Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make for your career, family, and long‑term financial planning. As an HK expat in Singapore, you will find a familiar Asian urban rhythm, strong rule of law, excellent public transport, and a safe, transparent property market that Homejourney helps you navigate with confidence.[1]
This complete guide is written for Hong Kong professionals, families, and investors planning to relocate Singapore from HK. It consolidates current regulations, real prices on the ground, first‑hand insights from life in Singapore, and Homejourney’s safety‑first tools so you can plan your move with clarity instead of guesswork.
Executive Summary: Hong Kong to Singapore in One View
If you only have a few minutes, here is a concise overview for HK expats considering Singapore:
- Why HK expats choose Singapore: comparable financial hub, lower overall living costs than Hong Kong, family‑friendly environment, political stability, and straightforward immigration pathways for professionals.[1][5]
- Cost of living: average post‑tax salary is higher in Singapore, while rents are about 18% cheaper and general costs about 13% lower than Hong Kong, depending on lifestyle.[1]
- Visas: most Hong Kong professionals relocate on an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass sponsored by a Singapore employer. Processing is managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[1][5]
- Housing: HK expats typically rent first, often in condos near MRT lines (Orchard, River Valley, Holland Village, East Coast). Buying property is possible but subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreigners.[1][6][7]
- Timeline: realistic lead time is 3–6 months from first research to moving in. Visa, school applications, and tenancy search often run in parallel.[1][5]
- How Homejourney helps: verified agents, transparent market data via Projects Directory , safe mortgage comparisons via Bank Rates , secure property search via Property Search , and post‑move support like Aircon Services .
Table of Contents
- 1. Life in Hong Kong vs Singapore: What Changes for Expats?
- 2. Visa & Work Pass Options for HK Expats in Singapore
- 3. Cost of Living: Hong Kong vs Singapore for HK Expats
- 4. Property for Expats from Hong Kong: Renting & Buying Safely
- 5. Best Neighbourhoods in Singapore for HK Expats
- 6. Practical Settling‑In Guide: Banking, Healthcare, Schools, Transport
- 7. Maintaining Connections with Hong Kong
- 8. Success Stories & Common Paths from Hong Kong to Singapore
- 9. FAQ: Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong
- 10. Next Steps & How Homejourney Keeps Your Move Safe
1. Life in Hong Kong vs Singapore: What Changes for Expats?
1.1 Everyday life in Hong Kong vs Singapore
Both Hong Kong and Singapore are dense, high‑rise city‑states with efficient public transport, international schools, and cosmopolitan workforces. Many HK expats describe arriving in Singapore and immediately understanding the pace and expectations: long hours in financial districts, after‑work drinks in CBD bars, and weekends in malls or nature.[1][5]
However, the feel on the ground is different. You will notice Singapore’s wider streets, more greenery, and quieter evenings outside main districts like Orchard and Clarke Quay. Hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat offer affordable meals from SGD 4–7, compared with typical HK cha chaan teng lunches of HKD 40–70.[3][5]
1.2 Why people from Hong Kong consider Singapore
- Economic stability & rule of law: Singapore consistently ranks high for ease of doing business, contract enforcement, and political stability, which many Hong Kong professionals prioritise for long‑term planning.[5][7]
- Family‑friendly: lower violent crime, strict drug and weapon laws, and a strong public school system make Singapore appealing for raising children.[5][7]
- Housing options: while not cheap, rents and family‑sized apartments are often more accessible than in central Hong Kong, with the option of HDB public housing for permanent residents.[1][6]
- Tax environment: Singapore has competitive, progressive personal income tax rates and no capital gains tax on property for individuals (though there are stamp duties), which is attractive to investors and entrepreneurs.[5][7]
According to Homejourney’s comparison, average post‑tax monthly salary in Singapore is about HKD 32,071 versus HKD 24,185 in Hong Kong, while rent is roughly 18% cheaper and overall living costs about 13% lower.[1] These differences are significant for HK expats planning long‑term savings and property investment.
1.3 Key similarities and differences (quick table)
Insider tip: If you like Hong Kong’s Mid‑Levels or Pok Fu Lam vibe, you will likely feel at home in Singapore’s River Valley, Robertson Quay, or Holland Village areas — all popular with HK expats for their cafes, international restaurants, and short commutes.[1][8]
2. Visa & Work Pass Options for HK Expats in Singapore
Most Hong Kong citizens moving to Singapore do so as employees or intra‑company transferees. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) manages all work passes and requires employers to apply on your behalf for most professional roles.[5][7]
2.1 Main work pass types for HK professionals
Insider tip: HK finance or tech professionals often relocate under regional moves: your Hong Kong employer’s Singapore office applies for an EP, and you shift within the same group. This usually speeds up relocation because HR is familiar with MOM processes.
2.2 Application process & realistic timeline
- Job offer or company setup: secure a role in Singapore or incorporate a company (for entrepreneurs).[1][5]
- Employer/agent submission to MOM: your employer submits the EP or S Pass application online with your passport, educational certificates, salary details, and company information.[5]
- Processing: typically 3–8 weeks depending on role and documentation. Complex cases may take longer.[5][7]
- In‑principle approval (IPA): once approved, MOM issues an IPA letter. You may travel to Singapore on a visit pass to complete formalities.
- Pass issuance in Singapore: biometrics and card collection occur at a MOM services centre after arrival.
Most HK expats report 3–6 months from “first conversation with employer” to “starting work in Singapore,” accounting for notice periods in Hong Kong, moving logistics, and school planning.
2.3 Safety, compliance & Homejourney’s role
Homejourney does not issue visas and always recommends that you rely on MOM’s official information and your employer’s HR department for immigration decisions. Our role is to complement that process by:
- Providing verified checklists for documents and timing (e.g. tenancy start dates aligned with EP issuance).[1]
- Connecting you with vetted relocation and real estate professionals who understand immigration constraints.
- Flagging common scams, such as “guaranteed EP for a fee” or fake landlord listings, and steering you toward verified listings on Property Search .
3. Cost of Living: Hong Kong vs Singapore for HK Expats
For HK expats, the cost‑of‑living question is usually the first one asked. The answer is nuanced: some categories are cheaper in Singapore (rent, eating out in hawker centres), while others (cars, alcohol) can be significantly more expensive.[1][5][6]
3.1 Big‑picture comparison
According to Homejourney’s synthesis of expat cost data, Singapore offers higher average post‑tax salaries for comparable roles and about 13% lower overall living costs compared with Hong Kong, with rent roughly 18% cheaper on average.[1] This gives HK expats a better chance to save, invest, or enter the property market, especially if they manage lifestyle choices carefully.
3.2 Typical monthly budget for an HK expat couple
Insider tip: Many HK expats underestimate hawker centres at first, then quickly make them part of their daily routine. A plate of chicken rice at Maxwell or Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is typically SGD 4–6; a full family meal rarely exceeds SGD 30–40 unless you choose touristy spots.
3.3 Using Homejourney’s tools for HKD–SGD planning
Homejourney supports pricing and budgeting in currencies from Hong Kong, allowing you to plan rent, deposits, and down‑payments directly in HKD. This is especially useful when comparing your current HK rent against potential Singapore options on Property Search .
Combine that with our mortgage comparison tool on Bank Rates to estimate monthly repayments in both SGD and HKD equivalents. This helps HK investors evaluate whether a Singapore property fits their long‑term portfolio without currency surprises.
