Singapore

"Majulah Singapura" ("Onward Singapore")

overview

Welcome to Singapore

Singapore: "Singapore, a global financial hub, is known for its modern skyline, efficient infrastructure, and diverse culture. Its economy, one of the strongest in Asia, is driven by finance, technology, and trade. Singapore’s high quality of life and business-friendly environment make it a leading global city.",

overview

Singapore Essentials

National Anthem

Majulah Singapura

Independence Day

August 9, 1965

Haiko

Lion city shines / Hawker stalls serve chili crab / Gardens in the sky

Interesting Tradition

Holds Chingay Parade a vibrant street parade celebrating multiculturalism

Weirdest Local Superstition

Don't point at the moon

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to chew gum

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the efficiency, stay for the excellence: Singapore orchestrates a masterful fusion of cultures, commerce, and innovation. Life moves between morning tai chi in garden towers and afternoon meetings in global headquarters, while evenings explore world-class culinary scenes. Strategic talent passes and business incentives have established it as Asia's premier hub for international professionals.

overview

Let's go

Enter a nation where 'kiasu' isn't just ambition, but the drive for excellence. Here, tradition and tomorrow create perfect harmony.

overview

Welcome to Singapore

Known for its cleanliness and efficiency where chewing gum is a crime but eating is a national pastime

Singapore isn't just a country—it's a vision of the future rooted in tradition. Here, time accelerates between heritage shophouses and towering vertical gardens, and even a simple hawker center meal becomes a journey through Asia's finest flavors. This is a land where efficiency and soul create perfect harmony.

From the futuristic gardens of Marina Bay to the cultural enclaves of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore offers excellence for every urban explorer. Whether you're drawn to the architectural wonders of Gardens by the Bay, the shopping paradise of Orchard Road, or the hidden temples of Telok Ayer, you'll find a nation that turns urban planning into an art form.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

chili crab (spicy seafood dish) - laksa (spicy noodle soup)

Drink

singapore sling (gin cocktail) - teh tarik (pulled milk tea)

overview

Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Tissue packets marking seats (chope) must be respected
#2
Food sharing protocols vary by ethnicity
#3
Queue jumping considered serious social offense
#4
Singlish use appropriate only in specific contexts
#5
Public eating has strict cleanliness rules

overview

Singapore Essentials

Representative Novel

If We Survive by Andrew Klavan (Novel set in a fictional country similar to Singapore)

National Animal

Lion

National Pasttime

Table tennis

National Souvenir

Tiger Balm

National Dish

Chili crab

Famous Festival

Chingay Parade

Famous Dance

Lion dance

Famous Music

Xinyao

overview

Did You Know?

Singapore is home to the world's first Night Safari.

The Night Safari in Singapore is a one-of-a-kind attraction, offering visitors the chance to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats.

Singapore has one of the world's busiest ports.

Singapore's port is a critical hub in global trade, handling millions of containers every year and connecting Asia to the rest of the world.

Singapore’s Changi Airport has a butterfly garden.

Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the best in the world, is home to the world’s first airport butterfly garden, featuring over 1,000 tropical butterflies.

overview

Singapore’s Key Historical Events

1,299

April 2014

Founding of the Kingdom of Singapura

1819

July 2014

Founding of modern Singapore by Stamford Raffles

1942

February 2015

Japanese occupation during WWII

1959

March 2015

Self-government under Lee Kuan Yew begins

1965

October 2016

Singapore becomes fully independent

MOBILITY

Access Singapore Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

3

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
2 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
2
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

164

Performance Class

Borderless Elite

Passport Grade

A+

Rank

7

Score

190.5

This visa grants access to:

• 67% of the world's population 

• 86% of UNESCO sites 

• 92% of global GDP 

• 68% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Singapore by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Singapore
290
743
1,402
1,573
1,764
2,181
2,646

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Singapore's Global Rankings 

Singapore excels with highly efficient healthcare (#1) and very high English proficiency (#2). Our analysis shows very high safety (#5) and premium living standards (#4).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
4
Cost of Living
2024
Premium
21
Quality of Life
2024
Very Good
5
Safety
2024
Very High
30
Happiness
2024
High
28
Tax Burden
2024
Minimal Load
2
English Proficiency
2023
Very High Proficiency
17
Rule of Law
2024
Very Strong
1
Healthcare System
2024
Highly Efficient
16
Pleasant Climate
2024
Very Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

35.1

years

Life Expectancy

83.6

years

Obesity Rate

10.60%

Tobacco Use

20.50%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

5.57%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.49

per 1000 people

Doctors

2.4

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

22.50%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Public and Private Healthcare Systems

Singapore offers both public and private healthcare services, with its public system providing essential care at affordable rates for residents.

Private Healthcare Excellence

Singapore's private healthcare sector is world-renowned for offering state-of-the-art facilities and well-trained specialists.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Singapore typically choose private healthcare services, with many purchasing international health insurance for coverage.

Medical Tourism Hub

Singapore is a major hub for medical tourism, known for offering high-quality healthcare services to international patients.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Pharmaceuticals are widely available in Singapore, with both local and international medications accessible at competitive prices.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Singapore is known for its high cost of living, consistently ranking among the world's most expensive cities. Housing costs are exceptionally high, especially for properties in central locations. Food can be affordable at hawker centers, but dining out at restaurants and imported goods are expensive. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is efficient and relatively affordable. Education costs are high, particularly for international schools. The high costs are often offset by high salaries and a high standard of living.

Cost of Gasoline

$2.23

per liter

Cost of Meal

$11.66

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$2,831.24

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$166.45

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$7.77

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

9%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Singapore, it's important to understand its tax system.+Singapore taxes residents on Singapore-source income and foreign income remitted to Singapore. Non-residents are taxed only on Singapore-source income. Income tax rates for residents are progressive, ranging from 0% to 22%. Non-residents pay a flat rate of 15% or the resident rates, whichever is higher. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 7%. Property tax applies. A Tax Reference Number is required for tax purposes.+Singapore has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

No (Territorial system)

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-22%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

17%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

17%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

10%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered residents if they are physically present or exercise employment in Singapore for 183 days or more during the calendar year preceding the year of assessment.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

7

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

91.6

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

21
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

64
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

5

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

72
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons

Average Temperature

27.68 °C

Humidity

84

%

Average Annual Precipitation

2,497

mm

Rainless Days per Year

178

Best Time to Travel

February-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Singapore

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Singapore.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Singapore?

Plus icon

What languages do they speak in Singapore?

Plus icon

Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Singapore with me?

Plus icon

How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Singapore?

Plus icon

Can I keep my own citizenship?

Plus icon

overview

Mobility Asset Articles

No items found.