Moving to the Lion City: All about Expat Life in Singapore
Living in Singapore is the ultimate dream for many people because this nation offers so many amazing benefits. From efficient public transportation to a wide array of recreational activities, you have a high chance of living extremely well here.
But there are challenges to living in Singapore as an expat. You have to apply for the right visa, familiarize yourself with a new environment and culture, learn new rules and regulations, and prepare to spend a lot because this nation isn’t cheap.
There’s so much to learn about expat life in Singapore, so if you have any questions, you can find your answers here.
Is Singapore a popular place for expats?
Singapore is undoubtedly a popular place for expats. In fact, this nation is known for its thriving expat community; according to the National Population and Talent Division, as of June 2023, around 1.77 million expats are living in Singapore.
That’s a pretty huge number, considering that the total population is 5.92 million! It should also be noted that that number shows an increase of 13.1% from June 2022.
The expat population can be divided into different categories, namely:
- Construction, Marine Shipyard, and Process (CMP) Work Permit Holders: 24%
- Non-CMP Work Permit Holders: 20%
- Dependants of Citizens/Permanent Residents/Work Pass Holders: 16%
- Migrant Domestic Workers: 15%
- Employment Pass Holders: 11%
- S Pass Holders: 10%
- Students: 4%
What are the different types of visas for expats in Singapore?
In Singapore, there are four main categories of visas and passes for expats, namely: Professionals, Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers, Trainees and Students, and Family Members.
Each category has several passes, so you can find the one that best suits your situation.
How do I apply for a visa to live in Singapore as an expat?
The first step you need to take when applying for a visa to live in Singapore is to find a job. This is because you’ll need the help of your employer to provide the proper documents before you receive the appropriate pass for you.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- While still in your home country, look for a job in Singapore. The most common way to do this is via an Employment Agency (EA).
- Once you’ve found a job, your employer or the EA you applied to will submit a work visa via the Employment Pass eService portal. They will need to pay a processing fee for this step.
- If the application is accepted, they will get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This is what you’ll use to enter Singapore.
- Once you’re in Singapore, your employer or the EA will apply via the eService portal to get your work pass issued. Another processing fee will have to be paid.
- When the work pass is finally issued, you’ll get a notification letter. This letter lets you start working until you get your employment card.
- Within two weeks of your pass getting issued, you need to register at the Employment Pass Services Center (EPSC).
- Within four working days after registering in the EPSC, you’ll finally receive your pass card.
What to Expect from a Life in Singapore as an Expat
Language
Depending on where your home country is, language is probably the first culture shock you’ll face when you land in Singapore. Because it’s a diverse society, Singapore actually has four official languages: Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil, and English.
If you can already speak English, then you won’t have problems fitting in with the crowd for the most part. That said, they do speak Singlish, the colloquial form of English in Singapore, so you might still encounter a roadblock when communicating with others.
To better understand the locals, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the most common Singaporean slang words. You might also want to take classes in the other official languages so that you can immerse yourself in the different local cultures.
Climate
For people who have lived in the northern hemisphere for most of their lives, the climate is going to be another culture shock when they move to Singapore.
Singapore is located right along Earth’s equator, which means that it has a tropical climate instead of the usual divided seasons. The temperature all year round is constantly between 22ºC and 34ºC; high humidity and heavy rainfall are also common.
The country’s hottest months are usually June and July, and in November and December, you’ll experience monsoon season. During this time, you’ll experience cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall; sometimes, this season extends up to early March.
So, if you’re planning to live in Singapore for a significant amount of time, you need to prepare clothes made from linen and cotton (these two fabrics are great for hot climates). Sunscreen, rainwear, and umbrellas are other essentials you’ll need to have.
Healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare system has always been hailed as one of the best in the world. There are public and private health institutions, and they are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art medical equipment, so any emergency or illness can be taken care of.
While you now have access to this stellar healthcare system, it won’t be free or affordable for you since you’re not a citizen or permanent resident. For this reason, you need to get your own health insurance plan as an expat as soon as possible.
Buying a health insurance plan gives you access to the facilities 24/7, and it also helps you save money because you’ll get discounts. Additionally, since you’re in control of your insurance plan, you can tailor it to better fit your needs.
