast, and the cost of living demands a solid income.

But for those who fit the profile, Singapore delivers like few places on Earth. Zero capital gains tax, near-zero crime, hawker food for $4, world-class healthcare, a 3-hour flight to Bali or Bangkok, and English as the working language — it’s a package that’s genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else in the world.

Explore Singapore’s full country profile on WhereNext to see how it compares across 30+ data points including safety, healthcare, cost of living, internet speed, and more. Or compare it side-by-side with other top Asian destinations: Japan and South Korea.