Relocating to Singapore: FAQ for High-Net-Worth Families

As at October 2026, the EP qualifying salary for most sectors runs from S$5,600 a month for candidates aged 23 and below to S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above; financial services runs from S$6,200 to S$11,800. From 1 January 2027, new applications rise to S$6,000–S$11,500 and S$6,600–S$12,700 respectively, and renewals follow for passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Candidates must also pass COMPASS (MOM, 28 April 2026).

An EP is tied to one employer, which applies on the candidate's behalf. A ONE Pass is for people with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over 12 consecutive months (from an established company if the employer is overseas: market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million), or outstanding achievement in sports, arts and culture, or research. It is valid for up to five years, allows the holder to start, run and work for several companies at once, and lets a spouse work on a Letter of Consent (MOM, 14 September 2026).

No. Singapore's residency routes are based on employment, entrepreneurship, an investment programme or family ties; buying property is not a ground for any pass or for permanent residence. Foreigners also pay 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty on any residential purchase (IRAS, for purchases from 27 April 2023), and landed homes need prior approval from the Singapore Land Authority.

According to the EDB GIP Factsheet (5 May 2025), applicants choose one of three options: at least S$10 million in a new or expanding business; S$25 million in a GIP-select fund; or a Singapore single family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management, of which at least S$50 million goes into designated investments. Processing takes about 12 months, and the factsheet states it is not a promise of approval.

A spouse on a Dependant's Pass generally needs an employer to apply for an EP, S Pass or Dependant's Pass Work Permit; a Dependant's Pass holder who sets up or runs a business can apply for a Letter of Consent (MOM, 25 March 2026). Parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass only if the EP or S Pass holder earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 (MOM).

ICA does not publish a minimum period. EP and S Pass holders are one of the eligible groups; the application fee is S$100 and applications are usually processed within six months when all documents are in order, although some take longer (ICA, 13 March 2026). Approval is at ICA's discretion and this site does not file applications or predict outcomes.

Only with a valid Re-Entry Permit. Since 1 December 2025, a PR who leaves without a valid REP, or whose REP expires overseas, must apply within 180 days; failing to apply, or being refused, means losing PR status even after returning (ICA). PRs obtained through the GIP must also show that they or all their dependants lived in Singapore for more than half the time to renew the five-year REP (EDB).

Yes, if he becomes a PR through your sponsorship. Under the Enlistment Act, male citizens and PRs must register for National Service at 16½ and usually serve two years full-time from 18 (ICA; CMPB, 22 July 2025). First-generation main applicants under the professionals or investor schemes are exempt. Renouncing PR without completing full-time service can seriously affect later applications to work or study in Singapore.

No. IRAS decides tax residence separately. A foreigner is generally resident if they stayed or worked in Singapore for at least 183 days in the previous calendar year, for three consecutive years, or across two calendar years totalling 183 days of employment, with exceptions for company directors, public entertainers and professionals (IRAS, 27 April 2026). Non-resident employment income is taxed at 15% or resident rates, whichever gives more tax.

Generally not. IRAS states that overseas income received in Singapore by individuals, including amounts deposited into a Singapore bank account, is generally not taxable. Exceptions include income received through a Singapore partnership and overseas work income connected with Singapore employment (IRAS, 2 March 2026). Whether the same income must be declared elsewhere depends on your tax residence in that jurisdiction.

Individuals are taxed on the previous calendar year's income, and the filing window runs from 1 March to 18 April. You generally must file if your total income in the previous year exceeded S$22,000 or your net self-employment profit exceeded S$6,000, or if IRAS has asked you to file. Notices of Assessment are usually issued between late April and late September (IRAS).

That depends on whether you remain a resident individual under the PRC Individual Income Tax Law, which covers people domiciled in China or present there for 183 days or more in a tax year. Resident individuals must declare foreign income between 1 March and 30 June of the following year (Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration, Announcement No. 3 of 2020). Take professional advice in both jurisdictions.

Yes. URA requires all occupants of private homes to stay at least three consecutive months; daily and weekly rentals are not allowed. Units under 90 square metres are capped at six unrelated occupants, with a temporary cap of eight for units of 90 square metres or more until 31 December 2028, provided the owner registers the property with URA and pays a S$20 fee (URA, 15 June 2026). Lease terms and stamp duty follow the tenancy agreement and IRAS rules.

Mainly through the AEIS admissions test, which places students into Primary 2 to 5 and Secondary 1 to 3 for the following year, or through the supplementary S-AEIS; families can also apply directly to mainstream schools. MOE states that admission is not guaranteed and depends on test performance (MOE, 17 July 2026). Children holding a valid Dependant's Pass do not need a Student's Pass.

MediShield Life automatically covers all Singapore citizens and permanent residents for life, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions (MOH; CPF Board). Families holding only an EP, ONE Pass or Dependant's Pass are outside that listed coverage and usually rely on employer group insurance or private medical cover. Once a family member becomes a PR, MediShield Life coverage starts automatically.

Employers of migrant domestic workers must buy medical insurance with an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000, with insurers and employers sharing claims above S$15,000 at 75% and 25%, plus personal accident cover with a sum assured of at least S$60,000 a year for accidents causing permanent disability or death (MOM, 18 September 2026).