Residents » Overview » Considering The City

As with any city in the world, there are pros and cons to living here. By and large the pros outweigh the cons but individual tastes will ultimately decide if this is the place for you.

A big plus for many is the weather, which doesn’t vary much throughout the year. Temperatures hover around 30ºC (82ºF) every day and humidity can regularly reach 80-90%. If you don’t handle the heat well or take particular pleasure in the changing of the seasons, this could be a negative.

The travel possibilities here are also a great positive; jetting off to the beaches, jungles or cities of Southeast Asia for a long weekend is not uncommon. You’ll also be able to enjoy countless restaurants and nightspots and a growing arts scene. And on the whole life can be quite comfortable with the services of a maid; a large, modern residence with all the facilities; and a commute that probably won’t exceed 15 minutes.

From a work and business perspective, Singapore offers many opportunities for expats with the right qualifications. Salaries may not be as high as they once were but taxes remain low and entrepreneurs will love the excitement that comes with being in the fastest growing economic region in the world. You’ll probably arrive in Singapore with a job already lined up, but if you’re looking to explore new opportunities here it’s worth a preliminary visit to meet people face-to-face and to build up an initial network. (See Finding Work Before You’re Here on p.83 as well as the rest of the Work section for tips on working in Singapore and finding a job.)

You’ll get a social visit pass when you first arrive. A residence visa can only be obtained once you or your spouse have employment and are approved for an employment pass.