Local health insurance providers offer Integrated Shield Plans to non-residents, but you can also go for international health insurance plans if you prefer. Many expats like to get an international health insurance plan because it has wider coverage and more benefits.
Vaccines and Other Health Concerns
Before traveling to Singapore, you need to know that there are certain vaccines you must take. These are the vaccines for Hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever.
Aside from these shots, it’s also recommended that you take the vaccine for COVID-19 and its booster shots before coming to live in Singapore as an expat.
Another health-related thing you need to prepare for when living in Singapore is the presence of dengue. If you’re unaware, dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus that’s transmitted via infected mosquito bites, and its symptoms are:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Pale and cold skin
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue
- Pale and cold skin
This disease is serious and even fatal in some cases, and its peak season is from June to October due to the warmer weather. Some of the preventative measures you can take include applying mosquito repellents to your skin and wearing long-sleeved shirts.
Housing
Despite Singapore’s many benefits, it still has its fair share of flaws, and one of the most prominent is land scarcity. This nation has a thriving population, but there’s not enough land, so housing options tend to be small and expensive.
The average size of a condo or HDB apartment is around 500–700 square feet (for one-bedroom units) or 1,200–1,500 square feet (for three-bedroom units). As for landed properties, the average size is around 3,000–4,000 square feet.
Most residents live in condos and apartments because landed houses are so expensive that only the richest Singaporeans can afford them. They also tend to prefer renting to buying a property outright because it’s cheaper—though it’s definitely still expensive.
Rent is usually priced around S$3,000 (for one-bedroom units), but if you live in the city center, that estimate can get higher. That’s why it’s ideal for expats to live with a roommate; that way, you won’t have to pay full price for rent.
Buying a House
If you’re interested in buying a house in Singapore, you should first be aware that your options are limited. Specifically, you can’t buy any form of HDB property because those are reserved for citizens and permanent residents.
You can get a fixed or variable-rate mortgage for 60–80% of the house’s value, but you’ll have to pay this price in cash—as opposed to residents who can use their Central Provident Fund (CPF) account to fund it.
As an expat, you won’t have the privilege to access the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), so you need to get your own home insurance.
Livelihood
Singapore is considered a global city, which means that it has a strong economy trade, and there are many businesses, including the headquarters of numerous multinational national corporations. Because of this, job opportunities are always in abundance here.
However, being a global city also means that it attracts a lot of people from other countries to come and work here, so you can expect to find fierce competition for jobs, especially the top high-earning ones. For this reason, job hunting might take some time.
If you already have a job, but you want extra income for a variety of reasons, you can take on a part-time job or even a freelance gig. If you’re multilingual, you might also be interested in becoming a language tutor; there’s always a demand for that here.
Starting a Business
Another way you can earn in Singapore is by starting your own business. Surprisingly enough, it’s actually pretty easy to open your own business in Singapore; there are only a few things you need to prepare to get started, namely:
- A locally registered address
- A corporate secretary
- A shareholder
- A resident director
- A nominee director who is either a citizen or a permanent resident
- A capital of at least S$1
Aside from the relatively easy process of starting a business in Singapore, another reason why entrepreneurs love coming here is the fact that the government offers amazing tax benefits. Plus, there are policies that favor companies here.
Education
If you’re planning to relocate your family—or have one in the future—to Singapore, then education is a priority. Luckily, the educational system in Singapore is pretty great, even considered one of the best in the world by some people.
Despite not being a local resident, you can send your child to public schools, but you’ll pay higher fees. There are also international schools and private institutions to choose from; these ones tend to have a wider curriculum, and they’re also more expensive.
As for tertiary education, your best option is the National University of Singapore, which is among the most highly-ranked universities worldwide. Other world-class institutions are Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University.
If you have a child with special needs, there are schools dedicated to them, so they can still get the education that they deserve.
Taxes
No matter where you live in the world, learning how taxes work in a particular place is a necessity. Unfortunately, most of the time, the taxation system is too complicated for people to understand, and that’s what a lot of expats fear when moving to Singapore.
