Executive Summary: If you’re an American considering a move to Singapore, this is your complete, step-by-step guide. We’ll walk you through visas, work permits, cost of living, housing options, schools, healthcare, banking, and how to choose the right neighborhood for your lifestyle. Written specifically for USA expats, this guide is packed with real-world insights, current data, and practical advice to help you make confident decisions. At Homejourney, we’re focused on creating a safe, trusted environment for property buyers and investors, so you can move to Singapore with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Why Singapore for Americans?
- Visa & Work Permits for Americans in Singapore
- Cost of Living: USA vs Singapore
- Property for US Expats in Singapore
- Popular Neighborhoods for Americans in Singapore
- Rental Market Overview for Expats
- Practical Settling-In Guide
- Maintaining Connections with the USA
- Success Stories: Why Americans Love Singapore
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Next Steps & How Homejourney Can Help
Why Singapore for Americans?
Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for Americans relocating to Asia. It’s a global financial hub, consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, and offers a unique blend of Western efficiency and Asian culture. For US expats, Singapore is attractive because of its:
- Strong rule of law and low crime rates
- World-class healthcare and education
- Strategic location in Southeast Asia with easy regional travel
- English as the primary business language
- High-quality infrastructure (MRT, roads, airports)
- Thriving international business and tech scene
Many Americans move to Singapore for work in finance, tech, consulting, legal, and education. Others come as investors, entrepreneurs, or to join family. Whether you’re relocating for a corporate job, starting a business, or retiring, Singapore offers a safe, efficient, and cosmopolitan environment.
Visa & Work Permits for Americans in Singapore
As a US citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Singapore for short visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business. However, if you plan to live and work in Singapore, you’ll need an appropriate long-term pass.
Entry & Short Stays
US passport holders can enter Singapore without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you should have a return or onward ticket. This is ideal for a house-hunting trip or a short-term assignment.
Work Passes for Americans
To work in Singapore, you’ll typically need one of the following passes, sponsored by your employer:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives. Minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,600 per month (as of 2025, with higher thresholds for older applicants and certain sectors). EP holders can bring dependents on a Dependent’s Pass (DP).
- S Pass: For mid-skilled workers in technical roles. Minimum salary is around SGD 3,150 per month (subject to quota and levy requirements). S Pass holders can bring spouses and children under 21 on a DP, but not parents.
- EntrePass: For foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Singapore. You’ll need a viable business plan and meet certain criteria set by Enterprise Singapore.
Your employer will usually handle the application through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Once approved, you’ll get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which allows you to enter Singapore and complete formalities like medical checks and registration.
Dependent & Long-Term Visas
If you’re moving to Singapore on an EP or S Pass, your spouse and children can apply for a Dependent’s Pass (DP). Parents of EP holders may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which allows them to stay long-term but with more limited work rights.
LTVP is also available for spouses and children of Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs). Processing times vary, but it’s common for applications to take several weeks to a few months.
Permanent Residence & Citizenship
After living in Singapore for a few years, many Americans consider applying for Permanent Residence (PR). PR status gives you greater stability, easier access to housing, and the ability to stay in Singapore even if you change jobs.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses PR applications based on factors like:
- Age and qualifications
- Length of stay in Singapore
- Employment history and salary
- Family ties to Singapore (e.g., spouse is a SC/PR)
- Contribution to the economy and society
PR processing typically takes 6–12 months. Once granted, you can eventually apply for Singapore citizenship, though Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, so you would need to renounce your US citizenship if naturalized.
Cost of Living: USA vs Singapore
One of the first questions Americans ask is: “Is Singapore more expensive than the USA?” The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and family size.
Housing
Housing is often the biggest expense. In Singapore, expats typically live in private condominiums, landed properties, or high-end HDB flats (if eligible). Rental prices vary significantly by location:
- Central areas (e.g., Orchard, River Valley, Holland Village): SGD 4,000–10,000+ per month for a 2–3 bedroom condo
- Mid-range areas (e.g., Bishan, Tampines, Jurong East): SGD 2,500–5,000 per month
- Suburban areas (e.g., Sengkang, Punggol, Woodlands): SGD 1,800–3,500 per month
For comparison, a similar 2–3 bedroom apartment in a major US city (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles) might cost USD 3,000–6,000/month, but utilities, healthcare, and some services can be more expensive in the US.
Daily Expenses
Here’s a rough monthly cost comparison for a single professional (excluding rent):
In general, groceries and utilities in Singapore are slightly more expensive than in many US cities, but public transport is cheaper and more efficient. Healthcare and education costs can be lower in Singapore, especially if you have employer-sponsored insurance and use public schools.
