Singapore Expat Finance Calculators 2026

S$5,600/month for most sectors. S$10,500/month for the financial services sector. The minimum scales higher with age — MOM expects older applicants to draw salaries commensurate with seniority. You also need ≥40 COMPASS points.

COMPASS has 6 criteria (C1–C6) worth up to 80 points total. You need ≥40 to qualify. C1 (salary vs local PMET benchmark) and C2 (qualifications) each offer up to 20 points. C3 (nationality diversity), C4 (local PMET support), C5 (skills bonus) and C6 (strategic sector bonus) offer up to 10 points each.

Non-residents (present in Singapore <183 days in a calendar year) pay 15% flat rate on employment income, or progressive rates (0%–24%) — whichever results in higher tax. Most non-residents pay 15% flat. Director’s fees and certain other income are taxed at 24%.

Generally no. EP holders on foreign employment terms are not required to contribute to CPF. Only Singapore citizens and PRs must contribute. However, if an EP holder chooses local employment terms, CPF may apply. This means EP holders have higher take-home pay but no CPF retirement savings.

Foreigners can buy private condominium apartments, apartments in non-landed residential developments and certain commercial properties. They CANNOT buy HDB flats. Foreigners pay 60% ABSD on any residential property purchase (down from 30% before Apr 2023). FTA-eligible nationalities (US, Swiss, Norwegian) are exempt from ABSD on first property.

Single professional (condo rental, occasional dining out, no car): S$5,000–S$7,000/month. Couple: S$8,000–S$12,000. Family with international school: S$15,000–S$25,000+. The biggest variables are housing (S$2,500–S$8,000+/month) and international school fees (S$2,000–S$4,500/month per child).

S Pass quota: 10% of total workforce in most sectors (lower in construction). Employer levy: S$650/month (Tier 1, within first 10% of S Pass quota) or S$950/month (Tier 2, exceeding 5%). Minimum salary S$3,150/month (S$3,650 for financial services). S Pass holders must have degree, diploma or technical certificate.

You are a Singapore tax resident if you are physically present or exercised employment in Singapore for ≥183 days in the calendar year. IRAS also uses a “3-year administrative concession” for short-term newcomers. Tax residents pay progressive rates 0%–24% and qualify for personal reliefs.

Under Singapore’s FTAs: US citizens (US-Singapore FTA), Swiss nationals (EUSFTA) and Norwegian nationals (EUSFTA extension) are exempt from ABSD on their FIRST Singapore residential property purchase. All other nationalities pay 60% ABSD as foreigners.

Key PR financial advantages: CPF contributions (employer 17% + you 20%, earning 2.5%–4% guaranteed), HDB resale flat access (significantly cheaper than condo), 5% ABSD on first property (vs 60% as foreigner), MOE school fees for children (vs S$25–S$55k/year international school). The 10-year financial advantage of PR over EP can exceed S$500,000 for a family.

Digital remittance platforms typically offer the best rates: Wise (mid-market rate + small fee), Instarem and FXNOW. Bank TT transfers are 1.5%–3% more expensive due to poor FX rates + fees. For large amounts (S$50,000+), compare rates on the day. For India: Wise and ICICI iMobile are popular. For Philippines: Instarem and Western Union compete closely.

Yes. EP holders can contribute to SRS (Supplementary Retirement Scheme) up to S$35,700/year (vs S$15,300 for citizens and PRs). SRS contributions are deductible from assessable income, generating immediate tax savings. SRS withdrawals from retirement age (62) are 50% taxable — significantly better than taxing salary income in full.

PEP is for high earners: last-drawn fixed salary ≥S$22,500/month as an EP holder, OR professionals earning ≥S$22,500/month overseas. PEP validity is 3 years, is not tied to an employer (job-flexible), and requires annual income of ≥S$144,000 during the validity period. Ideal for senior professionals who change jobs frequently.

Yes. Non-resident directors’ fees are subject to 24% withholding tax (the top progressive rate). The company must withhold and pay this to IRAS before remitting net fees to the director. This applies regardless of whether the director attends Singapore board meetings or not.

Tech.Pass is a 2-year pass for established tech entrepreneurs and leaders. Unlike EP, Tech.Pass: is not tied to one employer (can work for multiple companies), allows the holder to start and run a business, invest in SG companies and mentor startups simultaneously. Eligibility: fixed salary ≥S$22,500/month, or 5+ years in a unicorn/decacorn, or product with 100,000+ MAU.

ICA typically takes 6–12 months to process a Singapore PR application. There is no published point system or guaranteed eligibility criteria — ICA evaluates holistically. Factors considered: employment history and salary, educational qualifications, family ties to Singapore citizens/PRs, NS contributions (for males), and length of stay in Singapore.