The most important thing to know about taxation in Singapore is that only income earned here is taxed. These taxable incomes include
- Employment income (e.g. salaries, commissions, bonuses, talent fees, pension, and more)
- Government grant incomes
- Self-employed income
- Property or investment income from rent and other interests
- Supplementary earnings from royalties, premiums, winnings, and others
Normally, personal income tax rates begin at S$20,000 annual income, and foreigners, must need to work in Singapore for more than 183 days before they’re eligible to be taxed. If you’re working for less than 182 days, you’ll be exempted from income tax.
There are still a lot of things to talk about regarding taxes (such as flat tax rates for non-residents earning non-employment income and more), so I recommend talking to a tax consultant in Singapore for a more in-depth discussion.
Transportation
Public transportation is another sector of Singaporean society that has received praise from non-Singaporeans. It’s incredibly efficient, so you can travel from one end of the country to another without any problem.
Two of the most commonly used transport options are buses and the MRT system. Some areas, usually ones with a public housing estate, have LRT lines as well.
You can pay for your fares as they come, but locals prefer having an EZ-Link Card because you only have to tap it to a card reader to ride a bus or a train. It’s also easy to top up the card; even convenience stores like 7-Eleven have top-up spots.
Aside from the train and bus, another mode of transportation is the cable car, which you’re most likely going to ride if you’re heading to Sentosa.
Should I own a car in Singapore as an expat?
Since the public transportation in Singapore is already so efficient, owning a car is practically pointless and not needed at all. It also doesn’t help cars are expensive in Singapore, so people are less motivated to get one for themselves.
The reason cars are expensive is because there’s excise duty, which is an additional 20% of the car’s open-market value (OMV). Aside from the excise duty, there are other taxes to factor in, such as the GST and additional registration fee (ARF).
You’ll also need to get a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which lets you drive the car for 10 years. This certificate can cost between S$73,000 and S$99,999—definitely not a cheap price!
And don’t forget that you’ll also need to consider road taxes, other possible car-related expenses like emergency roadside assistance, and car insurance! With all these expenses, you really need to be financially ready before buying a car in Singapore.
Cost of Living
As you can probably guess by now, the cost of living in Singapore isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s believed that if you’re living alone, you’ll need more than S$2,000 a month in order to live comfortably here; for families, S$10,000 or more per month is recommended.
The high cost of living is due to the fact that there are just so many things to consider. There are the typical expenses, like housing, healthcare, utilities, and groceries, but there are other things worth considering, such as recreation and shopping.
If you’re serious about living in Singapore, you need to prepare for these expenses. You should also determine your priorities so that you’ll know where your money is going.
Shopping
If shopping is your favorite pastime, you’re in luck because there are many shopping destinations in Singapore. Orchard Road, in particular, is a shopper’s paradise because it’s home to countless designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior.
You can also find numerous shopping malls throughout the country, such as VivoCity in the south, NEX in the northeast region, and Suntec City in the Downtown Core. If you prefer boutique shops, Dempsey Hill is where you should go.
Don’t forget about the countless vintage shops as well. These shops contain priceless gems and antiques that aren’t available in retailers anymore; plus, they’re likely sold at reasonable prices, so you can’t help but be tempted to buy them.
Recreation
Despite being a small country, Singapore offers a lot of fun things to do for everyone. If you like food, you can stop by the various hawker centers or splurge in any of the fine-dining restaurants, usually located within malls and hotels.
For people who like to party, there are clubs and bars that come alive at night. Some of these are even speakeasies, which means that they’re hidden in plain sight, and you have to exert a bit of effort to find them.
Adventurers and nature lovers will take delight in the different parks and gardens available, such as Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic Gardens, and Jurong Lake Gardens. You can go hiking, bird-watching, skating, and so much more!
When the weather gets too hot, don’t hesitate to stop by the amazing beaches. Many of them are in Sentosa, which is a holiday destination on its own, and they have exciting amenities like kayak or canoe rentals and a park that offers bungee jumping.
Getting a Helper
One thing that you might want to consider when living in Singapore is if you’d like to hire a helper. As the name suggests, a helper is someone who helps clean and maintain the house; they are also skilled in looking after children and pets.
