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 | Homejourney ">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 ">property search for verified listings, check Projects Directory ">projects directory for new launches, and Bank Rates ">mortgage rates for financing. Post-purchase, maintain with Aircon Services ">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 Property Search ">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 Homejourney: 关于新加坡工作签证EP SP完整指南的指南 ">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 ">property search and explore our pillar Moving to Singapore from UAE: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney ">Moving to Singapore from UAE Guide. Contact us for personalized, transparent assistance prioritizing your security.
