Republic of Singapore.
Asia’s Premier Expat Hub.

Visa-Free Entry & Short-Term Visit Pass BT ST

Citizens of many countries (EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days. This requires a passport valid for at least 6 months and proof of funds. Individuals needing to stay longer can apply for a Visit Pass (30, 60, or 90 days). Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. The Social Visit Pass allows stays of 30–90 days for dependents or family members visiting EP holders; it does not permit employment or studies.

Employment Pass (EP) MT LT

The primary work visa for Singapore. EPs are issued to individuals in professional, skilled, or supervisory roles. Requirements include a monthly salary of SGD 3,600 (as of 2026) and a job offer from a Singapore-registered company. The employer sponsors the application. EP validity ranges from 1 to 2 years and is renewable. Preference is given to applicants earning SGD 4,500 or above with a degree or 5+ years of specialized experience. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.

Dependant Pass (DP), S Pass & EntrePass MT LT

Spouses, children, and parents of EP holders can apply for a Dependant Pass (EP holder must earn SGD 3,600+). DPs allow residence but not employment (except limited categories). The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers (SGD 2,400–2,600/month). The EntrePass is for entrepreneurs establishing a business in Singapore. Processing times vary.

Permanent Residency (PR) & Citizenship LT

PR is typically available after 2–5 years on EP, requires financial stability, good conduct, and economic contribution. PR holders retain original citizenship but are subject to worldwide taxation. Citizenship requires renouncing previous citizenship; available after 2 years as PR or 5 years from first arrival. Citizenship confers voting rights and additional protections but limits dual citizenship.

Tax Residency & Rates ALL

An individual is a tax resident in Singapore if they have a permanent abode or spend more than 183 days in Singapore during a calendar year. Non-residents are taxed only on Singapore-source income; residents are taxed on worldwide income. Singapore operates a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 24%: no tax on first SGD 14,000; 2% (SGD 14,001–22,000); 3.5% (SGD 22,001–31,000); 7% (SGD 31,001–40,000); 11.5% (SGD 40,001–80,000); 15% (SGD 80,001–120,000); 18% (SGD 120,001–160,000); 19% (SGD 160,001–200,000); 19.5% (SGD 200,001–320,000); 22% (SGD 320,001–500,000); 22.5%+ above SGD 500,000.

GST, Property Tax & Corporate Tax ALL

GST is 9% (effective January 2024) on most goods and services. Businesses with annual turnover exceeding SGD 1 million must register for GST. Companies are taxed at a flat rate of 17% on taxable profits, with various incentives for qualifying businesses. Property owners pay annual property tax (typically 5%–12% of assessed annual rental value).

Foreign Earned Income Exemption & Tax Treaties LT

Singapore residents on overseas assignments earning foreign income may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exemption (FEIE) if they are a Singapore resident for at least one complete year, are not in Singapore for more than 90 days in the relevant tax year, and earn income outside Singapore on a bona fide overseas assignment. Singapore has over 80 tax treaties to prevent double taxation with the US, UK, China, India, Australia, and other key jurisdictions.

Employment Act Coverage MT LT

The Employment Act covers most private sector employees earning below SGD 4,500 per month. Senior managers and executives above the salary cap are typically not covered. Domestic workers are excluded. Working hours are limited to 8 hours per day and 44 hours per week. Overtime is mandatory at 1.5x the hourly rate; work on rest days and public holidays is compensated at 2x.

Leave Entitlements MT LT

Annual leave: minimum 7 days per year (<5 years service), 8 days (5–9 years), 9 days (10+ years). Sick leave: minimum 4 days per year for first 12 months. Maternity leave: 8 weeks paid for employees with at least 12 months service. Paternity leave: 2 weeks paid. All public holidays are paid leave; compensatory days off are granted if they fall on rest days.

Notice Periods, Termination & Foreign Worker Regulations MT LT

Notice periods range from 4 weeks (<5 years service) to 8 weeks (5+ years service). Termination for misconduct may be immediate. Foreign workers must have valid visas (EP or S Pass) and cannot change employers without MOM approval. Breaches (overstaying, unauthorized work) result in fines, deportation, and employment bans. Non-compete clauses are enforceable if reasonable in scope, geography, and duration. Wrongful dismissal claims must be filed with MOM within 1 year.

System Overview ALL

Singapore operates a mixed system: public subsidized hospitals and polyclinics (primary care centers), private providers, and a mandatory personal savings scheme (Medisave). Public hospitals offer subsidized rates (50–80% subsidy depending on ward class). Polyclinics provide outpatient services at very low cost (SGD 7–20 per visit). Private hospitals (Mount Elizabeth, Raffles, Gleneagles) offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff; costs are significantly higher. Tap water is safe to drink.

