Moving to Singapore: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

Population

6,209,660

Population Growth Rate

1.96%

Urban Population

100.000000

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Age Structure

12.940000

Median Age

33.600000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

8

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

3.41

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

.79

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

29.4

Mother's mean age at first birth

29.4

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.070000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

15.08

Ethnic Groups

Chinese 76.7%, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4%

Nationality Noun

Singaporean(s)

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Literacy - total population

92.5%

Literacy - male

96.6%

Literacy - female

88.6%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

0.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

84.070000

Infant Mortality Rate

2.590000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

2.590000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

3

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.92

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.6%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.1%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

3.3%

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Economic Overview

• Structure: Singapore has a highly developed and diversified economy, characterized by a strong emphasis on trade, finance, and technology. The country has successfully transitioned from a labor-intensive industrial economy to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven one. 2. GDP and
• Growth: Singapore has a high GDP per capita, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The economy experienced robust growth for several decades, driven by its strategic location, open trade policies, and pro-business environment. However, growth slowed in recent years due to global economic challenges, including trade tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Trade and
• Investment: Singapore is a major global hub for trade and investment. The country's open and export-oriented economy relies heavily on international trade. It has a well-developed port and serves as a regional financial and business center. Singapore has been actively promoting itself as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting foreign investment in these sectors. 4. Financial
• Sector: Singapore has a sophisticated and stable financial sector. The country is a global financial hub with a strong banking system, a thriving stock exchange (Singapore Exchange), and a rapidly growing fintech sector. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) plays a crucial role in maintaining monetary stability and financial supervision. 5. Technology and
• Innovation: Singapore places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The government has implemented policies to encourage research and development, entrepreneurship, and the adoption of digital technologies. The country aims to position itself as a Smart Nation, leveraging technology for economic growth and societal improvements. 6. Government
• Policies: Singapore's government has a history of implementing prudent economic policies, emphasizing fiscal discipline and free-market principles. The country has also been proactive in diversifying its economy and investing in human capital through education and training. 7.
• Challenges: While Singapore has enjoyed economic success, it faces challenges such as an aging population, which may impact labor force dynamics and healthcare expenditures. The country is also susceptible to global economic uncertainties, given its reliance on international trade.

Industries

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$85,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$531,040,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$85,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$294,000,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 38.8% government
• consumption: 10.1% investment in fixed
• capital: 26.2% investment in
• inventories: -0.5% exports of goods and
• services: 184.3% imports of goods and
• services: -158.9%

GDP by Sector- Industry

23.8%

GDP by Sector- services

76.2%

Industrial Growth Rate

25%

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Inflation Rate

2.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Singapore dollar (SGD)

Currency Name and Code

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Fiscal Year

1 April - 31 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.38%

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Labor Force

3,075,000

Unemployment Rate

2.1%

Major Industries

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Agriculture Products

rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables, poultry, eggs, fish, ornamental fish

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Labor Force by Occupation - note

data excludes non-residents

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

1.3%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

18.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

80.1%

Labor Force by Occupation - note

data excludes non-residents

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Annual Budget

$29,870,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

102%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

1.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

15.4%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Singapore

Country Name

Singapore

Local - Long

Republic of Singapore

Local - Short

Singapore

Etymology- history of name

name derives from the Sanskrit words "simha" (lion) and "pura" (city) to describe the city-state's leonine symbol

Independence

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National Holiday

National Day, 9 August (1965)

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Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1965
• amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in the second and third readings by the elected Parliament membership and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting sovereignty or control of the Police Force or the Armed Forces requires at least two-thirds majority vote in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

English common law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President THARMAN Shanmugaratnam (since 14 September 2023)
• head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence WONG (since 15 May 2024)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; responsible to Parliament election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits); following legislative elections, the president appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime ministers also appointed by the president most recent election
• date: 1 September 2023
• election results: 2023: THARMAN Shanmugaratnam elected president; percent of vote - THARMAN Shanmugaratnam (independent) 70.4%, NG Kok Song (independent) 15.7%, TAN Kin Lian (independent) 13.9% 2017: HALIMAH Yacob declared president on 13 September 2017, being the only eligible candidate expected date of next
• election: 2029

