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Location Advice: Singapore

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Singapore is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Malaysia to the north, and its southern coastline faces the Singapore Strait. Singapore is a global financial hub with a thriving economy, a rich cultural heritage, and a reputation for being a city of innovation.

Singapore at a Glance

Capital City: Singapore (City-State)

Population: 5.7 million

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Time Zone: SGT

Climate

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 31°C year-round. There are occasional showers, especially during the monsoon season from November to January.

Religion

Singapore is a multi-religious society with no official state religion. Major religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism.

Language

The official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. English is the most commonly used language for business and government.

Government

Singapore operates as a parliamentary republic. The Head of State is the President, while the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Tax Rules

Singapore has extensive tax requirements that can be checked at the Official Singapore Tax Portal.

There are tax brackets and percentages that may vary based on residency status and other factors.

Working Hours/Days

A typical workweek in Singapore is 44 hours, generally divided over five or six days, with a maximum of 9 hours per day. Work hours may vary based on industry and job type.

Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day – Jan 1

  • Chinese New Year – Varies (Jan/Feb)

  • Good Friday – Varies

  • Labour Day – May 1

  • Hari Raya Puasa – Varies

  • National Day – Aug 9

  • Deepavali – Varies

  • Christmas Day – Dec 25

Statutory Benefits

  • CPF Contributions
  • Childcare Leave and Maternity Leave
  • Holiday Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Work Injury Compensation Act

For detailed employee benefits, you can refer to this comprehensive guide.

Pension Policy

Singapore has a mandatory savings scheme known as the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Both employees and employers contribute a percentage of the employee’s salary to the CPF, which is used for retirement, healthcare, and housing. The employer's contribution rate ranges from 7.5% to 17%, depending on the employee’s age.

For more information on CPF, see the CPF Overview

Visa Requirements

To live and work in Singapore, you will need a valid work visa. There are several types of employment passes, including the Employment Pass (for foreign professionals), S Pass (for mid-skilled workers), and EntrePass (for entrepreneurs).

For more details on visa options, please visit ICA.GOV.

Landmarks

Visit the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, and the historic Chinatown.

Museums and Galleries

Explore the National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Theatre and Arts

Enjoy performances at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or check out a classical production at the Victoria Theatre.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Take a stroll through Singapore Botanic Gardens, East Coast Park, and the Southern Ridges.

Shopping and Markets

Orchard Road is known for its shopping malls, while you can visit Bugis Street for local markets.

Seasonal Activities

Enjoy festive events during Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and the Christmas season with lights and cultural celebrations.

Historical Viewings

Visit the Singapore River, Fort Canning Park, and the Battlebox for a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past.

Getting Around

Singapore has an excellent public transport system, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, and taxis, which make it easy to get around the city. Singapore is well-connected to nearby countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, with regular ferry services and bus routes.

Accommodation

Rent varies significantly depending on location, with high costs in central districts such as Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

Schooling

Singapore has both public and private schools, and its universities are among the top in the world, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Car and Fuel Costs

The Fuel costs in Singapore can fluctuate however, we can draw an average of SGD 2.5 per litre.

Car ownership is costly due to high taxes and registration fees.

Healthcare

Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, with most citizens and permanent residents covered by the national MediShield Life insurance.

Entertainment

Average cost of a Pint of Beer in Singapore - SGD 10-15
Average cost of a Pint of Coke in Singapore - SGD 2-3
Average cost of a 3-course Meal in Singapore - Around SGD 30-50 excluding drinks

If you are looking to relocate to Singapore, please speak to one of our recruitment experts as they can have an in-depth conversation with you regarding relocation and can assist you the best way they can.

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