Your life in Singapore starts here
Make your move to Singapore
Exceptionally safe, efficient and English-speaking, Singapore taxes only local income and levies no capital-gains tax. Employer-sponsored work permits are the main and well-trodden route in.
Sponsored by
Photo: Stijn Dijkstra / Pexels
At a glance
Singapore, in brief.
How Singapore compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Singapore ranks among the best for safety (4th of 78) and size of expat community (8th of 81) and tax friendliness (16th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Very safe
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Very large
Employment Pass; no retiree visa; no dual citizenship
Territorial; no foreign-income or CGT
Life in Singapore
My name is Anja aka CurlyTraveller. I am a fifty-something woman from the Netherlands, and my blog has articles and lots of pictures about my travels and explorations…
Health insurance in Singapore
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Singapore, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Save 10%* for lifetime of your international health policy today!
Your discount lasts as long as your policy does. Eligible new customers purchasing a Cigna Global Health Options Silver, Gold or Platinum plan between 1–30 November 2026 will receive an additional 10% discount for the lifetime of their policy. *Terms and conditions apply
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Singapore into clear answers.
Loading the insurance checker…
- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Singapore.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Singapore moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Singapore share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Singapore stories
- Singapore
Trinayan Baruah
My name is Trinayan Baruah and I am 22 years old. I am currently living in New Delhi. I have just finished…
- Singapore
Elske Swets
My name is Elske Swets. I am 30 years old, happily married and mother of a three-month-old daughter. I was born and…
- Singapore
Stuart
My name is Stuart and I'm from Scotland, in the United Kingdom. I grew up on the west coast in a town…
Fresh from Singapore
Latest articles.
Dental Care in Singapore: Insurance Insights for Senior Expats
Singapore is renowned for its world-class healthcare services, including dental care. However, for expats over 60, understanding the intricacies of dental insurance and how…
Singapore’s Pay Scale: Decoding Compensation and Benefits for Expats
Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is often described as a confluence of cultures, global businesses, and innovation. Its bustling job market,…
Singapore’s International Schools: A Guide For Expat Parents
This article looks at international schools in Singapore and how expats can navigate the education system in Singapore.
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Singapore, and compare them side by side.
Newsletter
Your move, in your inbox.
Our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad.