Life in Singapore for UAE Expats: A Safe Transition Guide
Life in Singapore for UAE expats offers a seamless blend of modern efficiency, safety, and multicultural vibrancy, making it an ideal relocation destination from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. With world-class infrastructure and low crime rates, Singapore ranks as one of the safest cities globally, aligning perfectly with Homejourney's commitment to user safety and trust in property transactions.[1] This cluster article dives into practical insights for UAE expats, linking back to our pillar guide on Moving to Singapore from UAE: Complete Expat Guide for comprehensive coverage.
Why UAE Expats Choose Singapore
UAE expats, including Emiratis in Singapore, are drawn to its tax-friendly policies (personal income tax capped at 22%), political stability, and booming finance, tech, and oil & gas sectors mirroring Dubai's economy.[2][3] Unlike Dubai's tax-free haven, Singapore imposes taxes but offers higher average salaries around S$5,500 monthly, enabling comfortable living.[2] Similarities include luxury lifestyles and expat hubs, but Singapore excels in public transport efficiency and green spaces—think Gardens by the Bay versus Dubai's deserts.
Key pull factors: direct flights (7 hours from Dubai to Changi Airport), English as the main language, and a 99% literacy rate fostering easy integration for relocate Singapore from Dubai seekers.[1]
Relocating to Singapore: Visa and Employment Essentials
For UAE expats, the Employment Pass (EP) is the primary visa, requiring a job offer with minimum salary S$5,000 (higher for older applicants), processed via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[1] Dependents get Dependant's Passes. Approval takes 3-8 weeks; insider tip: apply via EP Online portal during off-peak months (Jan-Mar) for faster processing.
Employment thrives in finance (Raffles Place) and energy sectors, with multinationals like DBS and Shell hiring aggressively. Compare to Dubai: Singapore's GDP per capita (US$72,794) edges the US, supporting mid-level managers at S$9,490 monthly.[3]
- Secure job offer first—use LinkedIn for Singapore-based UAE networks.
- Apply for EP via employer; track status on MOM portal.
- Plan relocation 2-3 months ahead, budgeting S$3,000-5,000 for shipping (20ft container from Dubai).[1]
Cost of Living: UAE vs Singapore Breakdown
Singapore's cost of living is 31% higher than Dubai's, driven by rent, but manageable on expat salaries.[8] A single UAE expat spends S$3,500–S$6,000 monthly including rent; families S$6,000–S$12,000.[1][2] Non-rent expenses for one: S$1,513 monthly (groceries S$500, utilities S$200).[2]
| Category | Singapore (S$) | Dubai (AED equiv.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent (City Centre) | 3,500-5,000 | 8,000-12,000 |
| Family of 4 (excl. rent) | 5,467 | Lower by 30% |
| Avg. Salary | 5,500 | 15,000-20,000 |
Homejourney verifies these via official URA data, helping you budget confidently.[2]
Property Options for UAE Expats in Singapore
Foreigners like UAE expats can't buy HDB flats (citizen/PR only via URA rules); opt for private condos or landed properties with 60% loan-to-value.[1] Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): 30% for first purchase (e.g., S$600,000 on S$2M condo).[1] Popular neighborhoods: Orchard (5-min walk to ION Orchard MRT Exit A), Sentosa Cove (luxury villas, 10-min to VivoCity), or Holland Village (family-friendly, 7-min to Holland Village MRT).
Rentals: 1-bed S$1,800-5,000; 3-bed S$3,000-10,000 in Core Central Region.[2] Use Homejourney's property search for verified listings, check projects directory for new launches, and mortgage rates for financing. Post-purchase, maintain with aircon services.
Settling In: Practical Tips for Daily Life
- Banking: Open DBS/POSB account at any branch (e.g., Raffles Place, 9AM-4PM); bring passport/EP. Multi-currency accounts suit AED-SGD transfers.
- Healthcare: World-class via Mount Elizabeth (Orchard Rd, 24/7 A&E); expat insurance mandatory, costs S$1,500/year single.[2]
- Education: International schools like Singapore American (fees S$17,000-40,000/year); apply 6 months ahead.[2]
- Transport: MRT (S$1-3/ride, EZ-Link card); taxis via Grab app. From Changi to CBD: 30-min MRT (Exit B at City Hall).
Insider tip: Get Singtel SIM at Changi (S$12, 100GB data) for instant connectivity.
Staying Connected and Success Stories
Direct Emirates flights: Dubai-Singapore 7x daily, 7 hours. Exchange AED via Homejourney's tools for best rates. Join UAE Singapore Business Council or expat groups on Facebook for networking.
Success stories: UAE finance pros thrive in Raffles Place, citing Singapore's safety (murder rate 0.2/100k) and efficiency. One Emirati family relocated from Dubai, buying in Sentosa Cove via Homejourney, praising verified agents.[1]
FAQ: Life in Singapore for UAE Expats
1. Can UAE expats buy property in Singapore?
Yes, condos with 30% ABSD; no HDB. Use Homejourney property search for safe options.[1][2]
2. How much does it cost to live in Singapore vs Dubai?
Singapore 31% higher; single S$3,500-6,000 incl. rent.[1][8]
3. What's the best neighborhood for UAE expat Singapore families?
Holland Village or Sentosa Cove—proximity to schools, 10-min MRT.[1]
4. How to get an EP visa from UAE?
Job offer min. S$5,000; employer applies via MOM. See EP/SP guide.[1]
5. Are international schools affordable for UAE expats?
S$17k-40k/year; many employers subsidize.[2]
Ready for life in Singapore for UAE expats? Start your safe journey with Homejourney's verified property search and explore our pillar Moving to Singapore from UAE Guide. Contact us for personalized, transparent assistance prioritizing your security.
