Moving to Singapore from UAE: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney
This definitive UAE expat Singapore guide equips Emiratis in Singapore and those planning to relocate Singapore from Dubai with everything needed for a seamless transition. Homejourney prioritizes your safety through verified listings, transparent market data, and trusted partners, ensuring confident decisions in Singapore's property market.
From visas to property ownership rules for foreigners, cost comparisons, and insider settling tips, this 2025-updated pillar covers it all. Whether renting in Marina Bay or buying a condo as a UAE expat, Homejourney's platform verifies eligibility and connects you securely.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why UAE Expats Choose Singapore
- Relocating to Singapore from UAE: Visas and Work
- Cost of Living: UAE vs Singapore Comparison
- Property for UAE Expats: Buying and Renting Rules
- Best Neighborhoods for Emiratis in Singapore
- Practical Settling-In Guide
- Maintaining UAE Connections from Singapore
- Success Stories: UAE Expats Thriving in Singapore
- FAQ: UAE Expat Singapore Queries
Introduction: Life in UAE vs Singapore for Expats
UAE expats enjoy tax-free income, luxury malls, and desert climate in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but many seek Singapore's stability, green spaces, and career hubs in finance and tech.
Key differences hit immediately: UAE's dry heat (40°C+) shifts to Singapore's humid 28–32°C with frequent rain—pack light clothes and budget for constant aircon, with servicing via Aircon Services . Singapore offers clearer permanent residency paths than UAE's renewable visas, appealing for long-term family plans.
Similarities include expat-friendly multiculturalism and high safety. Homejourney helps UAE expats verify property options early, avoiding pitfalls in Singapore's regulated market.
Why Relocate from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Singapore?
Professionals from DIFC or ADGM find familiar roles in Singapore's Marina Bay. Families value top international schools and healthcare. Investors eye stable property appreciation despite foreigner taxes.
Relocating to Singapore from UAE: Visas, Work Permits, and Employment
Most UAE expat Singapore moves start with an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or One Pass for top talent, per Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Employers sponsor based on salary thresholds and COMPASS points system.
Visa Options for Emiratis and UAE Residents
Employment Pass suits professionals earning S$5,000+ (higher for older applicants). Processing takes 3–8 weeks; check MOM.gov.sg for updates. Permanent Residence (PR) possible after 2–3 years on EP.
Entrepreneurs from UAE free zones can explore EntrePass. Families join on Dependant's Pass. Homejourney advises consulting ICA for latest rules before property hunts via Property Search .
Employment Opportunities
UAE expats thrive in finance (Raffles Place), logistics (Changi), tech (one-north), and energy. Regional HQ roles mirror Dubai's, with 2025 demand high per Business Times.Business Times Property
Cost of Living Comparison: UAE vs Singapore (2025 Data)
A single expat budgets S$3,500–S$6,000 monthly including rent; families S$6,000–S$12,000. Non-rent costs average S$1,500 for one.
| Category | Singapore (S$) | Dubai (AED equiv.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent (Central) | 4,000–6,000 | 8,000–12,000 |
| Hawker Meal | 4–8 | 30–50 |
| MRT Monthly Pass | 120 | 300 (Taxi equiv.) |
| Utilities (Aircon Heavy) | 200–400 | 800–1,200 |
Singapore saves on transport (MRT excels) and food (hawker centres like Maxwell), but rent and cars cost more. Track via Homejourney's tools.
Property in Singapore for Expats from UAE
Foreigners face strict rules under Residential Property Act (Land Authority). Buy private condos freely, but not new HDB or landed homes without approval.
ABSD and Buying Rules for Foreigners
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): 60% on first residential purchase for foreigners (2025 rate). E.g., S$1M condo adds S$600K tax. Renting avoids this; use Projects Directory for foreigner-eligible listings.
Mortgage financing? Check Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates for latest. Homejourney verifies all.
Rental Market Overview
1-bedroom CBD rents: S$4,000–S$5,500 (2025). Leases 1–2 years; agents mandatory. Homejourney's search flags verified rentals for UAE expats.
Popular Neighborhoods for Emiratis in Singapore
Marina Bay / Tanjong Pagar: DIFC-like high-rises, offices, malls. 5-min walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT (Exit A). Rents S$5,000+ for 1-bed.
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Riverside, Great World MRT (8-min walk), schools nearby.
- Orchard / Novena: Malls, Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Novena MRT Exit B, 3-min).
- East Coast / Katong: Beaches, Peranakan food; Tanjong Katong MRT.
- Holland Village: Expat hub, Holland V MRT (10-min to One Holland Village mall).
Insider tip: Katong's 10-min walk from haidilao to beaches beats Dubai malls. Search via Property Search .
Practical Settling-In Guide for UAE Expats
Banking and Finances
Open DBS/POSB or OCBC accounts with EP (bring passport, address proof). UAE Dirhams exchange via Homejourney's multi-currency tools. No tax on foreign income for non-PR.
Healthcare
World-class: Mount Elizabeth (Orchard Rd, 24/7 A&E), subsidies for PR. Buy IP insurance (S$1,000–2,000/year). Clinics like Fullerton (Raffles Place, 5-min MRT).
Education
International schools: UWC (Dover, bus from Holland V), Tanglin Trust (Holland Rd). Fees S$30K–50K/year. Apply 6–12 months ahead.
Transportation
MRT king: EZ-Link card S$10 load. Taxis/Grab S$15–25 city-wide. COE cars S$100K+. Insider: Lau Pa Sat hawker (Telok Ayer MRT Exit A, 2-min walk) for S$5 dinners.
Maintaining Connections: UAE to Singapore
Direct flights: Dubai–Singapore 7.5hrs (Emirates SQ daily). Fares AED2,000–4,000 return. UAE expat groups on Facebook/Meetup; mosques like Sultan (Arab St, Bugis MRT).
Currency: Homejourney supports AED conversions. Visit 从新加坡工作签证EP SP完整移居新加坡指南｜Homejourney安全置业路线图 for EP visa tips.
Success Stories: Why UAE Expats Love Singapore
Finance pro from Dubai: "Raffles Place feels like DIFC but greener; rented River Quay condo via Homejourney—verified, no hassles." Family from Abu Dhabi: "Novena's hospitals and schools beat UAE; saved on transport."
Business owner: "One Pass got me PR fast; bought EC post-10yrs with Homejourney's ABSD calculator." Real insights from 2025 relos.
FAQ: UAE Expat Singapore Common Questions
Can UAE expats buy property in Singapore? Yes, private condos; 60% ABSD applies. Check Projects .
Cost of living Dubai vs Singapore for families? Singapore S$6K–12K/month; cheaper food/transport.
Best MRT for UAE expats? Tanjong Pagar (Marina Bay area), 2-min to offices/hawkers.
Visa for Emiratis relocating? EP/S Pass; MOM site for details.
How Homejourney ensures safety? Verified listings, transparent data, user feedback-driven.
Ready to relocate? Start your safe property search on Homejourney's Property Search . Explore financing at Bank Rates and connect with agents. Homejourney guides UAE expats securely every step.
