Source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore — Passes and Permits. Salary thresholds updated periodically — always verify current figures on mom.gov.sg before applying.
Unlike Thailand or Portugal, Singapore has no passive income or retirement visa route. The vast majority of Western expats are here on employer-sponsored passes. If you're not employed by a Singapore-registered entity, your options are limited.
For foreign professionals, managers and executives working for Singapore-registered companies. As of 1 January 2025, the minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,600/month for general sectors (SGD 6,200 for financial services). These thresholds are age-dependent — older candidates require higher salaries. From 1 January 2027, thresholds rise further to SGD 6,000 and SGD 6,600 respectively. Source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore — EP eligibility. Candidates are evaluated under the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points system — salary alone is no longer sufficient. You must also score sufficiently on factors including qualifications, company diversity and support for local employment. Your employer applies on your behalf — you cannot apply directly.
Verify current salary thresholds: mom.gov.sg/employment-pass/eligibility
Not tied to a specific employer. For high-earning EP holders (last drawn salary SGD 22,500+/month) or overseas foreign professionals earning SGD 270,000+/year. Allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months between jobs without losing your pass. Valid 3 years, not renewable. Useful for senior professionals between roles.
Introduced in January 2023. For top global talent earning at least SGD 30,000/month, or those with outstanding achievements in arts, culture, sports, academia or research. Allows you to work for multiple employers simultaneously. Valid 5 years.
Spouses and children (under 21) of EP holders earning SGD 6,000+/month. Allows accompanying family members to live in Singapore. Spouse can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work.
Singapore has a sophisticated banking system. You can open an account after receiving your Employment Pass. The major banks are DBS, OCBC and UOB — all internationally rated, English-language operations and strong digital banking.
The largest bank in Southeast Asia by assets. Excellent digital banking, widely regarded as one of the best bank apps globally. DBS Multiplier account offers interest rate bonuses based on salary crediting and card spend. Recommended for most new expats.
Strong alternatives with good digital apps. OCBC's 360 Account and UOB One Account both offer bonus interest on salary credit plus spending. Worth comparing current rates as they shift frequently.
Useful if you already hold accounts with these internationally. Good for cross-border transfers and those who travel frequently between markets. Generally higher minimum balances required.
Wise SGD support lets you spend at the mid-market rate before your local bank account is open. Essential for first weeks while EP and bank account are being processed.
Singapore has excellent private and public healthcare. MedShield Life covers Singapore citizens and PRs — as an EP holder you are not enrolled in this. Most employers provide group health insurance; check what your policy actually covers before relying on it.
General information only. Source: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (iras.gov.sg). Consult a qualified tax adviser for your situation.
Singapore taxes income earned in Singapore. If you are tax resident in Singapore (generally, present for 183+ days in a calendar year), you pay progressive rates from 0% to 24% on chargeable income. Non-residents are generally taxed at 15% flat rate or progressive rates, whichever is higher, on Singapore-sourced employment income.
Singapore has no capital gains tax. Gains from sale of investments, property or cryptocurrency are not taxed — provided they are capital in nature and not trading income. This is a significant advantage for investors and those with substantial investment portfolios.
If non-UK resident under the SRT, UK rental income from UK property remains taxable in the UK. Self-employment income from work done in Singapore is not UK-source and not UK-taxable. Capital gains (including crypto) are not subject to UK CGT for non-residents, except gains on UK land and property. Singapore and the UK have a double taxation agreement — check how this applies to your pension and investment income. See our Tax & Legal section →
Singtel, StarHub and M1 are the main networks. Coverage in Singapore is excellent everywhere — it's a small city-state. Tourist SIMs available at Changi Airport. Once you have your Employment Pass, switch to a monthly local plan — significantly cheaper for long-term use.
Singapore eSIM plans from around $5 for 3GB. Works immediately on arrival at Changi — useful while you're getting settled before sorting a local plan.
Get a Singapore eSIM from Airalo (AD)Indicative figures for a single person. Singapore is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities globally. Figures in GBP at April 2026 rates.
Singapore is expensive. Most Western expats receive a housing allowance as part of their package — negotiate this before accepting an offer. Hawker centre food is excellent and cheap (~£2–4/meal); restaurants are Western-priced.
There's a gap between arriving in a new country and getting long-term health insurance sorted. Travel insurance covers you in that window — and for trips back home, visits to neighbouring countries, and activity-based incidents that IPMI doesn't always cover. It's not a substitute for proper expat health cover but it fills the gap.
Designed specifically for travellers and new expats. Covers emergency medical, trip cancellation, adventure activities and personal liability. Available to residents of most countries. Get a quote online in minutes — cover can start immediately.
Travel insurance is not a substitute for international private medical insurance for long-term residents. See our health insurance comparison →
Most people moving abroad ship less than they expect and buy more locally than they planned. That said, some things are worth shipping — clothes for all climates, specialist equipment, sentimental items. Get multiple quotes before committing.
International removals by sea and air. Door-to-door service covering most of our destination countries. Competitive for partial loads. Quote online.
Get a removals quote (AD)Before booking a container, price up buying equivalent items at your destination. In Thailand and Malaysia, furniture and electronics are often cheaper locally. In UAE and Singapore, not so much. Ship what you can't replace, buy the rest.
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