Helpers can simply stop by your house to do their work, but many Singaporeans prefer to have live-in maids. That’s why some properties already come with a maid’s room.
If you want to hire someone to help you around the house, you can contact an agency that will find a maid for you. The fees vary on the agency and the maid, but they’re usually reasonably priced, so it’s not a bad idea to hire one.
The Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Singapore
Holland Village
— From: onehollandv
Commonly known as Holland V, Holland Village is a neighborhood in the central region that’s known for its unique Bohemian vibe. It also has a high concentration of entertainment, dining, and shopping outlets, making it quite a lively neighborhood.
One popular landmark here is the Holland Village Proper, which has a distinctive crescent-shaped stretch of road that’s filled with shophouses, restaurants, and bars. Opposite the village proper is Chip Bee Gardens, another notable shopping district.
Because of the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, it’s perfect for outgoing expats who are always looking for something fun to do. As for the housing prices, they’re not cheap, but they’re not too bad, either.
Nassim
— From: jerrylow.sg
Nassim may be a tiny enclave located in Tanglin, but it’s definitely not one to miss out. It gives off an exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere, so the moment you step foot here, you’ll feel like you’re transported to a different country.
The streets here are lined with beautiful trees and grand bungalows. There’s also lush greenery everywhere, so even though Nassim is technically in the central region, it’s serene and slow-paced; in other words, it’s perfect for people who want a quiet life.
When it comes to rent and home prices, there are affordable options, but the ones with more rooms can get pretty costly.
Geylang
— From: yourgeylangserai
Here’s a fun fact: Geylang was previously known as a red-light district; though most of the brothels are gone, some are still operating quietly (and even illegally)! Because of this, families tend to avoid this neighborhood.
However, if you’re willing to look past this scandalous reputation, you just might be able to see yourself living here. The neighborhood’s public transportation and walkability status are excellent, and there are many restaurants and shops to keep you busy.
Condominium buildings have also sprung up in the area, so you have a lot of options on where to live. Some of these options are affordable, especially the studio units, so people who prefer living solo or with just one roommate might like it here.
Katong-Joo Chiat
— From: katong.joochiat
Located on the East Coast, Katong and Joo Chiat are actually two separate areas, but they are combined into one residential neighborhood.
One striking thing about this neighborhood is its history. Back in the day, Katong was the preferred residential area for the wealthy, middle-class group (usually, Peranakan, Chinese, and Eurasian settlers).
You can actually see this history in the architecture of the buildings here. The shophouses are notably colorful and adorned with classic Peranakan details, such as gold detailing and all sorts of nature-themed motifs.
Quirky shops, trendy restaurants, and cozy cafes also line the streets, so you won’t get bored here. If you’re planning to live alone or with a roommate, there are condominium buildings to choose from; for families, the bungalows might be a better choice.
Woodlands
— From: wh.sg
Many people are aware of Woodlands simply because it’s connected with the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru via the JB Causeway. But it’s also a wonderful residential neighborhood with a humble atmosphere.
Woodlands has the typical conveniences you’ll find in a Singaporean neighborhood. There are sprawling malls for relaxation and recreation, large supermarkets for everyday necessities, and wet markets for affordable produce.
There are also many affordable housing options here. HDB flats are aplenty for local residents, and for expats, there are several private complexes scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Bukit Timah
— From: bukittimahnpc
Bukit Timah is popular for Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is home to Bukit Timah Hill, the highest natural peak in Singapore. This neighborhood is also rich in native tropical greenery and rainforests, making it perfect for nature lovers.
Additionally, families or people planning to have one in the future will be happy to know that there are many schools in the neighborhood, including international schools. There are also small artisanal shops and hipster cafes where you can unwind after a long day.
There is a rise in private developments in Bukit Timah, which is why housing options tend to be expensive here. But if you can afford it, you’ll find that this neighborhood is a great place to live.
Tiong Bahru
— From: tiongbahrusg
“Tiong Bahru” is a blend of Malay and Hokkien dialect that literally translates to “new cemetery.” This name is inspired by the fact that it was once home to countless cemeteries before the area’s development into a residential neighborhood.
