If you are moving to Singapore from Tuscany Wine Country and Countryside, this expat guide explains exactly what to expect for lifestyle, visas, housing, and daily living – with specific, practical tips drawn from on-the-ground experience in Singapore and insights from life in Tuscany.
This cluster article supports Homejourney’s main pillar guide on moving to Singapore as an expat by focusing specifically on people coming from the Tuscan countryside, Chianti wine region, Siena, San Gimignano and surrounding hill towns. For a full relocation overview, you can refer to the main pillar guide via .
Life in Tuscany Wine Country vs Life in Singapore
Daily life in Tuscany – especially around Chianti wine country, Siena and San Gimignano – is defined by slow rhythms, long lunches, small villages, and drives through vineyards like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino estates.[1][2][3] In Singapore, the pace is almost the opposite: dense, vertical city living, efficient public transport, and highly structured workdays.
The main reasons people from the Tuscan countryside consider Singapore include:
- Access to Asia’s fast-growing job markets and regional HQ roles
- Stable, transparent financial and legal systems that attract international investors
- World-class infrastructure, healthcare, and schools
- Safe, low-crime urban environment for families and solo expats
Yet there are important similarities. Like Tuscany, Singaporeans take food seriously, with strong coffee culture (from local kopitiams to Italian espresso bars), vibrant markets, and a deep respect for quality ingredients. You will still be able to enjoy good Chianti wine and Tuscan reds at Italian restaurants and wine bars, especially in areas like Tiong Bahru, Duxton Hill and Dempsey.[7]
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work and Cost of Living
Visa and Work Permit Options
Most professionals coming from Tuscany to Singapore relocate on an Employment Pass (EP), tied to a job offer with a minimum qualifying salary set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Other common passes include:
- S Pass – for mid-skilled staff, with quota and salary conditions
- One Pass – for top-tier talent with high global income and portfolio careers
- Dependent’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass – for eligible family members
Visa requirements and salary thresholds are updated regularly, so you should always check the latest details on the official MOM website and, if needed, confirm with a licensed relocation or immigration professional before committing to a move.
Employment Opportunities for Expats from Tuscany
Professionals from Tuscany and wider Italy often work in:
- Hospitality, F&B and wine trade – roles with Italian restaurants, wine importers or luxury hospitality groups
- Design, architecture and heritage consulting – especially those experienced with historic properties in regions like Siena and Florence
- Finance, trade and logistics – Singapore is a regional hub for European SMEs expanding into Asia
- Luxury retail, branding and tourism – leveraging the global appeal of Italian lifestyle brands and Tuscan products
If you are used to seasonal work around the Tuscan tourism calendar, Singapore’s job market is more stable year-round but also more competitive and performance-driven. Networking through chambers of commerce (for example, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore) and LinkedIn is vital.
Cost of Living: Tuscany vs Singapore
In 2025, living in Tuscany can be relatively affordable, with estimated monthly expenses around €1,500–2,000 for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, utilities and food in mid-sized cities like Siena or Lucca.[1] Singapore, by contrast, consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities – especially for housing and cars.
Rough, experience-based comparisons (for a single professional or couple):
- Rent: Tuscan town apartment €650–950 vs. a similar central 1-bedroom in Singapore often SGD 3,000–4,500
- Groceries & dining: Daily markets in Tuscany can be cheaper; Singapore supermarkets are pricier, but local hawker food (SGD 5–8 per meal) is good value
- Transport: Car-dependent in the countryside vs. efficient MRT and bus network in Singapore, where many expats do not own cars due to high ownership costs
To understand how property and mortgage costs affect your budget in Singapore, you can compare current financing options via Homejourney’s Bank Rates page and explore up-to-date project pricing on our Projects Directory .
Property in Singapore for Expats from Tuscany & the Countryside
What Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
Foreigners (including Italian and EU citizens) are generally allowed to buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments
- Executive condominiums (ECs) that are at least 10 years old
- Commercial properties such as shophouses (subject to zoning)
Restrictions apply to HDB flats (public housing) and most landed properties. Foreigners typically cannot buy HDB flats directly, and landed homes require special approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) and are rarely approved except in specific cases. Always verify rules directly with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and URA, or consult a qualified conveyancing lawyer.
ABSD for Foreign Buyers
In addition to standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), foreigners must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential property purchases. The ABSD rate for foreigners has been significantly increased in recent years, making careful financial planning essential.
Because ABSD rules and percentages can change, Homejourney strongly recommends checking the latest tables from IRAS or consulting a licensed property professional before signing any Option to Purchase. Our platform prioritises user safety by verifying key facts and surfacing the latest regulatory information where possible.
Popular Singapore Neighbourhoods for Tuscany & Countryside Expats
If you are coming from Chianti vineyards, Siena or San Gimignano, you may miss open views and historic stone buildings. While Singapore is far more urban, some neighbourhoods offer a softer, greener or more village-like feel:
- Holland Village / Chip Bee Gardens – café culture, wine bars, and a walkable vibe that appeals to Europeans; direct Circle Line MRT access
- Tiong Bahru – art deco low-rise blocks, indie bakeries, and a strong sense of community; often described as Singapore’s equivalent of a stylish old quarter
- River Valley / Robertson Quay – riverside walks, Italian restaurants and wine bars, convenient to CBD
- Bukit Timah – low-density, leafy, near international schools; feels closer to the countryside within city limits
- East Coast (Katong, Joo Chiat) – colourful shophouses, seaside park, strong food culture
For a safe and transparent way to compare rental and sale listings in these areas, start with Homejourney’s verified Property Search . You can also explore current and upcoming projects by district using our Projects .
Rental Market Overview
For most new arrivals from Tuscany, renting is the first step. Typical lease terms are:
- Standard lease tenure: 1–2 years, sometimes with a diplomatic clause
- Security deposit: usually 1 month’s rent for 1-year leases, 2 months for 2-year leases
- Agent commission: usually paid by landlord for 2-year leases; shorter leases may involve tenant commission – confirm terms upfront
Homejourney’s agent directory can help you find licensed agents who understand both European expectations and Singapore regulations. We emphasise transparent terms, clear fee structures and verified information so you can sign a tenancy agreement with confidence.
