Moving to Singapore from Colombo, Sri Lanka capital, is a big step – but with the right information, it can be a safe, rewarding upgrade in lifestyle, career and long‑term investment potential. This Moving to Singapore from Colombo Sri Lanka Complete City: Expat Guide from Homejourney gives you a clear, practical roadmap: visas, costs, housing, and how to build a community, all with a safety‑first lens.
This guide is a focused cluster article that supports our main Singapore relocation and property pillar guide . Once you grasp the essentials here, you can dive deeper into detailed property purchase, financing and legal frameworks in the pillar piece.
Life in Colombo vs Singapore: What to Expect
Colombo is a compact coastal city, stretching along Galle Face, Pettah, and the business districts, with heritage spots like Gangaramaya Temple and a growing modern skyline. Singapore offers a similar coastal, high‑rise feel – just far denser, more regulated and more expensive – with world‑class infrastructure and extremely low crime rates.[2][4]
Why people from Colombo consider Singapore:
- Stable, high‑income job market with strong demand in finance, IT, logistics, healthcare and engineering.[2][4]
- Transparent legal system and strong rule of law, which many Colombo professionals appreciate for long‑term planning.[4]
- Excellent schools for kids and globally recognised universities.
- Proximity to Sri Lanka (about 3.5–4 hours’ flight) and excellent Changi–Bandaranaike connections.
Key similarities:
- Both are coastal capitals with strong ties to the sea – think Galle Face Green in Colombo versus East Coast Park or Marina Bay in Singapore.
- Multicultural, multi‑religious societies where Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are visible in daily life.[2]
- English widely used in business and education.
Key differences:
- Singapore’s public transport (MRT, buses, LRT) is far more extensive, frequent and predictable than anything in Colombo, and often makes owning a car unnecessary.[2]
- Property and daily costs (especially rent and eating out) are much higher in Singapore than in most parts of Colombo, though still manageable with a Singapore salary.[2][4]
- Laws on smoking, littering, drugs and public order are enforced strictly in Singapore – expats must adapt quickly.[2]
Relocating from Colombo to Singapore: Visas, Work & Costs
Visa and Work Permit Options
Most Colombo professionals move under an employment‑linked pass. You should always check the latest requirements on official MOM and ICA websites, as rules and salary thresholds change.
Main options include:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, executives earning a qualifying fixed monthly salary (typically higher than S Pass) with acceptable qualifications.[2][6] Your employer sponsors this.
- S Pass: For mid‑skilled roles with a lower salary requirement but quota limits per employer.[2][6]
- Dependant’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass: For spouses and children of EP and S Pass holders, subject to criteria.
- EntrePass / ONE Pass: For entrepreneurs or top‑tier talents; more niche but relevant if you’re moving from Colombo to build or lead a business in Singapore.
Practical tip: Before you resign from your role in Colombo, ask your future Singapore employer to confirm, in writing, your pass type, expected processing time, and contingency plan if approval is delayed.
Employment Opportunities for Colombo Talent
Sri Lankan professionals from Colombo’s banking, IT parks, logistics firms near the Port of Colombo, and hospitality around major Colombo attractions are often a good fit for:
- Financial services and fintech (Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Tanjong Pagar).
- IT and digital roles (Mapletree Business City, one‑north, Changi Business Park).
- Maritime and logistics jobs linked to PSA and Changi air cargo.
- Hospitality, F&B and tourism given Colombo’s service‑oriented workforce.
Networking platforms like InterNations have dedicated groups for Sri Lankans in Singapore, useful both before and after you move.[1]
Cost of Living: Colombo vs Singapore
On a local salary, Singapore is significantly more expensive than Colombo across rent, transport and dining, though healthcare and banking are more predictable and efficient.[2][4]
Approximate monthly ranges for a single expat in Singapore (excluding schooling):
- Rent: SGD 2,500–4,500 for a 1–2 bedroom condo in central areas; SGD 1,800–3,000 for similar in city‑fringe / heartland zones.[2][6]
- Utilities & internet: SGD 200–350, depending on aircon use and unit size.
- Food: SGD 400–800 if you mainly eat at hawker centres and cook; much higher with frequent dining in restaurants.[2]
- Public transport: Around SGD 100–150 for regular MRT and bus commutes using an EZ‑Link or bank card.
Homejourney’s multi‑currency view helps you convert between Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) and Singapore dollars (SGD) so you can see what these costs mean versus your Colombo income and savings.
Community and Social Networks
Singapore has a visible Sri Lankan community, particularly from Colombo, Kandy and Galle, active in religious organisations, alumni networks and expat groups.[1]
Look out for:
- Sri Lankan associations and cultural groups organising New Year and Poya‑day events.
- InterNations’ Sri Lankan group in Singapore for social events, business networking and practical settling‑in tips.[1]
- Cricket meetups – the fastest way to bond with fellow Sri Lankans and South Asians in parks like Kallang or East Coast.
Property in Singapore for Expats from Colombo
What Foreigners Can Buy
Most new arrivals from Colombo start with renting while they understand neighbourhoods and school runs. When you’re ready to buy, Singapore’s rules for foreigners are strict but clear (set by the Residential Property Act and URA).
As a non‑PR foreigner, you can typically buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments (including new launches and resale) without special approval.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) in the resale market after they’ve reached full privatisation (10 years).
But you generally cannot buy, without special approval:
- New HDB BTO flats.
- Most resale HDB flats (unless buying with a Singapore Citizen spouse under specific schemes).
- Landed property, unless you apply to LDAU and meet stringent criteria.
For current project options and detailed URA‑based data, explore Homejourney’s projects directory.Projects Directory
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for Sri Lankan Buyers
Sri Lankan citizens are treated as foreign individuals for ABSD purposes. Singapore periodically revises ABSD rates, and foreigners usually pay higher ABSD on residential purchases than Singapore Citizens and PRs.
Safety note: Always confirm the latest ABSD rates on IRAS or with a qualified solicitor before committing to any Option to Purchase. Use Homejourney’s calculators and verified partner agents to cross‑check numbers before you transfer any booking fee.
Popular Neighbourhoods for Colombo Expats
From experience working with Sri Lankan clients, these Singapore areas often feel familiar and practical:
- East Coast / Katong: Sea breeze and park connector vibe that reminds many Colombo residents of Galle Face. Easy access to CBD by bus or Thomson‑East Coast Line.
- Novena / Balestier: Mid‑city location, good value condos, quick rides to Orchard and the CBD.
- Little India / Farrer Park: Rich South Asian food scene, spice shops and temples; many Sri Lankans appreciate the cultural familiarity.
- Jurong East / West
References
