Moving to Singapore from the Emirates can be a smooth, rewarding step if you understand visas, cost of living, and the property rules for foreigners early on. This guide distils what UAE-based expats and investors need to know about relocating, renting, or buying safely in Singapore, and shows how Homejourney helps you navigate the market with verified data and trusted partners.
This article is part of Homejourney’s broader relocation and investment series and links back to our main pillar guide on moving to Singapore and buying property as a foreigner . Use this cluster as your tactical checklist if you are coming from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE after a 7 days UAE trip, a full UAE week, or a complete UAE tour and now comparing Singapore as your next base.
Life in the UAE vs Singapore: What Stays Familiar, What Changes
Many Emirates-based expats look at Singapore after experiencing a Dubai–Abu Dhabi week or a 7 days UAE work trip and realising they want a similarly modern, safe city with strong career prospects, but with more long-term residency options and stable regulation. From years of working with clients moving from Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Yas Island, a few patterns stand out.
Similarities you will recognise
- Safety and cleanliness: Like Dubai, Singapore is exceptionally safe, with very low violent crime and strict enforcement. Streets in areas like Orchard, Tanjong Pagar and Novena feel as safe at midnight as they do at noon.
- Global workforce: Both markets are heavily international. In Singapore CBD, it is normal to meet colleagues from India, China, Europe and the Middle East in the same team.
- Tax-friendly environment: Singapore’s personal income tax is low by global standards, with progressive resident rates from 0–22%, and non-residents at 15% or resident rates, whichever is higher.[2][3]
Key differences UAE expats feel immediately
- Climate: UAE has dry desert heat; Singapore is hot, humid and green year-round. Expect 28–32°C with regular rain and near-constant aircon use—factor in higher electricity bills and consider reliable servicing Aircon Services .
- Cost of living pattern: In Singapore, rent and car ownership are high, but public transport, hawker food and healthcare (with subsidies for residents) can be more affordable than many UAE expats expect.[1][2][4]
- Legal and residency framework: Singapore offers clearer long-term pathways (e.g. Permanent Residence) than most UAE arrangements, which matters if you are considering buying property for the long run.
Relocating to Singapore from the UAE: Visas, Work and Cost of Living
Visa and work permit options for UAE-based expats
Most UAE residents moving to Singapore do so on an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass or One Pass (for top-tier talent). Details are set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Always check the latest official rules as criteria change periodically.
- Employment Pass: For professionals, managers and executives. Employers must meet minimum salary and points criteria (COMPASS framework). As of 2025, mid-career EP holders generally need salaries in the S$5,000–S$6,000+ range, higher for financial services.
- S Pass: For mid-skilled staff, with lower salary thresholds but quotas per company.
- Dependant’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass: For eligible spouses and children of EP/S Pass holders.
Insider tip: Many employers in Singapore will handle EP applications for you. Before signing any package, ask for written confirmation of sponsorship and estimated processing times, and avoid committing to long-term leases until approval is in hand.
Employment opportunities for people coming from the Emirates
UAE-based expats often transition into similar industries in Singapore: finance, logistics, aviation, technology, energy and professional services. Singapore’s status as a regional HQ hub means roles in Marina Bay, Raffles Place and Mapletree Business City often look familiar to those based in DIFC or Abu Dhabi Global Market.
To strengthen your profile for Singapore roles:
- Highlight regional experience across GCC and Asia.
- Obtain certifications recognised in Singapore (e.g. MAS-recognised finance qualifications).
- Start networking 3–6 months before you plan to move via LinkedIn, industry events and Singapore-based hiring firms.
Cost of living: UAE vs Singapore
Several credible 2025 breakdowns estimate that a single expat in Singapore spends about S$3,500–S$6,000 per month including rent, while a family of four typically needs S$6,000–S$12,000 monthly.[2][4] A single person’s non-rent expenses average around S$1,500 per month.[1][4]
Compared with a UAE week or complete UAE trip spent largely in car-centric, mall-based environments, you will notice:
- Rent: Often higher than most Dubai non-prime areas if you want central locations (Orchard, River Valley, Tanjong Pagar).[1][2]
- Transport: Cheaper thanks to excellent MRT and buses—many expats skip owning a car entirely.
- Dining: Hawker centres (Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Amoy, Old Airport Road) offer meals from S$4–S$8, far below most mall restaurants in Dubai.[6]
Use Homejourney’s tools to model your budget across rent, commuting and utilities, drawing on verified market data and bank offers Bank Rates .
Property in Singapore for Expats from the UAE
Singapore’s property rules for foreigners differ sharply from what you may know from Dubai’s freehold zones. Understanding what you can buy—and the taxes involved—is critical before committing funds.
What foreigners can and cannot buy
Under the Residential Property Act (administered by the Singapore Land Authority), foreigners can generally buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments anywhere in Singapore.
- Strata-titled commercial units (e.g. office, some shophouse components) without residential restrictions.
- Executive condominiums (ECs) only after they reach full privatisation (10 years from TOP).
Foreigners usually cannot buy new HDB flats, most resale HDB flats or landed houses unless special approval is granted by authorities, which is rare and highly selective.
Homejourney surfaces these restrictions clearly in every listing, so you immediately know whether a property is foreigner-eligible Projects Directory .
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for foreigners
Singapore imposes ABSD on property purchases on top of Buyer’s Stamp Duty. For most foreigners, ABSD is significantly higher than for citizens and PRs and has been raised several times as a cooling measure. Always verify the current ABSD rate on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) website before committing, as rates can change.
Practical approach for UAE-based buyers:
- Model ABSD in your yield calculations; it can materially affect ROI compared with Dubai freehold investments.
- Discuss cross-border tax implications with a qualified tax adviser if you hold assets in both Singapore and the UAE.
- Use Homejourney’s calculators to stress-test scenarios with and without ABSD Bank Rates .
Popular neighbourhoods for UAE expats
From working with Emirati and UAE-based clients, these areas consistently rank high:
- Marina Bay / Tanjong Pagar / Shenton Way: High-rise CBD living reminiscent of DIFC, with direct access to Grade A offices and upscale malls. One-bedroom condo rents commonly exceed S$4,000–S$5,000/month in 2025.[1][3]
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Riverside lifestyle popular with finance and legal professionals. Easy access to Great World MRT and international schools’ bus routes.
- Orchard / Newton / Novena: Close to premium malls, Mount Elizabeth and Novena medical clusters, and well-known international schools.
- East Coast / Katong:
References
