Singapore

Main work passes

All work passes are issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), usually after your employer applies.

• Employment Pass (EP): for professionals, managers and executives. From 2025 the qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) and rises with age. Applicants must also pass the COMPASS points framework, which scores salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and local hiring.
• S Pass: for mid-skilled staff, with a minimum salary of S$3,300 (S$3,800 in financial services) from September 2025, subject to employer quotas and levies.
• EntrePass: for founders of innovative, venture-backed or high-growth startups.
• ONE Pass: for top talent earning at least S$30,000 a month, or with outstanding achievements.
• Dependant's Pass: for spouses and children of EP and S Pass holders who meet salary criteria.
• Student's Pass: issued by ICA for full-time students.

Permanent residence

After working in Singapore for some time, you can apply for PR with ICA. Approval is discretionary and depends on factors such as salary, qualifications, family ties and integration.

The job market

Singapore hosts the Asia Pacific headquarters of thousands of multinationals. Competition is strong, and employers must advertise many roles locally under the Fair Consideration Framework before hiring foreigners.

• In demand: software engineering, AI and data, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, semiconductors and logistics
• Salaries: professional salaries are high, and there is no capital gains tax
• Bonuses: a 13th-month payment (AWS) and performance bonuses are common

Work culture

Work is fast-paced and results-oriented. Hours can be long in finance and consulting, and hierarchies are more visible than in many Western workplaces.

Where to look

• LinkedIn, MyCareersFuture (the government job portal) and JobStreet
• Recruiters for finance and tech roles

Types of housing

• HDB flats: public housing where most Singaporeans live. Foreigners with a valid pass can rent a whole flat or a room from the owner.
• Condominiums: private apartments with pools, gyms and security, popular with expats
• Landed property: houses, the most expensive option

How renting works

• Search on PropertyGuru, 99.co and through agents
• Leases are usually 12 or 24 months
• Deposits are typically one month's rent per year of lease
• A diplomatic clause lets you break a two-year lease after 12 months if you are transferred or lose your job
• The tenant pays stamp duty on the lease

Buying property

Foreigners pay a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty on residential property and cannot buy new HDB flats.

The system

Singapore has excellent public and private hospitals. Citizens and PRs receive subsidies and save for healthcare through MediSave, part of their CPF. Foreigners on work passes do not have MediSave and pay unsubsidised rates.

Insurance

• Employers of S Pass and Work Permit holders must provide medical insurance
• Most EP employers offer group health insurance, but check the coverage limits
• Consider an international or local plan for dependants and to top up employer cover

Where to go

• Polyclinics and private GP clinics for everyday care
• Public hospitals such as Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital
• Private hospitals such as Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles

Prices are high: a GP visit at a private clinic may cost S$40 to S$100, and hospital stays can cost thousands.

Typical monthly costs

• Rent: S$3,000 to S$4,500 for a one-bedroom condo, less for an HDB room or flat
• Utilities: S$150 to S$300, depending on air conditioning use
• Groceries: S$500 to S$700 per person
• Transport: S$100 to S$150 for public transport
• Hawker meals: S$4 to S$8

Budget examples

• A single professional in a condo needs roughly S$6,000 to S$8,000 a month
• A family with children in international schools often needs S$15,000 or more

Big costs to watch

• Cars: a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) alone can exceed S$100,000
• International schools: often S$35,000 to S$50,000 per child per year
• Alcohol: heavily taxed

Public transport

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) covers most of the island, supported by LRT lines and an extensive bus network. New lines, including the Thomson-East Coast Line, keep expanding coverage.

• Pay with contactless bank cards or mobile wallets through SimplyGo, or an EZ-Link card
• Fares are distance-based and usually S$1 to S$2.50 per trip
• Monthly concession passes are available

Taxis and ride-hailing

Grab, Gojek, TADA and metered taxis from ComfortDelGro are widely available and affordable for short trips.

Driving

Car ownership is extremely expensive due to the COE system, road pricing (ERP) and parking costs. Many foreigners never buy a car.

Cycling and walking

Park connectors and covered walkways make walking and cycling practical, though the heat is a factor.

Daily life

Singapore life is convenient and orderly. Food is central: hawker centres serve chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow and roti prata at low prices, and are recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Culture and festivals

• Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas are all celebrated
• Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam show the city's heritage
• The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is a highlight each year

Nature

Despite its density, Singapore is very green: Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), MacRitchie Reservoir and Pulau Ubin offer escapes from the city.

Community

Expat communities are large and active, with sports clubs, professional networks and national associations.

Local schools

Singapore's public schools are among the best in the world. Foreign children can apply, but places are limited and admission for most ages goes through the AEIS exam. Fees for foreigners are higher than for citizens and PRs.

International schools

Most expat families choose international schools, such as UWCSEA, Tanglin Trust, the Singapore American School and many others. Fees are often S$35,000 to S$50,000 a year, plus application and development fees.

Universities

The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) rank among the top universities in Asia. Others include SMU, SUTD and SIT.

Preschool

Childcare centres and kindergartens are widely available. Foreigners do not receive the same subsidies as citizens, so full-day childcare can cost S$1,500 to S$2,500 a month.

Opening a bank account

The big three local banks are DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB, with international banks such as HSBC, Citibank and Standard Chartered also present. Many accounts can be opened online with Singpass and your pass details.

Paying for things

• PayNow lets you send money instantly using a phone number or FIN
• Contactless cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere
• Hawker stalls increasingly accept QR payments via SGQR

CPF and savings

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a mandatory savings scheme only for citizens and PRs. Foreigners on work passes do not contribute, so plan your own retirement savings.

Taxes

Income tax is progressive and low, with a top resident rate of 24%. Tax residents are generally those who stay or work 183 days or more in a year. Returns are filed with IRAS by April each year.

Everyday rules

• Littering: heavy fines and possible community work orders
• Chewing gum: sale is banned, except certain medical gums
• Smoking: only in designated areas, and banned in many public places
• Vaping: e-cigarettes are illegal to buy, own or use, with enforcement significantly stepped up since 2025
• Jaywalking: crossing near a crossing but not on it can be fined

Drugs

Singapore has some of the world's strictest drug laws, including the death penalty for trafficking. Consuming drugs abroad can also be an offence for residents and pass holders.

Alcohol

Drinking in public places is banned between 10:30 pm and 7 am, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Work pass rules

Working outside your pass conditions, including side jobs, is a serious offence.

Changi Airport

Changi Airport (SIN) is regularly voted one of the best airports in the world. It is the hub for Singapore Airlines and Scoot, with direct flights across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Regional trips

• Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City are one to two and a half hours away
• Ferries run to Batam and Bintan in Indonesia
• Budget airlines make weekend trips affordable

Malaysia by land

• The Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link connect Singapore with Johor
• The RTS Link rail shuttle between Woodlands and Johor Bahru is scheduled to open in 2026
• Buses and trains run onward to Kuala Lumpur

Immigration

Residents can use automated lanes at checkpoints. Make sure your pass is valid when you return.