Medisave, MediShield Life & Expat Coverage MT LT

Medisave is a mandatory personal healthcare savings account (~8% of salary for employees) used for hospitalization, day surgery, and certain outpatient expenses. MediShield Life is a mandatory catastrophic health insurance scheme covering serious illness and hospitalization; premiums are paid from Medisave (~SGD 20–50/month). EP holders are NOT covered by MediShield or Medisave; they must obtain private health insurance through employers or independently. Most employers provide group health insurance (SGD 50,000–SGD 500,000+ annual limits). Individual expat plans typically cost SGD 150–500/month per person for comprehensive coverage.

Dental, Mental Health & Prescriptions MT LT

Dental care is not covered by public subsidies or MediShield. Private dental costs: cleanings SGD 80–150, fillings SGD 100–250, root canals SGD 500–1,200. Mental health services are available at the Institute of Mental Health (public) and private clinics (SGD 150–300). Medications are available at hospital pharmacies, private pharmacies, and polyclinics. Most medications are available; controlled substances are restricted. Medical records are maintained in the National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) system.

Central Provident Fund (CPF) Overview LT

CPF is Singapore’s mandatory social security system providing retirement, healthcare, disability, and housing benefits. All employees earning SGD 500+ per month must participate. Contribution rates: below age 35 — employee 8% + employer 17% = 25% of salary; age 35–55 — similar rates with slight adjustments; age 55+ contributions reduce. Maximum monthly salary subject to CPF contributions: approximately SGD 6,800. CPF consists of three sub-accounts: Ordinary Account (OA, 65% of contributions — for retirement, housing, insurance, education); Medisave Account (MA, 7–10.5% — dedicated to healthcare); Special Account (SA, 5–10% — for retirement, earns 4% interest).

EP holders (non-PR, non-citizen) do NOT participate in CPF. Many EP holders purchase private retirement insurance or maintain home country schemes. Singapore PRs participate in CPF on the same basis as citizens. Singapore has Social Security totalization agreements with 20+ countries (including the US, Canada, Germany, Switzerland) to prevent double contributions.

CPF Withdrawal & Retirement LT

Full withdrawal of OA and SA balances is permitted at age 65 (increasing to 67 by 2030). The Full Retirement Sum (FRS) in 2026 is approximately SGD 199,000. CPF Life converts CPF balances into a lifelong monthly pension (SGD 800–2,300/month depending on balance). CPF can be used for HDB flat or private property purchases. Upon leaving Singapore permanently, CPF balances may be withdrawn subject to conditions.

Overall Safety ALL

Singapore is consistently ranked among the world’s safest countries. Crime rates are very low, violent crime is rare, and public spaces are secure. Petty theft and bag snatching occur but are uncommon. Penalties for serious crimes (drug trafficking, violent crime) are severe, including capital punishment; strictly comply with all laws. Political stability is high; the government maintains robust security measures. Street protests are rare and subject to permitting requirements.

Natural Hazards, Health & Legal Compliance ALL

Singapore occasionally experiences tropical storms and heavy rainfall. Earthquakes are rare and of low magnitude. Haze from regional forest fires (typically July–October) can affect air quality. Tap water is safe to drink. Dengue fever is present year-round; use mosquito repellent. Strictly follow local laws: violations (drug possession, overstaying visas, seditious speech) result in severe penalties. Foreigners are not exempt. Use ATMs in secure locations and monitor credit cards. Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival.

Household Goods, Shipping & Customs MT LT

Household goods can be shipped via sea freight (3–6 weeks) or air freight (7–14 days). Major moving companies (Allied, Arpin, AGS Relocations, Crown) operate in Singapore. Typical two-bedroom household shipment: SGD 8,000–15,000 (sea) to SGD 20,000–30,000 (air). Household effects are typically duty-free if declared as used household items and used within 12 months of import. Prohibited items include firearms, certain medications, narcotics, and counterfeit goods. Restricted items require permits. Importing a personal vehicle is economically unattractive due to Vehicle Excise Duty (up to 45% of vehicle value).

Pets MT LT

Cats and dogs can be imported but require valid microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit from Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), and quarantine (typically 10–30 days; cost SGD 800–2,000). Pet birds, exotic animals, and reptiles face stricter controls.

Utilities, Banking & Government Registration MT LT

Electricity & water: Apply to SP Group; setup takes 2–7 days; average electricity SGD 150–250/month. Internet: multiple providers (Singtel, StarHub, MyRepublic, M1) at SGD 40–70/month for up to 1Gbps; mobile unlimited data plans SGD 35–80/month. Bank account: Major banks include DBS, OCBC, UOB, CIMB, Maybank; require passport, employment pass, proof of address; processing 1–3 days; minimum balances SGD 1,000–2,500. All EP holders must report to MOM within 14 days of arrival.