Moving to Singapore from Yehliu: Expat Property & Lifestyle Guide | Homejourney

Moving to Singapore from Yehliu Geopark on a simple day trip from Taipei can quickly evolve into a serious question: “Could I live, work, or invest in property in Singapore instead?” This Moving to Singapore from Yehliu Geopark Day Trip: Expat Guide from Homejourney gives you clear, practical steps on visas, cost of living, housing, and daily life so you can plan your move safely and confidently.

This article is a focused companion to Homejourney’s main Singapore relocation pillar guide Projects Directory . Here we zoom in on travellers and expats who know Yehliu, its famous Queen’s Head rock formations, and the relaxed pace of a geopark Taiwan coastal town, and are now comparing that lifestyle with fast‑paced, opportunity‑rich Singapore.

From Yehliu Geopark Day Trip to Life in Singapore

If you’ve taken a Taipei day trip to Yehliu Geopark, you already know the appeal of dramatic coastlines, walkable paths, and tourist‑friendly facilities. Daily life in Yehliu itself is quieter: fishing boats in the morning, small seafood eateries at night, and a tourism rhythm that peaks on weekends.

By contrast, Singapore is an ultra‑urban, high‑density city‑state with world‑class infrastructure, strong rule of law, and one of the safest urban environments globally.[3] The pace is faster, but services are more predictable: reliable MRT every few minutes, air‑conditioned malls, and 24‑hour conveniences within walking distance in most neighbourhoods.

Why people who enjoy Yehliu often consider Singapore:

• Stability and safety: Singapore consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world for residents, tourists, and investors.[3]
• Career opportunities: Regional HQ hub for finance, tech, shipping, and advanced manufacturing, with English as the main business language.[5]
• Connectivity: Changi Airport offers direct or one‑stop access to Taipei, making it easy to revisit Taiwan and Yehliu.
• Transparent property market: Clear regulations, strong enforcement, and detailed public data from URA and HDB help reduce risk for overseas buyers.[1]

Both Yehliu and Singapore share strong government oversight of tourism and urban planning, but Singapore layers this with a deep financial sector, international schools, and a sophisticated property market that appeals to expats and investors.

Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Jobs & Cost of Living

Visa and Work Permit Options

Most expats move to Singapore on employment‑related passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Key options include:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives with a job offer from a Singapore employer and meeting minimum salary criteria (regularly updated by MOM).
• S Pass: For mid‑skilled staff, with quotas and levy requirements for employers.
• EntrePass / ONE Pass / Tech.Pass: For entrepreneurs, senior global talent, and tech specialists.[2][5]

Unlike a casual Yehliu day trip where you just hop on a bus from Taipei Main Station, moving to Singapore requires employer sponsorship for most long‑term passes. Always verify requirements on the official MOM website and avoid any “guaranteed visa” offers.

Employment Opportunities

Professionals coming from Taiwan (or frequent Yehliu visitors) often work in:

• Technology & semiconductors
• Maritime & logistics (Singapore is a major global port, similar in feel to Keelung’s harbour but on a larger scale)
• Banking & finance
• Tourism, hospitality and F&B, especially for those with Mandarin and English skills

Homejourney recommends securing a firm job offer and EP/S Pass in principle before committing to any long‑term lease or property purchase, as your right to stay in Singapore depends on your immigration status.

Cost of Living: Yehliu / Taipei vs Singapore

Relative to Yehliu and most of Taipei, Singapore is more expensive, especially for rent and cars.[3][8] Based on recent expat guides and local data:

• Rent: A central 2–3 bedroom condo in Singapore can easily cost SGD 4,000–10,000 per month, while mid‑range areas average around SGD 2,500–5,000.[1]
• Food: Local hawker food (SGD 4–8) is often comparable to Taipei street food, but cafes and restaurants trend higher.
• Transport: Public transport is affordable and efficient; car ownership is significantly more expensive due to COE.[3]

Use Homejourney’s tools to benchmark neighbourhood rents and condo asking prices via our property search Property Search and projects directory Projects Directory for up‑to‑date project‑level data.

Property in Singapore for Expats from Yehliu

What Foreigners Can Buy

According to Singapore’s housing regulations and Homejourney’s expat guides, foreigners can typically:

• Buy private condominiums (new launch or resale), freehold or leasehold.[1][2]
• Buy landed property only with approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, which is rarely granted for non‑residents.[1]
• Buy commercial property such as offices or shops, subject to zoning rules.
• Not buy HDB flats unless they are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who meet strict eligibility conditions.[1]

For most expats arriving from Taiwan or elsewhere, the first 2–3 years are usually spent renting while they understand the market, confirm their long‑term plans, and decide whether ABSD‑heavy purchases are worthwhile.[1][2]

ABSD for Foreign Buyers

As of 2025, the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreigners buying any residential property in Singapore is 60% of the purchase price or market value whichever is higher.[1] This is on top of the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD).