Moving to Singapore from China: Visa Culture and Getting Around: Expat Guide is about more than paperwork – it’s about understanding how life in Singapore really works so you can settle in safely, comfortably, and confidently.
As a Homejourney guide written for Chinese nationals and China-based expats, this article walks you through visas, culture, transport, and housing – with local-level detail, practical examples, and a constant focus on safety and trust.
Life in China vs Singapore: What to Expect
If you are used to life in major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen, Singapore will feel familiar in some ways – dense, safe, efficient – but different in its rules, language mix, and property landscape.
Similarities you will notice quickly:
- Modern high-rise living, with many people staying in apartments and condominiums.
- Extensive public transport networks and cashless payment options (WeChat Pay is increasingly accepted in tourist areas, but not as universal as in China).
- Strong emphasis on public order, safety, and cleanliness.
Key differences Chinese expats often mention:
- Languages: English is the working language, with Mandarin widely spoken, plus Malay and Tamil.
- Scale: Singapore is compact – you can cross the island east–west by MRT in under 90 minutes in normal conditions.
- Rules: Singapore enforces laws (from smoking rules to road safety) very strictly compared to many Chinese cities.
- Property: Foreigners face tighter buying rules and additional taxes than in China, especially for landed homes.
If you are researching China travel tips, China visa and China tourism while also considering Singapore, you can cross-compare experiences using Homejourney’s China-focused guides like China Travel Tips: Visa, Culture & Getting Around – Homejourney Guide and Budget Travel Guide to China: Visa, Culture & Transport | Homejourney .
Relocating from China to Singapore: Visas and Work
For Chinese (PRC) passport holders, Singapore now has a clear, straightforward short-stay and long-stay structure.
Entry and Short Stays (Up to 30 Days)
From 9 February 2024, holders of ordinary PRC passports can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, or business meetings, under a reciprocal arrangement between China and Singapore.[5]
This is ideal if you want to:
- Visit Singapore first to explore neighbourhoods and schools before committing to a move.
- Combine a Singapore viewing trip with a longer China tourism journey – using guides like China Visa, Culture & Getting Around with Kids: Homejourney Guide for the China segment.
For stays longer than 30 days, or if you intend to work, study, or relocate family, you will need the appropriate pass or permit.
Long-Term Work Passes for Chinese Nationals
The main work-related passes are:
- Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals, managers and executives. Common for regional HQ roles and tech, finance, trading, and logistics positions.[2]
- S Pass – for mid-skilled staff, often in operations, technical, or supervisory roles.[2]
- EntrePass – for entrepreneurs setting up innovative or venture-backed businesses.
Current salary and qualification thresholds change over time; always confirm details on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website or with a licensed relocation specialist. Homejourney recommends verifying any advice you receive against official MOM and ICA references for your safety.
Pathways to Longer Stay, PR and Citizenship
If you intend to stay beyond a few years, you can consider:
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for eligible family members.[2]
- Permanent Residency (PR) – typically for EP/S Pass holders, foreign investors, or family of Singapore citizens/PRs.[2]
- Eventually, citizenship, which requires renouncing your Chinese citizenship, as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.[2]
Because immigration rules are strict, always treat anyone promising “guaranteed PR” or “fast-track EP” with caution. When in doubt, check directly with ICA or MOM or consult reputable firms; Homejourney only works with verified partners and will never encourage risky or illegal arrangements.
Housing and Property in Singapore for Expats from China
Housing is usually the biggest cost and the most important decision for Chinese expats moving to Singapore. Homejourney is built to help you explore options safely, from short-term rentals to long-term investment properties.
What Foreigners Can Buy
In Singapore, the property market is tightly regulated. As a non-resident foreigner, you can typically:
- Buy private condominiums and private apartments freely.
- Buy executive condominiums (ECs) that are more than 10 years old (after full privatisation).
- Rent almost any type of property, including HDB flats, condos, and landed homes.
But you generally cannot buy:
- Most HDB flats directly, unless you are a PR meeting strict conditions.
- Landed residential property (such as terrace houses, bungalows) without special approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit (LDAU).
To compare different projects and their restrictions, use Homejourney’s project data via Projects and Projects Directory .
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for Chinese Buyers
Singapore charges an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty when foreigners purchase residential property. Chinese nationals are currently treated as “foreigners” under ABSD, unless they are Singapore PRs or citizens.
ABSD rates have changed multiple times in recent years, and can significantly affect your total purchase cost. Because these taxes are policy tools and can change quickly, Homejourney strongly recommends checking the latest IRAS tables or speaking with a qualified lawyer or tax advisor before committing to a purchase.
Popular Neighbourhoods for Chinese Expats
From experience helping many Chinese clients, certain areas consistently attract demand:
- Novena / Newton / Orchard – central, near international schools, medical centres, and malls. Convenient if you travel frequently or work in CBD.
- River Valley / Robertson Quay – popular with expats who enjoy riverside dining, short commutes to CBD, and a mix of local and international food.
- East Coast (Katong, Marine Parade) – quieter, near the beach, with good access to Changi Airport via ECP and Thomson-East Coast Line.
- Jurong East and West – more budget-friendly, with strong links to industrial and tech business parks in the west.
Use Homejourney’s safe, verified property search at Property Search to filter listings by budget, district, MRT line, and property type.
Rental Market Snapshot
As of late 2025, median rents for city-fringe condos can range roughly from S$3,000–S$4,500 per month for a one-bedroom unit, with larger units and prime districts costing more. This can be higher than many second-tier Chinese cities, but often comparable to central Shanghai or Beijing.
Insider tips from local experience:
- Be cautious about paying deposits before you or a trusted representative has physically viewed the unit.
- Insist on a written tenancy agreement and photograph existing defects before move-in.
- Ask landlords about recent aircon servicing, and factor ongoing maintenance into your budget – or book trusted providers via Homejourney’s Aircon Services .
Financing and Bank Rates
If you are buying rather than renting, compare mortgage packages from multiple banks. Interest rates in Singapore are often tied to benchmarks like SORA, and can fluctuate.
To avoid overpaying, use Homejourney’s curated Bank Rates resource to compare bank mortgage offers safely. For deeper project-level analysis (rental yields, past transaction prices, launch details), refer to Projects Directory .
