Moving to Singapore from Shanghai China: Expat Guide searches usually come from people who already know big-city life and want clear, practical steps for a safe relocation. As a platform built around safety and trust, Homejourney helps you compare life in Shanghai with Singapore, understand visas and property rules, and make confident housing decisions without surprises.
This guide is a focused cluster in our larger Singapore relocation and property pillar, and is written for expats and investors based in Shanghai China who are considering Singapore for work, lifestyle or real estate opportunities. You can refer back to our main pillar guide for deeper, step‑by‑step relocation and property planning Moving to Singapore from Queenstown NZ: Homejourney Expat Guide .
1. Life in Shanghai vs Singapore: What to Expect
If you already live in Shanghai China: Expat, you are used to a dense, fast-paced city with world‑class malls around Nanjing Road, family‑friendly things to do in Shanghai like the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, and iconic Shanghai attractions such as the Bund and Lujiazui skyline Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney . Singapore offers a similar urban intensity, but with stricter rules, greener planning, and a stronger focus on safety and order.
Both cities are financial hubs with strong expat communities and easy regional China travel connections. The biggest lifestyle differences most Shanghai expats notice in Singapore are:
- Climate: Singapore is hot and humid all year (around 30°C), without Shanghai’s winter. Good aircon is essential – Homejourney helps you find reliable servicing options Aircon Services .
- Language: English is the main working language in Singapore, though Mandarin is widely spoken. Many Shanghai China: Expat professionals find this combination reassuring.
- Rules & safety: Singapore is consistently ranked among the safest cities globally, with low crime and strong enforcement of laws, which many families from Shanghai appreciate.
- Space & greenery: Homes are smaller on average than many newer Shanghai projects, but access to parks, waterfronts and nature reserves is excellent.
If you love the fast pace and world‑class dining of Shanghai (see also our food guide Best Food & Restaurants in Shanghai China: Homejourney Insider Guide ), you will recognise the same energy in neighbourhoods like Orchard, Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar – just with cleaner air, stricter rules and more greenery.
2. Relocating from Shanghai: Visas, Work & Cost of Living
2.1 Visa and work pass options
For stays beyond a short visit, you will need the right pass issued by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Visitors must have a passport valid at least 6 months, proof of onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds.[2] For work or long‑term stay, common options include:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers and executives. As of 2025, the minimum qualifying fixed monthly salary is generally S$5,600, higher for older, more experienced applicants.[8][4] EP applications are assessed under the COMPASS points framework, which looks at salary, qualifications, company diversity and local hiring.[4]
- S Pass: For mid‑level skilled staff; has lower salary thresholds than EP but quota limits per employer.[8]
- EntrePass / ONE Pass / Tech.Pass: For entrepreneurs, senior professionals or tech leaders – suitable if you are relocating a Shanghai‑based business or regional role.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass: For spouses, children or parents accompanying a main EP/S Pass holder.[1][3]
Always check latest eligibility on official MOM and ICA websites before applying, as salary thresholds and schemes are updated regularly.[8][9] Homejourney recommends speaking to a licensed immigration specialist or your employer’s HR to confirm which pass best fits your profile.
2.2 Employment opportunities for Shanghai‑based expats
Shanghai China: Expat professionals often move to Singapore with roles in:
- Banking & finance: Many regional roles shift between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, especially in wealth management and corporate banking.
- Tech & e‑commerce: Regional HQ positions in product, data, engineering and regional operations are common.
- Trade & logistics: Singapore’s status as a major port and hub makes it attractive for supply chain and commodities professionals.
- Education & professional services: International schools, consulting and law firms all hire experienced expats.
Compared to Shanghai, expect a smaller but very competitive job market; employers place strong emphasis on regional experience and English‑language communication. Networking through industry associations and Shanghai‑Singapore community groups (for example, alumni groups and chambers of commerce) can make a big difference.
2.3 Cost of living: Shanghai vs Singapore
In both cities, your biggest costs are usually housing and schooling. Singapore is generally more expensive for rent and cars, but healthcare and everyday safety are often rated higher. A practical way to compare:
- Central 2‑bedroom apartment: In downtown Singapore (e.g. Tanjong Pagar or Orchard), expats often pay S$4,500–S$7,000/month, depending on age of condo and facilities. Similar‑quality central units in Shanghai can be cheaper, though top‑tier compounds in Lujiazui or Xintiandi are comparable.
- Food: Hawker centres in Singapore are very affordable (S$5–S$7 per meal), while imported groceries and restaurant dining can be costly.
- Transport: Public transport is reliable and relatively affordable in both cities; owning a car in Singapore is significantly more expensive due to COE (Certificate of Entitlement).
To keep housing costs under control, use Homejourney’s verified listings and filters to see real market rents before you move Property Search . For purchasers, our mortgage comparison page helps you review bank financing options and rates in one place Bank Rates .
3. Property in Singapore for Expats from Shanghai China
3.1 What foreigners can and cannot buy
Singapore has strict rules about what non‑citizens can purchase. In general, foreigners (including those from Shanghai China: Expat) can freely buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments (non‑landed residential) anywhere in Singapore.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) that are at least 10 years old (fully privatised).
Foreigners usually cannot buy public Housing & Development Board (HDB) resale flats unless they are Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) meeting specific conditions, and they need approval to buy most landed properties. Always cross‑check with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and HDB for any rule changes before committing.
3.2 Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreigners
In addition to Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), foreign buyers must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty on residential properties, at higher rates than Singapore citizens and PRs. ABSD rates are revised periodically to cool the market; consult IRAS or a qualified conveyancing lawyer for the latest numbers before signing an Option to Purchase.
Because ABSD can materially change your returns, Homejourney strongly recommends modelling your total acquisition costs (purchase price, BSD, ABSD, legal fees, renovation and ongoing maintenance like aircon servicing Aircon Services ) before you commit.
3.3 Popular neighbourhoods for Shanghai expats
Based on on‑the‑ground experience and user feedback, some areas are particularly popular with expats moving from Shanghai China: Expat:
- Orchard / River Valley: Central, with high‑rise condos, international schools nearby and easy access to malls, similar in feel to Jing’an or Xintiandi.
- Tanjong Pagar / CBD fringe: Ideal if you are used to living near Lujiazui – walkable to offices, with plenty of dining and nightlife.
- East Coast / Katong: Family‑friendly with seaside parks and cafes, popular with those who want more space and greenery.
- Holland Village / Bukit Timah: Close to many international schools; feels similar to expatriate‑heavy compounds in Puxi.
Use Homejourney’s project directory to deep‑dive into specific developments, past transactions and verified project information before shortlisting Projects Directory . Our property search tool lets you filter by budget, MRT proximity, school distance and more Property Search .
