Moving to Singapore from Phuket Beach Paradise: Expat Guide queries usually come from people who love Phuket’s beaches and lifestyle, but want Singapore’s stability, career opportunities, and safe property market.
This focused Homejourney guide explains, step by step, how expats used to Phuket Thailand and the Phuket beaches can relocate to Singapore safely – from visas and cost of living to neighbourhoods, rentals, and buying property – and connects back to our main Singapore Relocation & Property pillar guide .
From Phuket Beach Paradise to Singapore: What Changes?
If you’ve spent time in Phuket Beach Paradise: Expat hotspots like Kata, Karon, Patong or Bang Tao, you’re used to laid‑back island life, street food, and motorbike rides to different Thailand islands.
Singapore, by contrast, is compact, highly organised and rules‑based, with world‑class public transport, strict safety standards, and one of Asia’s most transparent real estate markets.
Key similarities many Phuket expats appreciate when moving to Singapore:
- Warm, tropical climate (though Singapore is more humid and has no real “cool” season).
- Strong tourism and hospitality sectors, with lots of regional travel – many still use Phuket travel as a regular getaway.
- Large international expat communities, English widely spoken, and plenty of international schools.
Key differences to prepare for:
- Cost of living: day‑to‑day costs (rent, schooling, cars, dining) are significantly higher in Singapore than Phuket Thailand.
- Regulation: strict rules on work, housing, and behaviour in public; enforcement is consistent and fines can be high.
- Transport: in Singapore, driving is a luxury – most residents rely on MRT and buses; they’re clean, safe and predictable.
Having lived near Karon Beach then relocating to Singapore’s East Coast, the main lifestyle shift you feel is how easy daily logistics become: no haggling with taxis, tap‑in/out MRT rides, and well‑maintained, air‑conditioned condos with 24/7 security – something Homejourney users repeatedly highlight in feedback.
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work and Community
Visa and work pass options
For long‑term relocation, you generally need a work pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[5]
- Employment Pass (EP): for professionals, managers and executives. As of 2025, new EP applicants usually must earn at least S$5,600 per month (higher for older, more experienced candidates), and pass the COMPASS points framework.[5][9]
- S Pass: for mid‑skilled employees, with a minimum qualifying salary around S$3,000+ monthly, rising with age and sector.[1][5]
- Work Permit: for semi‑skilled roles (construction, marine, manufacturing, some service sectors).[1][5]
- EntrePass: for founders building venture‑backed or innovation‑driven businesses in Singapore.[5][1]
Short visits (up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality) are typically covered by a visa‑free entry or a short‑stay visa; you can check requirements on Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.[6]
Practical tip: Prospective employers usually apply for your work pass online. Processing of many passes is around 1–3 weeks if documents are complete, but it can take longer, so plan housing viewings with some buffer time.[1][7]
Employment opportunities vs Phuket
Phuket’s economy is dominated by tourism, hospitality, F&B, wellness, and some real estate. Singapore’s economy is far more diversified, with strong demand in:
- Banking & finance, wealth management
- Technology, cybersecurity, data
- Logistics, trade, maritime
- Healthcare, pharma, and biotech
- Regional HQ roles for multinational companies
Many Phuket Beach Paradise: Expat residents move to Singapore to access higher salaries, regional leadership roles, and more stable, long‑term career tracks – often while still keeping Phuket travel as a weekend escape.
Cost of living: Phuket vs Singapore
Exact numbers vary, but you should realistically expect Singapore to cost 2–4x more than Phuket Thailand for comparable comfort, mainly due to housing and schooling.
- Rent: a modern 2‑bedroom condo in central Singapore (e.g. Tiong Bahru, River Valley) can range S$4,000–S$7,000/month; outside the core (e.g. Pasir Ris, Woodlands), S$2,800–S$4,000 is common, depending on age and facilities.
- Transport: regular MRT and bus usage is affordable (often S$80–S$150/month for a typical commuter), but owning a car is very expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system.
- Food: hawker centres and food courts (typical meals S$4–S$8) keep costs reasonable; imported groceries and restaurant dining are much pricier than in Phuket.
Homejourney recommends building a simple relocation budget that includes rent, utilities, transport, healthcare, school fees (if applicable) and an allowance for flights back to Thailand islands or Phuket beaches a few times a year.
Community and social networks
Singapore has thriving Thai and general Southeast Asian communities. You’ll find Thai supermarkets (e.g. Golden Mile Complex area historically), temples, and Thai restaurants spread across the city.
Look for Facebook groups or Telegram chats focused on “Thai in Singapore” or “Singapore–Phuket expats” to find people who shuttle between both hubs. Homejourney also encourages users to verify landlords and agents carefully; using our agent directory helps you connect with vetted professionals who understand cross‑border needs.
Property in Singapore for Expats from Phuket Beach Paradise
What foreigners can buy
Singapore strictly regulates foreign ownership of residential property through the Residential Property Act and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) tax rules.
- Condos & private apartments: foreign buyers can freely purchase most non‑landed private residential units without prior approval.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs): only EC units that are fully privatised (typically 10 years after TOP) are generally open to foreign buyers; younger ECs have restrictions.
- HDB flats: foreigners (who are not Singapore Permanent Residents) generally cannot buy HDB resale flats directly, and cannot buy new HDB BTOs at all.
- Landed property: foreign ownership of landed properties requires Singapore Land Authority (SLA) approval and is usually limited to selected properties in designated areas.
Insider tip: If you’re used to Phuket villa living, be prepared that owning landed property in Singapore as a foreigner is complicated and extremely expensive. Most Phuket Beach Paradise: Expat buyers focus on condos with resort‑style pools and facilities – a familiar feel to Thailand islands resorts, but with stronger building standards and management.
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for foreigners
On top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), foreign individuals currently pay a high Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rate on residential purchases.
Exact ABSD rates are periodically adjusted by the government as a cooling measure. Always confirm latest rates on IRAS before committing to a purchase, or speak to a qualified tax adviser or lawyer.CNA Property News
Homejourney’s verified partner agents can help you calculate total stamp duty, legal fees, and ongoing costs for specific projects using live data from our projects directory Projects Directory .
Popular Singapore neighbourhoods for Phuket expats
Many Phuket Beach Paradise: Expat residents look for areas that balance greenery, sea views, and good food – similar to Phuket beaches, but with Singapore convenience.
- East Coast / Katong / Marine Parade: closest feel to Phuket beachfront living. East Coast Park is about a 10–20 minute walk or short bus ride from many condos; you’ll find seaside cycling tracks, beach bars, and seafood restaurants.
- HarbourFront / Telok Blangah / Keppel / Sentosa: waterfront living near VivoCity mall, Mount Faber, and Sentosa island. Great if you like marinas and resort‑style condos.
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: central but relaxed riverside lifestyle, walkable to the CBD, with many cafes and restaurants popular with expats.
- Holland Village / Dempsey area: leafy, low‑rise vibe with international schools nearby and lots of F&B options.
Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search to filter by MRT access, price, and facilities – and compare actual transacted prices from our projects data Projects . This level of transparency is central to Homejourney’s focus on safety and trustworthy information.