Taxes
Singapore has a progressive income tax system, with top marginal rates around 22% (for income above SGD 320,000). There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no tax on foreign-sourced income if it’s not remitted to Singapore.
As a US citizen, you are still required to file US taxes and report worldwide income, but you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation. Many Americans in Singapore work with a cross-border tax advisor to ensure compliance.
Property for US Expats in Singapore
Buying property in Singapore as a foreigner is possible, but there are important rules and costs to understand.
Types of Property Foreigners Can Buy
Foreigners (including US citizens) can purchase:
- Private condominiums (freehold or leasehold)
- Landed properties (with approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit)
- Commercial properties (offices, shops, industrial units)
Foreigners cannot buy HDB flats (public housing) unless they are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. However, some high-end HDB flats in prime locations are available for rent to expats.
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
Foreigners are subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) when purchasing residential property. As of 2025, the ABSD rate for foreigners is 60% of the property price or market value (whichever is higher).
For example, on a SGD 2 million condo, the ABSD would be SGD 1.2 million. This is a significant cost, so many expats choose to rent rather than buy, especially if their stay is temporary.
ABSD rates are reviewed periodically, so it’s important to check the latest rates with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) or consult a property agent before making a purchase.
Mortgage Financing for Americans
Foreigners can get mortgages in Singapore, but the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is lower than for locals. Typically, banks offer up to 75–80% LTV for foreigners, meaning you’ll need a 20–25% down payment plus ABSD and other fees.
Interest rates for mortgages in Singapore are generally competitive, but they are linked to SIBOR/SORA and can fluctuate. It’s a good idea to compare rates across banks and consider fixed vs. floating rate options. You can explore current mortgage rates on our bank rates page.
Buying vs Renting: What’s Right for You?
For most Americans relocating to Singapore, renting is the most practical option, especially in the first few years. Renting gives you flexibility to explore different neighborhoods and adjust to life in Singapore before making a long-term commitment.
Buying makes sense if:
- You plan to stay in Singapore long-term (5+ years)
- You have a stable income and are comfortable with the ABSD and other costs
- You’re looking for a long-term investment or a family home
At Homejourney, we help expats evaluate whether buying or renting is better for their situation, and we provide verified property listings and market insights to support confident decision-making.
Popular Neighborhoods for Americans in Singapore
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for your quality of life. Here are some of the most popular areas for Americans and other expats:
Orchard / River Valley / Tanglin
These central areas are popular with expat families and professionals. They offer:
- Proximity to top international schools (e.g., United World College, Tanglin Trust, SAS)
- Easy access to Orchard Road shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Good MRT connectivity (Orchard, Somerset, Newton lines)
- High-end condos and landed homes
Rentals here are on the higher end, but the convenience and lifestyle are hard to beat.
Holland Village / Buona Vista
A favorite among younger professionals and families, this area has a more relaxed, village-like feel with:
- Great cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Proximity to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and other institutions
- Good MRT access (Holland Village, Buona Vista)
- A mix of older and newer condos
It’s a good balance of convenience, lifestyle, and slightly lower rents than the Orchard belt.
East Coast / Marine Parade
Popular with families and those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Highlights:
- Beautiful East Coast Park with cycling, jogging, and beach activities
- Family-friendly condos and landed homes
- Good schools and community vibe
- Easy access to the city via ECP and MRT
Rents are moderate to high, but the quality of life is excellent.
Bukit Timah / Clementi
These areas are popular with families and academics. They offer:
- Proximity to top schools and universities
- Green, leafy environment with good parks and nature trails
- Good MRT and bus connectivity
- A mix of older and newer condos, as well as landed properties
Rents are generally lower than in the central areas, making them attractive for cost-conscious expats.
Jurong / West Coast
For those working in the west (e.g., Jurong Island, Tuas, or western industrial parks), this area offers:
- More affordable rentals and some newer condos
- Good access to the West Coast Park and other recreational areas
- Improving MRT and bus links
It’s a practical choice if your job is based in the west, though it’s farther from the city center.
To explore properties in these and other neighborhoods, use our property search tool, where you can filter by location, price, size, and more.
Rental Market Overview for Expats
The rental market in Singapore is dynamic, with demand and prices influenced by supply, economic conditions, and expat inflows.
Current Rental Trends (2025)
As of 2025, rental prices in Singapore have been relatively stable after a period of strong growth. Key trends:
- Prime central areas remain in high demand, especially for 2–3 bedroom condos near good schools and MRT stations.
- Suburban areas have seen more supply, leading to slightly softer rents in some locations.
- Short-term rentals (3–12 months) are common for expats on fixed-term assignments.
For the latest market data and project analysis, check our projects directory
