Here’s your upbeat, everything-you-need starter playbook on why Singapore can feel like paradise for non‑Singaporeans—and exactly how to make it work.
The quick take
- Ultra‑safe, squeaky‑efficient, wildly connected. Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s safest places and keeps crime low—even as scams rise, authorities publish detailed data and push counter‑measures.
- A global hub that actually works. Changi was named World’s Best Airport 2025—again—and the whole island is engineered for smooth living.
- Expensive, yes—but predictable. For expats, Singapore sits at or near the top of major cost‑of‑living lists; budget smart and you’re fine.
- Talent magnet. Singapore ranks #2 globally in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.
Visas & work passes (what actually gets you here)
Most common routes:
- Employment Pass (EP). For professionals. Minimum salary rose in 2025 (S$5,600; S$6,200 in financial services) and EPs are assessed via COMPASS—a transparent points framework.
- S Pass. For mid‑skilled roles. Minimum salary rises to S$3,300 on Sep 1, 2025 (S$3,800 in finance), with levies harmonised to S$650 from the same date. Plan ahead if you’re hiring.
- ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass). A five‑year, flexible pass for top talent. Salary track: S$30,000/month (or “outstanding achievements” in sports/arts/academia).
- PEP (Personalised EP). Not tied to an employer; requires S$22,500 fixed monthly salary.
- EntrePass. For founders of venture‑backed/innovative companies.
- Tech.Pass. For senior tech leaders/investors (high salary + leadership criteria).
Visa‑free visits ≠ work rights. Check ICA/MFA before you fly; “visit” status doesn’t permit work.
Taxes (simple, predictable)
- Personal income tax: progressive up to 24% (resident rates). Non‑residents are taxed differently.
- GST (VAT): 9% since Jan 1, 2024. Prices must be GST‑inclusive—helps with cost predictability.
Cost of living (how to think about it)
- Rankings: For expatriates, Singapore is among the costliest cities (Mercer 2024). EIU also places it at the top in recent years. Use these as benchmarks, not destiny—local choices can stretch budgets.
- Reality check: Median monthly income for resident full‑timers was S$5,500 in 2024, a useful context if you’re negotiating packages.
Housing 101 (renting + buying)
- Renting: Straightforward—agents are common, leases are standardised.
- Buying as a foreigner:
- HDB flats: generally not eligible (public housing), unless specific family ties apply.
- Landed property: restricted—approval required under the Residential Property Act. Condos/apartments are the usual route.
- Stamp duties: Beyond Buyer’s Stamp Duty, foreign buyers currently pay ABSD 60% (since Apr 27, 2023). This is the big one.
Healthcare (excellent outcomes; know your coverage)
- Public system is strong and outcomes are world‑class; Singapore’s life expectancy is among the highest globally.
- MediShield Life/CareShield Life are for citizens/PRs; foreigners need private international insurance. Factor this into compensation.
Schooling & family
- Top results: Singapore ranked #1 in reading, maths, science in PISA 2022 (the latest cycle).
- International schools: Plenty of choice (IB/AP/UK). Fees vary widely—budget carefully and confirm waitlists early. (Examples: Tanglin Trust, UWCSEA, SAS.)
Getting around (no car? no problem.)
- MRT + buses are clean, fast, and expanding to ~360 km of rail by the early 2030s (about 260 km today). Most households will be within a 10‑minute walk of a station.
- Tourists & newcomers: The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides (from S$17/day; multi‑day bundles available). Great for your first recon trip.
Safety & cleanliness (the superpower)
- Law & order: Singapore ranked #2 in Gallup’s Law and Order Index (latest report period for 2024/2023 data). Physical crime is stable; scams remain the main risk—stay alert.
Culture & everyday joy
- Hawker culture = UNESCO‑listed. Grab a tray, graze across cuisines, and learn a city through its food.
- Languages: English is the working language; Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official. You’ll hear Singlish everywhere (steady lah).
- Events & travel: With Changi as a springboard, weekend hops around ASEAN are easy—and the airport itself is an attraction.
Weather & air (pack light, embrace humidity)
- Tropical, two monsoons: Northeast (Dec–early Mar) and Southwest (Jun–Sep). Showers are common; it’s warm year‑round.
- Occasional haze (usually brief, seasonal). The NEA publishes real‑time PSI/PM2.5; check before outdoor plans.
Long stays without working (retirees & family ties)
- No dedicated “retirement visa.” Long stays usually come via family ties (e.g., Long‑Term Visit Pass for parents of Singapore Citizens/PRs, with conditions) or through work/investor routes.
Common “gotchas” (so you can smile right past them)
- Housing sticker shock: Prices for expats are high—negotiate housing allowances and confirm what’s covered (utilities, AC servicing). Cost‑of‑living rankings are a clue, not fate.
- Property taxes for buyers: That ABSD 60% for foreigners is real—most rent or buy via a different structure only after proper advice.
- Car ownership: COE makes cars very expensive; most expats happily go car‑free thanks to transit and ride‑hailing. (Transit expansion plans are robust.)
- Scams: The safety headline doesn’t mean scam‑free. Use official portals, 2FA everything, and follow ScamShield briefings.
First‑month checklist (steal this)
- Pick your pass (EP/S/ONE/PEP/Entre/Tech) and line up documents.
- Health coverage (private plan if you’re not PR).
- Budget at GST 9%; confirm your net pay after resident tax brackets.
- Short‑term rental for 4–8 weeks; explore neighbourhoods via MRT.
- School spots (if applicable): contact admissions early.
- Scam hygiene: Use only .gov.sg sites and official apps; read the latest briefs.
Why it feels like “paradise”
Because the everyday frictions are sanded down: immigration that’s rules‑based, trains that show up, an airport that hums, and food that can knock your socks off for the price of a coffee back home. Even the rain is punctual.
If you want, tell me your role, salary band, family size, and move date, and I’ll craft a personal action plan + budget for your situation. Let’s make your Singapore chapter shine. ✨