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Parliament (104 seats statutory, 103 current term; 93 members directly elected by simple majority popular vote, up to 9 nominated by a parliamentary selection committee and appointed by the president, and up to 12 non-constituency members from opposition parties to ensure political diversity; members serve 5-year terms);
• Note: the number of nominated members increased to 12 for the 2020 election for the first time
• Elections: last held on 10 July 2020 (next must be held by 24 November 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - PAP 89.2%, WP 10.6%, other 0.2%; seats by party - PAP 83, WP 10; composition of total Parliament - men 70, women 29, percentage women 29.3%

Judicial Branch:

• office: judges appointed by the president from candidates recommended by the prime minister after consultation with the chief justice; judges usually serve until retirement at age 65, but terms can be extended
• subordinate courts: district, magistrates', juvenile, family, community, and coroners' courts; small claims tribunals; employment claims tribunals

Regions or States:

no first order administrative divisions; there are five community development councils: Central Singapore Development Council, North East Development Council, North West Development Council, South East Development Council, South West Development Council (2019)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [Mohamad Hamim BIN ALIYA]
• National Solidarity Party or NSP [Spencer NG]
• People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]
• People's Power Party or PPP [Goh Meng SENG]
• People's Voice or PV [Lim TEAN]
• Progress Singapore Party or PSP [Francis YUEN]
• Red Dot United or RDU [Ravi PHILEMON]
• Reform Party or RP [Kenneth JEYARETNAM]
• Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [Desmond LIM]
• Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [Dr. CHEE Soon Juan]
• Singapore People's Party or SPP [Steve CHIA]
• Singapore United Party or SUP [Andy ZHU]
• Workers' Party or WP [Pritam SINGH]
• Note: the PAP has won every general election since the end of the British colonial era in 1959

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Singapore dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Singapore

Capital - geographic coordinate

1 17 N, 103 51 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• AOSIS
• APEC
• Arctic Council (observer)
• ARF
• ASEAN
• BIS
• CP
• EAS
• FAO
• FATF
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OPCW
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jonathan KAPLAN (since December 2021)
• Embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
• Mailing Address: 4280 Singapore Place, Washington DC 20521-4280
• Telephone: [65] 6476-9100
• FAX: [65] 6476-9340
• Email: singaporeusembassy@state.gov
• Website: https://sg.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador LUI Tuck Yew (since 30 June 2023)
• Chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100
• FAX: [1] (202) 537-7086
• Email: singemb_was@mfa.sg
• Website: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/washington/
• Consulate(s) General: San Francisco consulate(s): New York

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Geographic Location

Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Total Area

269 Square Miles 697 Square Kilometers

Land Area

265 Square Miles 687 Square Kilometers

Water Area

4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers

Coastline

120 Miles 193 Kilometers

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Terrain

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Highest Point

166 Meters

Highest Point Location

Bukit Timah 166 m

Lowest Point Location

Singapore Strait 0 m

Natural Resources

fish, deepwater ports

Time Zone

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Vegetation is lush and tropical.

Seasons are nonexistent.

In this "Land of Eternal Summer," the mean high temperature is 90ºF and varies little from month to month.

Humidity is high (average 70%) and annual rainfall is about 96 inches.

Wet and dry seasons are not distinct, but November through February is wetter and cooler than other months.

Terrain

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Location

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Total Area

269 Square Miles 697 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

• industrial pollution
• limited natural fresh water resources
• limited land availability presents waste disposal problems
• seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$351,200,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$310,400,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, chemicals, mineral fuels

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Top Export Partners

Malaysia 17.4%, US 15.3%, Hong Kong 9.2%, Japan 7.1%, China 5.5%, Taiwan 4.9%, Thailand 4.6%, South Korea 4.2%

Top Import Partners

Malaysia 18.2%, US 14.3%, Japan 12.5%, China 7.6%, Thailand 4.6%, Taiwan 4.6%

Export Partners

Malaysia 17.4%, US 15.3%, Hong Kong 9.2%, Japan 7.1%, China 5.5%, Taiwan 4.9%, Thailand 4.6%, South Korea 4.2%

Import Partners

Malaysia 18.2%, US 14.3%, Japan 12.5%, China 7.6%, Thailand 4.6%, Taiwan 4.6%

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Country Description

Singapore is a small, stable, highly developed country with an elected parliamentary system of government.

Tourist facilities are modern and widely available.

