Moving to Singapore from Berlin Complete : History and Culture: Expat Guide means trading the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island for Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore River, while keeping the same appetite for culture, safety and efficient public transport that defines both cities.
This cluster guide sits under Homejourney’s main pillar on relocating to Singapore, and focuses specifically on what Berlin-based expats and investors need to know about Singapore’s history, culture and housing landscape so you can make confident, safe decisions.
Life in Berlin vs Singapore: History, Culture & Everyday Rhythm
If you love Berlin’s layered history—from the Berlin Wall to Museum Island’s world‑class collections—you will find Singapore’s story equally rich, just more compact and intensely curated.
Where Berlin’s skyline is anchored by the TV Tower and the Reichstag dome, Singapore’s is defined by Marina Bay Sands, the historic Civic District around the Padang, and conserved shophouses in Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Both cities are capital hubs—Berlin as the German capital, Singapore as a sovereign city‑state—and both turned difficult histories into opportunities for reinvention.
On the ground, the similarities Berliners notice first are:
- Efficient, reliable public transport (BVG in Berlin, MRT/buses in Singapore)
- Strong arts and nightlife scenes, from galleries to live music
- High English proficiency in both cities (plus German in Berlin, Mandarin/Malay/Tamil in Singapore)
The key differences most Berlin expats feel in their first month in Singapore are:
- Climate: permanently warm and humid (around 27–33°C) with no winter
- Cost of housing: significantly higher rents than Berlin, especially near the CBD[1][2]
- Legal and social norms: low crime, strict enforcement, very safe for families and solo movers
If you are planning a scouting trip first, you can deepen your Europe–Asia cultural comparison with our Berlin travel content, such as: Berlin Complete Travel Guide: History & Culture with Homejourney and Budget Travel Guide to Berlin History & Culture | Homejourney .
Relocating from Berlin to Singapore: Visas, Jobs & Cost of Living
Most Berlin-based expats arrive in Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or ONE Pass, approved by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). EPs usually require a degree‑equivalent qualification and a qualifying fixed monthly salary that varies by age and sector (particularly high for financial and tech roles). Always verify current rules on the official MOM website before applying.
For investors and founders, options like the EntrePass or family-friendly Dependant’s Pass for spouses and children may apply. Again, check requirements directly with MOM or a licensed relocation professional; Homejourney’s role is to help you translate approved status into a safe, suitable home search.
Employment Opportunities for Berlin Expats
Berlin has a strong tech, creative and startup ecosystem built around hubs like Mitte, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Singapore offers similar sectors, but more regionally focused:
- Technology & fintech: roles in software engineering, product, data, cybersecurity
- Financial services: front‑office, risk, compliance, trade finance
- Media & design: agencies, in‑house creative, UX, gaming
- Deep-tech and green tech: expanding through government‑backed initiatives
Salaries for experienced foreign professionals are typically higher than Berlin’s in absolute terms, but so are housing and schooling costs.[2][8]
Cost of Living: Berlin vs Singapore
Independent expat guides estimate a single person in Singapore needs roughly SGD 3,500–6,000 per month including rent, while a family of four often spends SGD 6,000–12,000 per month depending on lifestyle and school choices.[2][4]
Excluding rent, monthly expenses for one person average around SGD 1,200–1,500 (food, transport, utilities, basic leisure).[1][4] Berlin’s day‑to‑day costs (groceries, cafes, eating out) are generally lower, but its rents are still usually below Singapore’s core districts.[6][7]
From first‑hand experience, many Berliners are surprised by:
- Hawker centres (Maxwell, Tiong Bahru, Lau Pa Sat) where a full meal is SGD 5–8—often cheaper than a Berlin lunch menu
- Public transport monthly cost that is comparable or slightly higher than Berlin’s AB/BC passes, but with strong air‑conditioning and extremely low crime
- Electricity and air‑con bills, especially if you cool your home heavily—budget SGD 150–300/month for a family apartment
To model your personal budget safely, use Homejourney’s property tools together with independent cost‑of‑living data from sources like Straits Times Housing News and Business Times Property .
Property in Singapore for Expats Coming from Berlin
As a foreigner relocating from Berlin, it is crucial to understand what you can and cannot buy in Singapore before making any financial commitment.
What Foreigners Can Buy
Subject to current rules under the Residential Property Act, non‑PR foreigners generally can:
- Rent or buy private condominiums and apartments (freehold or leasehold)
- Buy strata units in commercial or mixed‑use developments
- Purchase certain landed properties only with special approval, which is rarely granted
Foreigners typically cannot buy subsidised HDB flats directly from the Housing & Development Board; resale HDB purchases require Permanent Resident (PR) status and minimum occupation rules, which most Berlin newcomers will not meet initially.[1]
For verified project data, floor plans and historical transactions, use the Homejourney Projects Directory , which aggregates URA and HDB data into a clearer, user‑friendly format.
ABSD for Berlin Buyers
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is a key difference from buying in Berlin. Foreigners are currently subject to a significantly higher ABSD rate than Singaporeans or PRs. Because ABSD bands and rates are adjusted over time to cool the market, always check the latest figures from IRAS or consult a qualified lawyer or tax adviser before committing.
Homejourney strongly recommends using our Bank Rates tool and speaking to a bank or mortgage specialist to understand:
- Maximum loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratios for foreigners
- Stress‑test interest rates vs your Euro‑denominated income
- How ABSD and Buyer’s Stamp Duty affect your all‑in purchase cost
Popular Neighbourhoods for Berlin Expats
Drawing on both Homejourney user data and on‑the‑ground experience, Berliners tend to gravitate to neighbourhoods that combine culture, greenery and strong MRT access—similar to living around Prenzlauer Berg or Kreuzberg but with tropical weather.
- Tiong Bahru: 1930s walk‑ups and cafes, relaxed vibe, 10–15 minutes to the CBD. Feels a little like a tropical Prenzlauer Berg with indie bakeries and brunch spots.
- Bugis / Kampong Glam: shophouses, street art, live music. If you enjoy the creative energy around Berlin’s RAW Gelände, this is a good starting point.
- East Coast / Katong: seaside living, cycling paths, good international school access. Many families choose this over central condos for lifestyle reasons.
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: riverfront bars and restaurants, walkable to Orchard and CBD, popular with professionals without children.
For rentals, independent expat surveys and portals indicate that a 1‑bedroom condo can easily range from SGD 3,000–5,000 in central areas, with 3‑bedroom units for families from around SGD 5,000–10,000 depending on location and facilities.[1][2][4]
To compare verified listings and avoid scams, start with Homejourney’s curated Property Search rather than informal chats or unverified listings.
