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Singapore, officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state and island country located in Southeast Asia. Here are five important facts about Singapore:

1. Economic Powerhouse: Singapore is widely recognized as one of the world's leading economic centers. It has a highly developed and prosperous economy, driven by sectors such as finance, trade, technology, and tourism. The country boasts a favorable business environment, attracting multinational corporations and entrepreneurs from around the globe.

2. Multicultural Society: Singapore is known for its rich multicultural heritage. It is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This diversity is celebrated through various cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas, creating a vibrant and harmonious society.

3. Clean and Green Environment: Singapore is renowned for its commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Despite being a bustling urban metropolis, the city-state is adorned with lush greenery and meticulously maintained public spaces. Singaporeans take great pride in maintaining a clean and green environment, with extensive efforts put into waste management and conservation.

4. Efficient Public Infrastructure: Singapore boasts a highly efficient and modern infrastructure. The city-state has a well-connected transportation system, including an extensive network of trains, buses, and taxis, making it easy to navigate around the island. Additionally, Singapore is known for its world-class healthcare facilities, education system, and cutting-edge technology infrastructure.

5. Strict Laws and Safety: Singapore is known for its strict laws and emphasis on safety. The country places a strong emphasis on maintaining law and order, which contributes to its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world. Visitors and residents can enjoy a secure environment and a low crime rate, making Singapore an attractive destination for families and business travelers alike.

These important facts highlight Singapore's economic prowess, multicultural society, commitment to cleanliness and sustainability, efficient infrastructure, and focus on safety and security. Singapore offers a unique blend of modernity, cultural diversity, and a high quality of life, making it a sought-after destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Immigration Details

Singapore does not have a specific Golden Visa program, but there are several options available for immigration, including starting a business, obtaining a work permit, studying, and applying for permanent residency. Here's an overview of each option:

1. Establishing a Company:
- Capital requirements: The capital requirements for establishing a company in Singapore depend on the type of business entity. For example, if you plan to set up a private limited company, you will need a minimum paid-up capital of SGD 1.
- Employing locals: If you establish a company in Singapore, you will have the opportunity to employ local workers. You will need to comply with Singapore's labor laws, including obtaining work permits for your employees and adhering to employment regulations.
- Resident investment: While there is no specific resident investment program, establishing and successfully running a business in Singapore can contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency.
- Timeline and fees: The timeline and fees for establishing a company in Singapore can vary. The fees typically include company registration fees, government filing fees, and any professional fees for legal or consultancy services.

2. Work Permit:
- Finding a job: Secure a job offer from a Singaporean employer. The employer will need to sponsor your work permit application and provide the necessary documentation, such as an employment contract and proof of qualifications.
- Work permit: Once you have a job offer, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf. The specific work permit category will depend on the nature of your employment and qualifications.
- Residency permit: With a work permit, you can reside in Singapore for the duration of your employment. Work permits are generally valid for a specific period and can be renewed if the employment continues.
- Timeline and fees: The processing time for work permits can vary depending on the type of permit and individual circumstances. The fees typically include work permit application fees and any related administrative charges.

3. Study-based Immigration:
- Obtain admission: Apply and get accepted into a recognized educational institution in Singapore.
- Student visa: Once accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa, which allows you to reside in Singapore for the duration of your studies.
- Residency permit: Depending on your circumstances, you may have the opportunity to transition from a student visa to a work permit or apply for permanent residency if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Timeline and fees: The processing time for student visas and transitioning to other permits can vary. The fees typically include visa application fees, tuition fees, and other administrative charges.

4. Permanent Residency:
- Employment-based residency: If you have worked in Singapore for a certain period and meet specific criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
- Investment-based residency: Singapore does not have a specific investment-based residency program. However, establishing and operating a successful business can contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency.
- Citizenship: Singapore citizenship is separate from permanent residency. After obtaining permanent residency, individuals may be eligible to apply for Singaporean citizenship through a separate application process.

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    160
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    5,921,231
  • Time To Citizenship
    5
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TAX

Singapore stands out as a low tax jurisdiction. Residents and non-residents are subject to personal income tax on their income derived from Singapore. Foreign-source income is only taxable if it is received in the country by a resident through a partnership in Singapore. Usually, an individual is tax resident in Singapore if he or she spends more than 183 days in a year in the country, or engages in regular employment there.

Residents are subject to a personal income tax at progressive rates up to 22% on annual income exceeding S$320,000. Non-residents income is subject to a flat tax rate of 22%. Capital gains, dividends and interests are not usually subject to taxation.

Permanent Residents and citizens must contribute 20% of their monthly wage to the Central Provident Fund (CPF); contribution is capped at S$1,200. There is also a voluntary contribution under the Supplementary Retirement Scheme.

Property tax is levied on the annual value of houses, land, buildings, or tenements. Non-owner occupied residential property is taxed at graduated rates from 10% to 20%, owner-occupied residential property from 0% to 10%, and land and non-residential properties at 10%.

Stamp duties are levied on certain transactions. Transfer of stocks and shares are subject to stamp duty of 0.2% on the purchase price or market value of the shares transferred, whichever is higher. For conveyance of immovable property there is a stamp duty of 3% on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. There are additional stamp duties of up to 16%, depending on the type and use of the property and residency status of the owner. Leases are subject to a duty of 0.4% on the total rent.

There are excise duties on certain good and services such as intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles, petroleum products and gambling. There are no inheritance, gift and net wealth taxes in Singapore. The V.A.T. standard rate is 7%.

Regarding corporate taxation, Singapore taxes companies on a territorial basis. Usually foreign-source income is not taxed, provided that it is not remitted to Singapore. Foreign dividends, foreign branch profits, and foreign service fee income remitted to the country may be tax-exempt if it fulfills certain conditions.

The corporate tax standard rate is 17%. There is an exemption of 75% of the first S$10,000 of taxable income and 50% of the next S$290,000. Certain qualified start-ups may be three-year tax exempt on their first S$100,000 taxable income and 50% tax exempted on the next S$200,000. Capital Gains are not usually subject to taxation. Dividends paid to non-residents are tax-exempt, whereas interests and royalties are subject to a withholding tax of 15% and 10% respectively.

This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.

  • Property Tax Yes
  • Transfer Tax Yes
  • Inheritance Tax No
  • Net Worth Tax No
  • CFC Law No
  • Tax Residency Days 183
  • Personal Income Tax Rate 22%
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate 0%
  • Investment Income Tax Rate 0%
  • Territorial Taxation Yes
Visa-Free Explain

Where Can Singaporean Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Singaporean passport holders can travel visa free to 160 countries and territories:

  • Albania
  • American Samoa
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Cabo Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Ivory Coast
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niue
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Rwanda
  • San Marino
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Gambia
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Türkiye
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • Eswatini

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

Where Can Singaporean Citizens Go Without a Passport?

Singaporean citizens can enter Albania without a passport with only an ID card.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Singaporean Citizens?

The following 6 countries issue eVisas for Singaporean passport holders:

  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • India
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Ukraine

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Singaporean Passport Holders?

If you are a Singaporean citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 32 countries listed below:

  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Benin
  • Bolivia
  • Burundi
  • Comoros
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Nepal
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • Saint Helena
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • United Arab Emirates

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Singaporean Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 28 countries with a Singaporean passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Bhutan
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Falkland Islands
  • Guyana
  • Iraq
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Russia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen

The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Singapore. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Singaporean Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Singaporean citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Singaporean passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)
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