Frequently Asked Questions

Singapore offers several work visa types for foreign professionals:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives earning at least S$5,000/month (higher for older applicants). Valid for 1-2 years, renewable.
• S Pass: For mid-level skilled workers earning at least S$3,150/month. Subject to quota and levy requirements.
• EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting a business in Singapore. Requires meeting specific business criteria.
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high-earning EP holders (S$22,500+/month) offering more flexibility.

Your employer typically handles the application process. Processing takes 3-8 weeks.

Yes, Dependant's Pass holders can work in Singapore, but they need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower.

The LOC is tied to a specific employer and job. Your potential employer applies for it through MOM's online system. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.

If you're a Dependant's Pass holder married to an EP holder earning at least S$6,000/month, you may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+), which allows you to work without needing an LOC.

Standard lease terms in Singapore are typically 1 or 2 years. The minimum legal lease term for private properties is 3 months.

Common lease structures:

• 1-year lease: 1-month security deposit, 1-month agent commission (if any)
• 2-year lease: 2-month security deposit, usually includes diplomatic clause after 12 months

The "diplomatic clause" allows you to terminate early (usually with 2-3 months' notice) if your employment in Singapore ends. This is especially important for expats.

Yes, foreigners can purchase private condominiums and apartments without restriction. However, there are significant costs to consider:

• Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): 60% for foreigners (as of 2023)
• Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD): Up to 6% on higher-value properties

Landed properties (houses, bungalows) require government approval through the Singapore Land Authority, which is rarely granted to foreigners.

HDB flats (public housing) are generally only available to Singapore Citizens and PRs.

To open a bank account in Singapore, you'll typically need:

• Valid passport (original)
• Employment Pass, S Pass, or other valid work visa
• Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill, or bank statement)
• Employment letter or contract (some banks)
• Initial deposit (varies by bank, usually S$500 - S$3,000)

Visit a branch in person for your first account. Once established, you can open additional accounts (savings, foreign currency) online.

Processing time is usually immediate to 3 business days. Some banks offer same-day debit cards.

The "best" bank depends on your needs. Here's a quick guide:

• DBS: Best digital experience, largest ATM network, excellent local integration
• OCBC: Strong wealth management, good property loan rates
• UOB: Good for regional (ASEAN) banking needs
• Standard Chartered/HSBC: Best for international transfers and maintaining global accounts
• Citibank: Good credit card rewards, global presence

Many expats open accounts with both a local bank (DBS/OCBC/UOB) for daily use and an international bank for overseas transfers.

The total cost of employing a domestic helper includes:

• Monthly salary: S$600 - S$800 (varies by experience and nationality)
• Foreign Worker Levy: S$300/month
• Food allowance: S$250 - S$300/month (if not providing meals)
• Insurance: ~S$300/year (medical + personal accident)
• Security bond: S$5,000 (can be insured for ~S$60/year)

Total monthly cost: Approximately S$1,200 - S$1,400

First-year setup costs: S$1,500 - S$3,000+ (agency fees, medical exam, training)

Start as early as possible. Popular schools like UWC, SAS, and Tanglin can have waitlists of 6-12 months or more.

Recommended timeline:

• 12+ months before: Begin research and shortlist schools
• 9-12 months before: Submit applications and register for waitlists
• 6 months before: Complete assessments/interviews
• 3 months before: Confirm placement and complete enrollment

Many schools accept applications year-round but have better availability at the start of the academic year (August/September for most international schools).

Singapore has a progressive income tax system with relatively low rates compared to many Western countries:

• First S$20,000: 0%
• S$20,001 - S$40,000: 2% - 3.5%
• S$40,001 - S$80,000: 7%
• S$80,001 - S$120,000: 11.5%
• Above S$320,000: 22% (top marginal rate)

Key benefits: No capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and only Singapore-sourced income is taxed (territorial basis).

Tax residency is determined by physical presence (183+ days in a calendar year or continuous presence spanning 2 consecutive years).

This depends on your home country's tax laws. Some key considerations:

• US citizens: Must file US taxes regardless of where they live (worldwide taxation). Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may apply.
• UK citizens: Tax residency rules apply. Non-residents typically don't pay UK tax on foreign income.
• Australian citizens: Similar to UK with residency-based taxation.

Singapore has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with 90+ countries to prevent being taxed twice on the same income.

Important: Consult with a tax professional familiar with both Singapore and your home country's tax laws.