Currently, Tiong Bahru is noted for its historical charm and hipster feel. Walking along its streets will take you to art galleries inside conservation shophouses, cozy record stores, and homey bakeries; at night, you’ll be lucky to find trendy bars and restaurants.
In the past, Tiong Bahru was once home to affluent residents, but right now, it has attracted waves of Westerners and young Singaporeans. As for the housing prices, they seem to be in the middle of the road—neither too cheap nor too expensive.
Central Business District
— From: discovertanjongpagar
If money isn’t an issue for you, then you might want to make the Central Business District your new home in Singapore. As the name suggests, it’s the main financial and business hub, which means that it’s where all the fun can be found.
Spectacular skylines and dazzling waterfront views will be your everyday scenery, and after a long day at work, you can let go of steam by visiting the slew of trendy bars and restaurants; shopping destinations are also a dime a dozen in this neighborhood.
The only main downside of this neighborhood is that the housing prices are incredibly expensive. That’s why the residents here are mostly from the burgeoning middle class and upper echelons of society.
Orchard-River Valley
— From: nvtsmall
Orchard-River Valley is characterized by the endless rush of traffic, swarming crowds, and never-ending fun activities. It’s also a shopaholic’s paradise, thanks to the existence of Orchard Road.
Located close to the city center, Orchard-River Valley is a neighborhood that gives off postcode envy to everyone else. Additionally, because of its central location, the prices for rent and properties are exorbitant, so only the rich can afford it here.
Novena
— From: paul_musichaven
Novena is another neighborhood that’s located close to the city center. Because of this, you’re near many local markets and food centers for dining and grocery shopping; there are also large urban malls if you’re looking for more entertainment and dining options.
There’s also a great variety of housing options here. Most of them are condo units or apartments, but you can also find a few landed properties if you have a family or you simply want more space.
That said, since this neighborhood is near the city center, the prices can get really high. So, you need to be earning a lot if you want to reside here.
Serangoon
— From: ramafajar
Serangoon was home to Tamil Muslim traders in the early 19th century, and though there are no more brick kilns and cattle sheds, you can still find elements of Indian culture in this neighborhood. In fact, it’s oftentimes referred to as the heart of Little India.
This neighborhood is well-served by the public transport system, and it also has a good amount of healthcare facilities and schools. Because of this, families tend to come here to reside for good.
Aside from these amenities, Serangoon has NEX, a mall for your retail therapy needs, and several hawker centers for foodies. You might also be able to score a rare vintage gem when you stroll along Serangoon Road and check out the jewelry stalls there.
Sentosa
— From: wsingapore
Do you dream of living in a tranquil island setting? Now, you can make your dreams come true by picking an apartment or house in Sentosa!
Sentosa is mostly referred to as a holiday getaway, but in 2006, development began to turn the island into a residential one. Currently, Sentosa Cove is the only residential area, and it’s home to international public figures with high net worths.
Living in Sentosa is undoubtedly luxurious. You’ll be near fine dining restaurants, fancy stores, and even world-class entertainment (Universal Studios and Resorts World Sentosa are basically your neighbors!).
There are two main downsides to living in Sentosa. First is the lack of public transportation options, so this is one of the times when buying a car is justified; the second is that the price for rent and properties can get really high.
Other Interesting Things about Life in Singapore
There’s still much to know about life in Singapore, and though it’s impossible to cover everything, here are a few more interesting facts about life here that you’ll encounter as an expat (some of which you might find shocking):
- Chewing gums are prohibited in Singapore. This is something that expats are shocked to learn about for the first time, but it is true. This is in an effort to keep the country clean, and the punishment for breaking this can get severe.
- Generally speaking, the laws are strict here. This may come as a shock if you live in a place with lenient laws. Aside from chewing gums, strict rules apply to things like littering and smoking (especially in public places).
- Some dog breeds are not allowed in the country. These are pit bulls, Akita, Neapolitan mastiffs, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, and Perro de Presa Canario.
- Kiasu is a real thing. Kiasu is a Hokkien word that means “fear of losing out,” and you can totally see this in various ways in Singaporean society. The most common example is locals joining long queues to receive a giveaway or prize.