Moving to Singapore from Trondheim Norway: Complete Visitor & Expat Guide
If you are moving to Singapore from Trondheim, this Complete Visitor: Expat Guide will walk you through visas, jobs, housing, and daily life, with a special focus on finding safe, trustworthy property using Homejourney’s verified tools.
This cluster article supports our main pillar guide on relocating to Singapore and buying property as a foreigner, and is written specifically for Norwegians in Trondheim – whether you live near Nidaros Cathedral, work around Bakklandet, or elsewhere in central Norway – who are considering a medium- to long-term move to Singapore for work, lifestyle, or investment.
From Trondheim to Singapore: What Changes – And What Stays Familiar
Trondheim is a compact university and tech city, rich in Norwegian history, with landmarks like Nidaros Cathedral, colorful wooden houses in Bakklandet, and easy access to fjords and skiing in central Norway. Daily life is walkable, calm, and strongly seasonal, with dark winters and light, mild summers.
Singapore, by contrast, is a dense, tropical city-state with year‑round heat (around 26–32°C), world‑class infrastructure, and one of the safest urban environments globally. English is widely spoken, the rule of law is strong, and public services – from transport to healthcare – are highly efficient.[7] It is also a major Asian hub for shipping, energy, tech, and finance, which is why many Norwegians in similar industries relocate here.[2]
Where Trondheim offers quiet streets and a slower pace, Singapore offers 24/7 convenience, hawker food culture, and extremely reliable public transport. Both cities share a strong emphasis on safety, education, and good public services, so Trondheim residents generally adapt well – the biggest shock is usually the heat and humidity.
Relocating to Singapore from Trondheim: Visas, Work & Cost of Living
Visa and Work Pass Options for Norwegians
Norwegian citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Singapore (up to 30 days), but for work or longer stays, you will need a pass approved by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[3][4] Common options include:
- Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals, managers, and executives with a job offer in Singapore and a minimum qualifying salary (typically above local median; exact thresholds change, so always confirm on MOM’s site).
- S Pass – For mid‑skilled employees with a lower qualifying salary than EP, subject to quotas and levies.
- EntrePass – For entrepreneurs starting a venture‑backed or innovative business in Singapore.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass – For eligible family members of main pass holders.[3][4]
For most professionals moving from Trondheim, the EP or S Pass is the key route. Your employer usually applies on your behalf before you arrive. Homejourney recommends verifying all visa details directly with official MOM and ICA sources and engaging a licensed relocation or immigration specialist if your situation is complex.
Employment Opportunities for Trondheim Professionals
Many Trondheim residents have backgrounds in technology, engineering, maritime, renewable energy, and research. Singapore is a regional hub in these sectors, particularly shipping, offshore & marine, clean energy, and ICT.[2][7] Norwegian shipping and maritime firms maintain strong presences here, creating natural pathways for relocation.
Insider tip: networking in Singapore is fast‑paced but informal. Expect many meetings over coffee at CBD spots like Tanjong Pagar and Raffles Place, or at industry events around Marina Bay. LinkedIn and existing Norwegian corporate networks (shipping, energy, tech) are powerful tools for securing interviews before you move.
Cost of Living: Trondheim vs Singapore
Norway is one of Europe’s most expensive countries, so Trondheim residents often find some Singapore costs familiar – but the structure of expenses differs.
- Housing: Rents in central Singapore are high. A 1‑bedroom condo in a central area can easily range above SGD 3,000 per month, while HDB flats are more affordable.[1][7] In Trondheim, you may pay less for similar space but with lower density and more land.
- Food: Eating out at hawker centres can be cheaper than dining out in Trondheim – a local meal can be around SGD 5–8, versus a mid‑range restaurant meal around SGD 60 for two.[1]
- Transport: Public transport is efficient and affordable. A monthly pass is around SGD 80–90, significantly cheaper than owning a car, which is extremely costly due to taxes and Certificates of Entitlement (COE).[1][7]
- Taxation: Singapore income tax rates are generally lower than Norway’s, but individual situations vary; speak to a tax advisor experienced in Norway–Singapore cross‑border planning.
Homejourney’s platform supports Norwegian krone (NOK) comparisons so you can view estimated rents and property prices in a currency you understand, helping you budget safely and realistically.
Community and Social Networks
Although Trondheim is more close‑knit, Singapore also has a strong Nordic and European community. Norwegians often connect through industry associations, international schools, or Nordic Chambers of Commerce. Informal groups organize hikes at MacRitchie Reservoir or Bukit Timah, or weekend beach outings to Sentosa – the tropical counterpart to your coastal walks along the Trondheimsfjord.
To maintain a sense of home, many expats in Singapore regularly follow news from Trondheim and travel content like the Trondheim Norway Complete Visitor Guide 2025 and other Norway‑focused articles such as the Trondheim Family Travel Guide with Kids 2025 and Budget Travel Guide to Trondheim Norway available on Homejourney’s International Travel section Trondheim Norway Complete Visitor Guide 2025 | Homejourney Trondheim Family Travel Guide with Kids 2025 | Homejourney Budget Travel Guide to Trondheim Norway: Complete Visitor Tips | Homejourney .
Property in Singapore for Expats from Trondheim
What Foreigners Can Buy
Singapore has clear rules on what foreigners can purchase. In general, foreigners may buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments – No special approval required in most cases.
- Executive condominiums (ECs) – Only after they are fully privatized (typically 10 years after TOP).
Foreigners need government approval to buy most landed properties and are generally not allowed to buy new HDB flats; access to resale HDBs is heavily restricted and usually reserved for citizens and PRs, subject to HDB rules. Always verify the latest regulations directly from HDB and URA.
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for Norwegians
Foreign buyers in Singapore must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty, at rates that differ by residency and citizen status. As stamp duty policies can change, it is critical to confirm the current ABSD rates with IRAS or a qualified conveyancing lawyer before committing to a purchase.
Homejourney emphasizes transparency and safety: our tools are designed to help you estimate total acquisition costs, including stamp duties and legal fees, and our agent directory connects you only with vetted, licensed property agents who can walk you through current ABSD implications.
Popular Singapore Neighborhoods for Trondheim Expats
Trondheim expats tend to look for areas that balance greenery, convenience, and international schools – similar to living near the river and parks by Bakklandet but in a tropical environment.[1]
- Holland Village / Bukit Timah – Green, low‑rise feel with many international schools, cafes, and expat‑friendly amenities.[1]
- River Valley / Robertson Quay – Central, walkable, close to the Singapore River and CBD; popular among professionals who enjoy dining and nightlife.[1]
- East Coast (Katong, Marine Parade) – Seafront living, family‑friendly, cycling paths by the beach, similar to coastal walks back home but with palm trees instead of pines.[1]
- Woodlands – Larger homes and a sizeable international (including American and European) community, with easy access to the causeway.[1]
To explore verified listings safely, use Homejourney’s property search Property Search . You can filter by MRT access, budget in NOK or SGD, and choose projects with strong maintenance records, cross‑checking them against our projects directory for market data and recent transactions Projects Directory .
