Country guide · 2026Move to Singapore: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
Employment Pass from 2025 requires $5,900/month salary. 1BR in the centre (CBD, Holland V, Orchard) is $2,500–4,000/month. Independent residency without an employer is practically impossible — EntrePass is for funded startups only. Changi Airport is the best transit hub for Asia and Europe.
Overview
Why Choose Singapore
Singapore makes sense for employer-sponsored roles or funded startup founders. Tax advantages and world-class banking are the strongest cases for choosing it.
Employment Pass from 2025 requires $5,900/month salary. Independent residency without an employer is effectively impossible outside EntrePass.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | 1–2 years, renewable | Salary from $5,900+/month (2025 threshold) | Qualified employed workers |
| ONE Pass | 5 years, renewable | Salary from $30K/month or outstanding achievements | Top talent, entrepreneurs |
| Dependent Pass (DP) | With EP/ONE | Spouses/children of EP/ONE holders | Families of professionals |
| EntrePass | 1–2 years, renewable | Innovative startup or investor | Entrepreneurs |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Singapore
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Singapore (city-state)
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Changi Airport — world's best: London 13hr, Tokyo 7hr, Bangkok 2.5hr direct
- Zero tax on foreign-source income (Foreign Sourced Income Exemption)
- Banks (DBS, OCBC) — account opened in 1 day, SWIFT unrestricted
- English is the official language: all administration, healthcare, education
Cons
- EP from 2025: $5,900/month threshold — higher than most expat hubs in the region
- 1BR in the centre $2,500–4,000/month; HDB in suburbs $1,800–2,500/month
- Independent residency without employer: de facto impossible without EntrePass/investment
- Heat + 90% humidity year-round — the most constant climate of all countries here
Ready to Choose a Country?
Compare destinations, run the budget, check the visa.
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Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.
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