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Singapore Guides
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Singapore

A modern city-state with excellent business opportunities, multicultural environment, and world-class infrastructure

Singapore
Capital
5.9 million
Population
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Currency
English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Language

Expat Guides for Singapore

Essential information organized by category to help you settle in Singapore

🎓

Education

Schools & universities

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Finance

Banking & taxes

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Healthcare

Medical system

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Housing

Property & rentals

🌟

Lifestyle

Culture & social life

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Living

Daily essentials

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Moving

Relocation tips

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Working

Employment guide

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Directory

Contacts & resources

🌟Why Choose Singapore?

Your Gateway to European Excellence

Discover what makes Singapore the perfect destination for your next adventure

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Global financial and business hub
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Excellent infrastructure and connectivity
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Safe and clean environment
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Multicultural society with English as working language
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Strategic location in Southeast Asia
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World-class healthcare and education
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Climate & Weather

Climate Type

Tropical

Singapore has a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. It experiences two monsoon seasons with frequent but brief rain showers.

☀️Summer Average
26-32°C (79-90°F)
❄️Winter Average
24-30°C (75-86°F)

Seasonal Overview

Northeast Monsoon (December - March)
Cooler and wetter period with more frequent rain
Inter-monsoon (April - May, October - November)
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms
Southwest Monsoon (June - September)
Drier period with occasional rain and haze
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Cost of Living

85/100
Cost Index
Relative to global average85/100

Singapore is one of the world's most expensive cities, particularly for housing and cars. However, food and public transport remain relatively affordable.

Rent (1-bedroom city center)
Housing is the biggest expense - consider location vs budget carefully
SGD $2,500-4,500/month
Food & Groceries
Hawker centers offer affordable local food, groceries can be expensive
SGD $400-800/month
Transportation
Excellent and affordable public transport; cars are very expensive
SGD $100-200/month
Utilities
Air conditioning is essential and increases electricity bills
SGD $150-300/month
Healthcare
World-class healthcare with insurance recommended for expats
SGD $100-500/month
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Work Culture

Singapore's work culture is professional and multicultural, emphasizing efficiency and results. It blends Western business practices with Asian values of respect and hierarchy.

Working Hours
40-45 hours/week
Vacation Days
14-21 days/year

Key Characteristics

•Professional and multicultural environment
•English as primary business language
•Respect for hierarchy and seniority
•Emphasis on efficiency and punctuality
•Strong work ethic with long hours common
•Growing focus on work-life balance
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Visa Information

Singapore offers various work passes and permanent residence options for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Processing Time
2-8 weeks
Validity
1-2 years renewable (work passes) or permanent (PR/citizenship)

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Job offer from Singapore employer (for most work passes)
✓Educational qualifications
✓Work experience
✓Medical examination
✓Clean criminal record
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Healthcare System

Mixed Public-Private

Singapore has a world-class healthcare system combining government subsidies with private insurance and personal responsibility through Medisave accounts.

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Coverage
Universal coverage for citizens/PRs, insurance recommended for expats

Key Features

✓World-class medical facilities and specialists
✓Medisave mandatory savings for citizens/PRs
✓Government subsidies for essential treatments
✓High-quality private healthcare options
✓Medical tourism hub for region
✓Comprehensive health screening programs
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Digital Nomad Friendliness

9/10
Nomad Score
Digital Nomad Friendliness9/10
Internet Speed
200-500+ Mbps average
Coworking Spaces
100+

Highlights

•World-class internet infrastructure
•Abundant coworking spaces and cafes
•Strategic location for Asia-Pacific business
•English-speaking environment
•Excellent connectivity to rest of world
•Safe and efficient urban environment
🧾

Taxes

Progressive personal income tax with competitive corporate rates
Top Rate
Personal 22% (above SGD $320k); Corporate 17%
VAT
GST 9% (goods and services tax)
No capital gains tax; various tax incentives for businesses and individuals
Sources: www.iras.gov.sg, www.edb.gov.sg
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Language & Safety

Language
English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil (all official)
English
Native/Business level - English is primary working language
Safety
Extremely safe
Holidays
~11 public holidays reflecting multicultural society (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas, etc.)
One of the world's safest countries with very low crime rates and strict law enforcement
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Payments

Excellent - cards accepted almost everywhere
Common apps: PayNow, GrabPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayLah!
Singapore is rapidly becoming cashless - digital payments widely adopted
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Mobile & Internet

5G Coverage
Excellent nationwide 5G coverage
Carriers
Singtel, StarHub, M1
World-class mobile infrastructure; eSIM widely available; excellent coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore worth the high cost?
For many expats, yes. The quality of life, safety, career opportunities, and regional connectivity often justify the higher costs.
Do I need to speak other languages?
English is sufficient for work and daily life. Learning basic Mandarin or local languages can be helpful but not essential.
How do I find housing?
Use PropertyGuru, 99.co, or real estate agents. Consider location vs budget - further from city center is more affordable.
What about owning a car?
Very expensive due to COE (Certificate of Entitlement). Most expats rely on excellent public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing.
Is it good for families?
Excellent for families - safe environment, good schools (local and international), family-friendly amenities and activities.
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