Question 1

Do Employment Pass holders pay income tax in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EP holders pay Singapore income tax on Singapore-sourced income. Tax residency status depends on the number of days spent in Singapore in a calendar year. Residents (183 days or more) are taxed at progressive resident rates from 0% to 24%. Those present fewer than 183 days in their first year may be assessed under special first-year rules. IRAS is the tax authority and filing is done via myTax Portal using SingPass.

Question 2

Do EP holders need to contribute to CPF in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

No. CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions only apply to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Employment Pass and S Pass holders do not contribute to CPF. CPF contributions begin from the first month of PR status, with graduated rates applying for the first two years before stepping up to full rates.

Question 3

How do expats open a bank account in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Expats can open a bank account in Singapore once their work pass is issued. Most banks require a valid passport, the physical work pass card, proof of local residential address (lease agreement or utility bill), and sometimes an employment letter. DBS, OCBC and UOB are the three main local banks widely used by expats. Some banks allow online applications using Myinfo via SingPass.

Question 4

How do expats set up SingPass in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Expats with a valid Singapore long-term pass (EP, S Pass, DP, LTVP or Student Pass) can register for SingPass at singpass.gov.sg using their FIN (Foreign Identification Number) and date of birth. After registration, two-factor authentication must be set up via the Singpass app. Expats without a local mobile number may need to visit a Singpass Face Verification counter in person before completing app setup.

Question 5

Can expats apply for Permanent Residency in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employment Pass and S Pass holders, as well as spouses and children of Singapore citizens or PRs, can apply for PR through ICA's eService portal. ICA assesses applications holistically, considering length of stay, income, employment stability, educational qualifications, family ties and community integration. ICA does not publish pass rates or minimum thresholds and does not give reasons for outcomes. Processing times typically range from four months to over a year.

Question 6

What insurance do expats need in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Most expats in Singapore rely on employer-provided group medical insurance for hospitalisation and outpatient care. Gaps commonly include: coverage limits for specialist treatment, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, life insurance above the group term amount, disability and income protection, and coverage that lapses when employment ends. A MAS-licensed financial adviser can review your employer coverage and identify personal insurance needs.

Question 7

How much does it cost to live in Singapore as an expat?

Accepted Answer

Monthly costs vary significantly by family size, housing type and lifestyle. A single expat renting a room in a condo might spend SGD 3,000–4,500/month. A family with a 3-bedroom condo and one child in international school typically budgets SGD 12,000–20,000/month, with international school fees alone ranging from SGD 2,500–4,500/month. Housing is the largest cost, typically 30–40% of total spend.

Question 8

What is a CDP account and do expats in Singapore need one?

Accepted Answer

A CDP (Central Depository) account is held with SGX and holds Singapore-listed securities — shares, ETFs, bonds and REITs — in your name on the SGX register. Expats who want to invest in SGX-listed securities through a local broker typically need one. It is applied for through the SGX website and linked to your chosen brokerage. Without a CDP account, securities are held in a custodian account in the broker's name rather than directly in yours.

Question 9

How do expats make a will in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Expats can make a Singapore will covering Singapore-based assets. A valid Singapore will must be in writing, signed by the testator and witnessed by two independent adult witnesses. Expats should also consider whether a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is appropriate to appoint someone to make decisions if they become incapacitated. Estate planning involving assets in multiple countries typically requires separate legal advice for each jurisdiction. A Singapore-qualified lawyer should be engaged to draft or review the will.

Question 10

What are the best neighbourhoods in Singapore for expats?

Accepted Answer

Popular expat areas include: Holland Village and Buona Vista (central, close to international schools and the Botanic Gardens), Orchard and River Valley (convenient, near the CBD), Novena and Newton (mid-central, good clinic access), East Coast and Katong (more local feel, near East Coast Park), and Sentosa Cove (waterfront, premium). The right neighbourhood depends on your workplace, children's school bus routes, and lifestyle preferences.

Singapore Expat Help Desk Guided Settling-In Support

Services

How SG Expat Desk Works

Request Services

Local Guides

Singapore Expat Guides

Moving to Singapore

Expat Housing in Singapore

Healthcare for Expats

Pain Management

Financial Planning Questions

Corporate Relocation

International Schools

Work Pass Basics

Cost of Living

Neighbourhoods

Personal Shopper & Concierge

Bank Account Setup

Insurance Questions

Wills, LPA & Guardianship

Renting a Home in Singapore

Life Insurance for Expats

Employee Benefits

Family Neighbourhoods

Financial Planning Checklist

Employment Pass (EP) Guide

Income Tax for Expats

CPF for Expats & PRs

SingPass for Expats

PR Application

CDP & Brokerage Accounts

Cost of Living Calculator

Useful Links