Why Singapore is One of the Best Cities for Expats

Are you hoping to find career opportunities in 2023 outside your country?

There are many reasons why people move abroad to live the expat lifestyle. Working in another country offers the opportunity to advance your career, cultural enrichment and higher income.

That being said, the next question is which city to consider moving to. An ideal location has a strong economy, good career opportunities, affordable but high-quality living, friendly people who are open to outsiders, minimal language barriers, vibrant culture and nightlife, and a safe, healthy environment. 

Singapore is one of the best cities in the world that offers a balanced combination of all factors. It is known for its diversity and architectural wonders. The Southeast Asian city, often referred to as “A city in a Garden”, remains popular among expats for its high standard of living, political stability, efficient public transportation system, better career opportunities, low crime rates, excellent healthcare and cleanliness.

Singapore was named in the top 10 Cities Offering the Best Life Abroad by InterNations Expat Insider 2022, along with Valencia, Dubai, Mexico City, Lisbon, Madrid, Bangkok, Basel, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi. In this article, we discuss several factors that make Singapore stand out from many other cities around the world as one of the favourite expat destinations.

Healthy Economy

Singapore boasts of a resilient and stable economy thanks to sound financial policies, political stability and a robust judicial system. Even in the face of global economic instability and lockdowns, it remains one of the strongest economies in the world. According to Euromoney's Country Risk Survey, Singapore is ranked as the least risky country for investments. It receives more foreign direct investments (FDI) than most developed countries. It has a diversified economy with a growing service sector and robust manufacturing and digital-driven industries.

A strong economy makes way for a high level of employment. Singapore's world-class education system and nationwide skills development initiatives ensure the workforce keeps pace with changes in the global economy. Therefore, Singapore is considered to be one of the best cities if you are looking for good career advancement.

Singapore is also one of the easiest places to start a business. It has a business-friendly environment with transparent business regulations and a tax regime. The country's strict intellectual property regulations ensure that your business interests are protected. The Singapore government strongly supports the start-up ecosystem. It provides grants to support training and capacity building in research and innovation and trade facilitation schemes.

Excellent Transportation

As soon as you arrive at Singapore, you are shown to the best airport. Skytrax has named Singapore's Changi Airport the world's best airport for seven years in a row. Singapore has a well-connected, organised, dependable, safe, and affordable public transportation network that includes train, light rail, and bus services. Obtaining an EZ-Link card also makes public transportation much easier. This is a contactless card that is extremely simple to use: simply tap it at the beginning and end of your journey to pay. Taxis and cab companies such as Grab and Gojek are also available. The majority of taxi drivers speak English, and some even accept EZ-Link payments for their services.

Singapore is an island city that is estimated to be 50 kilometres long from end to end, with a dense population and widely available amenities. This means that exploring and discovering all corners of the city is simple.

The country is also one of the busiest port hubs, which can be beneficial to your business. It is strategically located and has access to all South-East Asian countries. Many expats appreciate the fact that they can travel to many neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand while living in Singapore.

Safe City

Singapore is well-known for its low crime rates, dependable police force, and strong, transparent judiciary system. The Economist Intelligence Unit Safe Cities Index 2019 ranked it as the second safest city in the world. You can walk around at night without worrying about being robbed. Surveillance cameras are installed throughout the city to monitor any crime, making it very easy to get caught. Singapore has very strict and harsh laws that prohibit even minor offences like spitting or shoplifting. The authorities also strictly prosecute drug-related offenders.

Easy Communication

For outsiders looking to settle in Singapore, language is not an issue at all. The official language is Malay, but important Government administration, education and road signs are all in English. Singapore has a huge expat community, mostly made up of Indian, British and American expats. In this way, you will never feel alone in Lion City and will be able to join specific interest groups, attend events, and network with people in your community.

Plenty of Housing options

Singapore has an abundance of housing options. The government's Housing and Development Board provides the most affordable housing. Private condos and apartments are also available, with some offering luxury amenities such as playgrounds, fitness centres, swimming pools, community halls, and so on. Singapore has a robust and diverse water supply as well as a dependable power supply. The power grid is more reliable than in most major cities around the world, including Tokyo, London, and New York.

Robust Healthcare

Singapore has world-class medical facilities, including public, private, and community hospitals, as well as national speciality centres. According to the Bloomberg Health Care Efficiency Index, Singapore has the world's second most efficient healthcare system. Health insurance is typically expensive, but expatriates with permanent residency receive a discount, and non-residents with a work permit can purchase an affordable health insurance policy.

Excellent Educational System

The country boasts of one of the best organized educational systems in the world. A highly structured curriculum and creative, inclusive teaching methodologies have made Singapore gain global recognition. 97% Singaporeans continue their education beyond the age of 18 years.

Downsides of moving to Singapore

Living in Singapore has many advantages, but also many disadvantages. The cost of living is high, so you need to ensure that you have a high income before you decide to move. Work-life balance can be a little difficult as it is highly competitive and employers offer little or no compensation for overtime. The temperature is can rise to pretty uncomfortable levels at times, making it rather a bit difficult for people migrating from cooler locales.

Conclusion:

The choice to move to a different country is very personal to every individual. The factors that work for one person, may not be conducive to another. However, it can be safely said that the fine opportunities Singapore offers to its expat population far outweighs the few downsides of the country. If you wish to discuss further about the risks and opportunities of settling down in this island country, then feel free to book a free appointment with us.