Country guide
Migrate to Singapore
Asia's business hub: no capital gains tax, world-class infrastructure and a multicultural workforce.
SGD $5,600
Employment Pass minimum monthly salary
Why Singapore?
- No capital gains tax; income tax from 0% to 24%
- Gateway to Southeast Asia, with 7,000+ multinational HQs
- English is the main language of business
- Excellent healthcare and infrastructure
- One of the lowest crime rates in the world
Key facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.9 million |
| Official languages | English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil |
| Currency | Singapore dollar (SGD) |
| Minimum wage | No universal minimum; Progressive Wage Model in some sectors |
| Healthcare | Mixed public-private; MediShield Life for residents, employer cover for EP holders |
| Main passes | Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, ONE Pass, Tech.Pass, EntrePass |
Work pass routes
Employment Pass (EP)
For professionals earning at least SGD $5,600 a month (SGD $6,200 in financial services), more if you are older. Scored under COMPASS. Valid 2-3 years, renewable.
S Pass
For mid-skilled workers earning at least SGD $3,300 a month (SGD $3,800 in financial services). Capped by a company quota. Valid up to 2 years.
ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise)
A 5-year pass for top talent earning SGD $30,000+ a month, or with outstanding achievements in arts, sport, science or academia. You can work for several companies at once.
Tech.Pass
For established tech founders, leaders and experts. You need a last-drawn salary of SGD $22,500+ a month or senior experience at a leading tech firm. Valid 2 years.
Cost of living
Central Singapore against the suburbs.
| Expense | Central | Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | SGD $2,800 to 4,000/mo | SGD $1,800 to 2,600/mo |
| Groceries (monthly) | SGD $400 to 600 | SGD $350 to 500 |
| Public transport (MRT/bus) | SGD $80 to 130/mo | SGD $100 to 150/mo |
| Internet (1 Gbps fibre) | SGD $35 to 55/mo | SGD $35 to 55/mo |
Jobs in demand
- Software engineersSGD $6k to 12k/mo
- Data scientistsSGD $7k to 14k/mo
- Cybersecurity analystsSGD $6k to 11k/mo
- Financial analystsSGD $5k to 9k/mo
- Product managersSGD $8k to 15k/mo
- UX/UI designersSGD $5k to 9k/mo
- Registered nursesSGD $3.5k to 5.5k/mo
- Mechanical engineersSGD $4.5k to 8k/mo
FAQs
What salary do I need for a Singapore Employment Pass?
At least SGD $5,600 a month in most sectors, or SGD $6,200 in financial services. The bar rises with age and experience, and you must also pass the COMPASS points test.
What is COMPASS?
The Complementarity Assessment Framework, a points test for Employment Pass applications since 2023. It scores salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and whether your skills fit Singapore's priorities. You need at least 40 points.
Can I get permanent residence in Singapore?
Yes. Employment Pass and S Pass holders can apply after at least 6 months of work in Singapore. Salary, length of stay, qualifications, age and family ties all count. Decisions take 4-6 months on average.
Is Singapore good for families?
Very safe, with strong schools, good public healthcare and lots of green space. The catch is cost, especially housing and school fees.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
What is changing in Singapore, and when
- Cost up
Employment Pass minimum salary rises to S$6,000
New EP applications need at least S$6,000 a month (up from S$5,600, rising with age to S$11,500), and renewals follow from January 2028. Source (Ministry of Manpower)
- Cost up
S Pass minimum salary rises to S$3,600
New S Pass applications need at least S$3,600 a month (up from S$3,300, rising with age to S$5,100), and renewals follow from January 2028. Source (Ministry of Manpower)
Could Singapore work for you?
Most refusals come from the wrong route or a weak document. Check yours before you spend.
Free eligibility check →
2 minutes. Results on screen, no sign-up.
Talk it through with a person →
60-minute plan check. $99 to book, $499 in total.
Already there? Read the arrival guide for Singapore →
