Moving to Singapore: A Practical Relocation Guide

Singapore consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities and is the premier financial hub of South-East Asia. For internationally mobile professionals, executives, and high-net-worth individuals, it offers a highly efficient tax system, rule of law, excellent healthcare, outstanding international schools, and a strategic location for regional business. As of 2026, the British expat community numbers around 30,000 in a total expat population of over 1.6 million.

Why Singapore Appeals to International Expats

Singapore operates a territorial tax system — residents are only taxed on income sourced in Singapore. Foreign-source income remitted to Singapore is generally exempt for individuals. The top marginal income tax rate is 24% (as of 2026), which, while not as low as Dubai, is significantly below UK rates and applies only to income above SGD 1 million. There is no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax.

Beyond tax, Singapore's appeal lies in its safety, cleanliness, English-language environment, connectivity (Changi Airport remains one of the world's best connected hubs), and the concentration of family offices, private banks, and wealth management professionals.

Visas and Work Passes

Singapore's immigration framework is based on employment passes and long-term residency options:

Employment Pass (EP). For professionals, managers, executives, and technicians. For new applications from 1 January 2025 the minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,600 per month (SGD 6,200 in financial services), rising progressively with age. The qualifying salary increased from SGD 5,000 (SGD 5,500 for financial services). Your employer applies on your behalf. As of 2026, enhanced scrutiny under the COMPASS framework means employers must demonstrate fair consideration. EP holders may bring dependants on Dependant Passes.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). A non-employer-tied pass for high earners. Since 1 September 2023 the qualifying fixed monthly salary has been SGD 22,500 (a single threshold replacing the former split between existing EP holders and overseas applicants). Valid for three years, non-renewable, and PEP holders must earn at least SGD 270,000 per calendar year to retain the pass. Allows salary flexibility and a period of unemployment between jobs.

EntrePass. For entrepreneurs starting or operating a Singapore-registered company. Requires meeting specific innovation or business criteria.

One Pass (launched 2023). A five-year pass for top-tier talent earning at least SGD 30,000 per month, or outstanding individuals in business, arts, sports, or academia. Allows concurrent employment with multiple companies.

Permanent Residency (PR). Available to EP holders after two or more years, subject to approval. PR confers most of the rights of citizenship including CPF contributions. The approval process is selective and not guaranteed.

Global Investor Programme (GIP). Offers PR to investors who commit at least SGD 10 million into a Singapore-registered business or SGD 25 million into a GIP-approved fund. Subject to active investment and business participation requirements.

UK Tax Implications

As with any international move, becoming non-resident in the UK for tax purposes requires meeting the Statutory Residence Test conditions. Singapore's own tax treaty with the UK provides useful protections, but detailed planning is essential — particularly if you have UK rental income, UK pensions, or UK investment portfolios.

Singapore's tax residency rules provide that you are tax resident if you spend 183 or more days per year in Singapore or if you work in Singapore continuously for three or more years.

Banking

Singapore has an excellent banking sector. UK expats commonly use:

• HSBC Singapore — seamless for existing HSBC Premier or Jade customers; account can often be opened with minimal in-country presence.
• Standard Chartered Singapore — strong private banking and retail offering.
• Citibank Singapore — well-regarded for internationally mobile professionals.
• DBS / OCBC / UOB — the three major local banks; DBS in particular has an excellent digital platform.

Minimum balance requirements vary significantly. HSBC Premier, for example, requires SGD 200,000 in total relationship balance. For those with less initial liquidity, DBS Multiplier or OCBC 360 accounts offer competitive rates with lower entry thresholds.

Singapore's MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) is one of the world's most respected financial regulators, and the banking sector benefits from strong deposit protection of up to SGD 100,000 per depositor per institution (raised from SGD 75,000 on 1 April 2024) under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation scheme.

Healthcare

Singapore's healthcare system is dual-track: a highly competent public system and a world-class private sector. As an expat on an Employment Pass, you are not eligible for the public Medisave/Medishield Life system (which is reserved for PRs and citizens). You are entitled to use public hospitals at foreigner rates, which are higher than subsidised resident rates.

In practice, most expats use private hospitals: Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Raffles Medical Group, and Parkway hospitals are the primary choices. International private medical insurance is strongly recommended — a private hospital admission can cost SGD 10,000–50,000+ without cover.

Many employers provide group health insurance, but coverage limits and network restrictions can leave gaps. A personal IPMI plan provides certainty.

Education

Singapore's education system is outstanding by global standards, but the local national school curriculum is competitive and taught primarily in English and Mandarin. Most UK expats choose international schools, which follow the British, IB, or American curriculum.

Leading international schools include:

• Tanglin Trust School — British curriculum, highly regarded, waiting lists are long.
• Dulwich College Singapore — British curriculum, strong academic reputation.
• United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) — IB curriculum, large and well-resourced.
• Chatsworth International School — IB, smaller and more personal in feel.

School fees typically range from SGD 25,000 to SGD 55,000 per year. Many employer packages include a school fee allowance — verify this before negotiating your compensation package.

Cost of Living

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia. As of 2026:

• A three-bedroom apartment in a central location (Orchard, Buona Vista, Holland Village) runs SGD 6,000–12,000 per month.
• Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) for cars have made car ownership extremely expensive — a mid-range family car can cost SGD 150,000–200,000 including COE. Most expats use Grab (ride-hailing) or the excellent MRT.
• Eating out at hawker centres is extremely affordable (SGD 4–8 per meal); restaurants are broadly comparable to London.
• Alcohol is expensive due to duty; dining with wine at a mid-range restaurant costs considerably more than the equivalent meal price alone suggests.

Practical Considerations

Singapore is one of the world's safest and most orderly cities. The rule of law is genuine and consistently applied. Jaywalking, littering, and chewing gum (sale is banned) are minor but notable examples of the city's regulatory culture. Drug laws are severe.

The climate is tropical — hot and humid year-round, with no distinct seasons. Air-conditioning is ubiquitous. Many expats find the heat takes adjustment but ultimately adapt quickly.

How Global Investments Can Help

Singapore is a sophisticated wealth management jurisdiction and a natural base for clients with regional business interests or significant investment portfolios. Global Investments can assist with pre-departure tax structuring, Singapore private banking introductions, family office considerations, and the coordination of your UK financial affairs during and after relocation. With over 32 years of experience advising internationally mobile clients, our team understands the complexities of moving between high-regulation jurisdictions.

This guide is for general information only. Tax rules, visa requirements, and regulations change frequently. Always seek professional legal and financial advice tailored to your circumstances before making relocation or investment decisions. Investments can fall as well as rise in value.