Living & Working in Singapore
What you need:
Employment Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit Ministry of Manpower http://www.mom.gov.sg/
Estimated Cost of Living (Snapshot)
Item/Cost (SGD) Current conversion rate Click Here for EUR - SGD
Item/Cost (SGD) Current conversion rate Click Here for USD - SGD
Accomodation
Rental varies based on location, size, facilities, market demand etc
- Public Housing flats/apartments: S$S800 - S$1,500 per month
- Private Housing (Condominium/house): S$2,000 - S$6,000 per month
Districts Guide: http://www.8links.com/property_district_mrt.htm
Accomodation Search Guides:
http://www.iproperty.com.sg/
http://www.moveandstay.com/singapore/
http://www.jtc.gov.sg/products/readybuilt/housing/pages/index.aspx
Utilities
Varies based on personal or family's usage: S$80 - S$300 per month
Public Transport
- Buses/MRT Trains: S$0.65 - S$3.00 per trip
- Taxis: S$2.80 flag-down fare, S$8 - S$24 per trip
Indicative fare: from residential areas to CDB during peak hours.
Fare varies based on distance covered and other surcharges.
Communication
Monthly price plans varies based on promotional rates and bundled services offered by service provider. Excludes installation, hardware and other applicable service fees.
- Mobile Phone Plans: S$19.95 - S$200 per month
- Residential Fixed Line Telephone: From S$150 per annum
- Broad Band Internet Price Plans: S$19.95 - S$208 per month
Meals
- Hawker centres, coffeeshops and foodcourts: S$2.50 - S$6
- Mid-range dining: S$6 - S$30 (cuisine, family restaurants, fast food chains)
Entertainment
- Cable TV: Starting at S$30 per month
- DVD Rentals: S$7.50 - S$9.50 depending on day of week
- Clubbing and Drinks: Approx S$35 onwards
Schooling
Please visit http://www.moe.gov.sg/ for more information on the education system and the directory of schools in Singapore.
Sports & Leisure
- Eating
- Shopping – extensive number of malls, markets, designer stores – something for everyone
- Golf – 27 golf courses including floodlit courses and Singapore Open in November
- Excellent value spa/health treatments
- Diving and Water Skiing
- Dragon Boat racing
- Rugby/Soccer
- Singapore Grand Prix (First night time Grand Prix on World Circuit in 2008)
Monthly Gross Salary
This would include overtime pay, commissions, allowances and other regular cash payments. However, it excludes bonuses, productivity or incentive bonuses, other lump sum payments and payments-in-kind.
Employee Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Medical Insurance programmes
- Transport allowance
- One-time relocation allowance
- Stock option plans
Working Hours
5 or 5.5 workday weeks / maximum work hours per week capped at 44
Taxes in Singapore
Singapore has one of the lowest tax rates in the World.
The amount of personal income tax payable depends on whether you hold tax resident or non-resident status, and the income you earn.
For Tax Resident
- Have been in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year.
- Have been physically present or working in Singapore for three consecutive years, even though the number of days you have spent in Singapore is less than 183 days in the first and third year.
Tax Rates:
- All income earned in Singapore and any overseas income that is brought into Singapore will be taxed.
- After deducting personal relief, income will be taxed at graduated rates from 0% to 20% (See IRAS http://www.iras.gov.sg/ for more on tax relief).
For Non-Resident
- Have been in Singapore for less than 183 days in a calendar year.
Tax rates:
- Taxed only on income earned in Singapore.
- Unable to claim for personal relief.
- Taxed at a flat rate of 15% or the resident rates, depending on which gives rise to higher tax (For Director's fees and income other than employment, they will be taxed at a flat rate of 20% from Year of Assessment 2005.)
- Exempted from tax on remittances made to Singapore.
*As per April 2010
To discuss in detail, contact Berkley Recruitment in the Singapore office.
Tel: +65 65954555
Email: 