Singapore consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for expats — and it’s easy to see why. Safe, clean, efficient, and with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, the Lion City offers a quality of life that’s hard to match. But moving here comes with a learning curve. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Is Singapore Right for You?
Before diving into logistics, it’s worth being honest about what Singapore is and isn’t. It’s a world-class city with excellent infrastructure, low crime, and incredible food. It’s also expensive (particularly housing), compact (just 733 sq km), and can feel intense. Most expats who stay more than 2 years become deeply fond of it. Most who leave wish they’d tried harder to stay.
Visa & Work Pass Options
To live and work in Singapore, you’ll need one of the following passes:
- Employment Pass (EP) — For professionals earning at least $5,000/month (higher for older candidates). Requires a job offer from a Singapore employer. Most common for white-collar expats.
- S Pass — For mid-skilled workers earning at least $3,150/month. Subject to quota limits per employer.
- EntrePass — For entrepreneurs starting a business in Singapore.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) — For high earners ($22,500/month+). Not tied to a specific employer.
- Dependent’s Pass (DP) — For spouses and children of EP/S Pass holders.
Processing times are typically 3–8 weeks. Apply via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Cost of Living: What to Expect
Singapore is expensive — there’s no sugarcoating it. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,200–$2,800 | $3,000–$4,500 | $5,000+ |
| Groceries | $400–$600 | $600–$900 | $1,000+ |
| Eating out | $400 (hawker) | $800 | $1,500+ |
| Transport | $100 (MRT) | $200 | $500+ (car) |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $300+ |
| Total | ~$3,500 | ~$5,500 | $8,000+ |
Note: owning a car in Singapore is extremely expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. Budget $2,000–$3,000/month if you want to drive.
Finding Housing
Most expats rent rather than buy. The main options are:
- HDB flats — Government-built public housing. Good value, very safe, and gives you a genuine local experience. Expect $1,800–$3,500/month for a 3-4 room flat.
- Condominiums — Private apartments, usually with pool, gym, and security. More comfortable but pricier: $3,000–$8,000/month depending on location and size.
- Landed property — Terraced or semi-detached houses. Only available to permanent residents or citizens without restrictions. Very expensive: $8,000–$20,000+/month.
Best areas for expats: Holland Village, Dempsey, Tiong Bahru, East Coast (Katong/Joo Chiat), Novena, Tanglin.
Finding a flat: Use PropertyGuru or 99.co. Engage a licensed real estate agent — their commission is typically one month’s rent paid by the tenant for leases under 2 years. Generally, you don’t need to pay a brokerage fee to a real estate agent when renting property.
Banking & Finances
Open a bank account as soon as your EP is approved. Major banks for expats:
- DBS/POSB — Most convenient, widest ATM network. Recommended for most expats.
- OCBC — Good for mortgage and investment products.
- UOB — Strong credit card benefits.
- Wise / Revolut — Great for sending money home, better exchange rates than local banks.
You’ll need your passport, EP, and proof of address (tenancy agreement) to open an account.
Healthcare
Singapore has excellent healthcare — one of the best in Asia. Expats have two options:
- Public hospitals (SGH, NUH, Tan Tock Seng) — High quality, shorter wait times than most countries. A general outpatient visit costs $35–$60 at a polyclinic.
- Private hospitals (Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Raffles Hospital) — More comfortable, shorter waits for specialists. Costs significantly more.
Most employers provide health insurance. If not, get private health insurance — IHI Bupa, AXA, and AIA are popular choices for expats.
Schooling for Children
International schools are the most common choice for expat children. Popular ones include:
- United World College (UWC) — IB curriculum, highly regarded
- Anglo-Chinese School (International) — IB, well-regarded
- Tanglin Trust School — British curriculum
- Canadian International School — Canadian/IB curriculum
- Singapore American School — US curriculum
Fees range from $25,000–$55,000 SGD per year. Many employers include school fees in expat packages — negotiate this before you move.
Getting Around
Singapore’s public transport is world-class and inexpensive:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) — Fast, air-conditioned, reliable. Covers most of the island. Single trip: $1–$2.50.
- Bus — Extensive network, integrated with MRT. Use the same EZ-Link card.
- Grab — Singapore’s dominant ride-hailing app (similar to Uber). Available everywhere.
- Cycling — Growing network of bike lanes. SG Bike and Anywheel for bike sharing.
Get an EZ-Link card or set up SimplyGo (tap your bank card) on your first day.
Practical First Steps
- Get your EP approved and collect it at MOM
- Open a bank account (DBS or OCBC)
- Get a local SIM card (Singtel, StarHub, or M1)
- Register your address with ICA if you plan to stay 90+ days
- Set up Singpass (Singapore’s digital identity system) — you’ll need it for everything
- Find housing (aim to be settled within 2 weeks of arrival)
- Explore your neighbourhood’s hawker centre
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Employment Pass?
Processing time is typically 3–8 weeks from application submission. Straightforward cases (large employers, strong candidates) can be faster. You’ll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, then collect the physical card at MOM.
Is Singapore expensive for expats?
Yes — Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia. Housing is the biggest cost. However, hawker food, public transport, and utilities are very affordable. Many expats find their overall quality of life excellent even on a tight budget if they avoid cars and eat local.
Can I bring my family to Singapore?
Yes — EP holders earning $6,000+/month can sponsor a Dependent’s Pass for their spouse and children. Long Term Visit Passes are available for parents and in-laws.
Do I need to speak Mandarin or Malay?
No — English is Singapore’s working language and you can live comfortably knowing only English. Knowing basic Mandarin is helpful but not required.
What is Singpass and why does everyone mention it?
Singpass is Singapore’s national digital identity app. You’ll use it to access government services, sign documents digitally, check CPF contributions, file taxes, and hundreds of other tasks. Set it up as soon as your EP is issued.
Moving to Singapore requires planning, but the country makes it remarkably easy once you’re here. The infrastructure works, the government is efficient, and the expat community is warm and welcoming. The first six months can feel overwhelming — the heat, the pace, the expense — but most expats who stick it out for a year rarely want to leave.
Welcome to the Lion City.