Singapore's resident population of over five million inhabitants comprises 75% Chinese, 14% Malay, 9% Indian, and 2% others.

English is widely spoken.

Criminal penalties are strict and law enforcement rigorous; see sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Special Circumstances, and Criminal Penalties below for further details.

Safety & Security

Threats of Terrorism: In 2001, plots were uncovered whereby Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a terrorist organization with links to Al Qaeda, identified several Singapore government and private targets associated with the United States for possible attacks.

These plans were disrupted, and the JI organization in Singapore was largely dismantled.

While there have been no attacks against U.S. facilities or citizens in Singapore or against Singaporean government facilities, extremist groups in Southeast Asia have launched attacks in neighboring countries and U.S. citizens traveling in the region should closely monitor the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

The Department of State remains concerned, however, that terrorist groups in the region could conduct attacks against locations where Westerners are known to congregate.

Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets, and U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Singapore and neighboring countries should therefore exercise caution and remain vigilant about their surroundings, particularly in areas where U.S. citizens and other Westerners live, work, congregate, shop, or visit.

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Crime

The crime rate in Singapore is generally low.

Even so, you should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded shopping malls and markets, at the airport, and while traveling on public transportation.

To avoid falling victim to credit card fraud, you should not carry multiple credit cards on your person, not allow credit cards to be removed from your sight, avoid giving credit card information over the phone, and use only secure Internet connections for financial transactions.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, as not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

• Sentences: Singapore has a mandatory caning sentence for vandalism offenses. Authorities in Singapore may also impose caning for immigration violations and other offenses. Singaporean authorities do impose these sentences on foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens. Males over the age of 50 and women are not subject to caning. Mandatory Death Penalty for Many Narcotics
• Offenses: Singapore police have the authority to compel both residents and non-residents to submit to random drug analysis. They do not distinguish between drugs consumed before or after entering Singapore in applying local laws. In Singapore, detained U.S. citizens have been surprised when they were arrested for violations that would not have resulted in arrest in the United States. There are no jury trials in Singapore. Judges hear cases and decide sentencing. The Government of Singapore does not provide legal assistance except in capital cases; legal assistance may be available in some other cases through the Law Society. Carrying
• Firearms: There are very strict penalties for those who possess or carry arms, or who commit crimes with arms. Singaporean authorities define “arm” as any firearm, air-gun, air-pistol, automatic gun, automatic pistol, and any other kind of gun or pistol from which any shot, bullet, or other projectiles can be discharged or from which noxious liquid, flame, or fumes can be emitted, and any component thereof. This definition also includes any bomb or grenade and any component thereof. The unlawful possession of any arm or ammunition, including a single bullet in your luggage as you transit the airport, could result in imprisonment and caning. If you are convicted of committing a crime with an arm, you could receive punishment which could result in the maximum penalty of imprisonment for life and caning. Engaging in sexual
• conduct: In Singapore, local law prohibits causing or encouraging prostitution of, or engaging in sexual relations with, a female below the age of 18. An indecent assault against anyone, male or female, regardless of age, is also prohibited. If you are convicted of facilitating or abetting the prostitution of any woman or

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Medical Facilities

Good medical care is widely available in Singapore.

Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash and generally do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Hospitals may require a substantial deposit before admitting you into the hospital for any major medical treatment.

The U.S.

Embassy cannot provide a letter of guarantee for payment.

Recipients of health care should be aware that Ministry of Health auditors in certain circumstances may be granted access to patient medical records without the consent of the patient, and in certain circumstances physicians may be required to provide information relating to the diagnosis or treatment without the patient's consent.

Despite vigorous mosquito eradication efforts, Singapore has had occasional outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted illnesses, such as dengue fever and the viral disease Chikungunya.

For the most current health information regarding disease outbreaks in Singapore, visit the CDC’s website.

If you visit Singapore during a pandemic such as the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, you should expect that the Singapore government may order you to quarantine if you exhibit symptoms or have had contact with someone who has exhibited symptoms.

Also, you should expect that you may be subject to quarantine if you were seated within several rows of a potentially infected person on a plane or public area or have recently traveled to countries more affected by the pandemic.

You should also expect to encounter screening in public facilities such as the airport, hospitals, and museums.

Please visit Singapore's Ministry of Health website for the most up-to-date information on infectious diseases in Singapore.

During the summer months, Singapore frequently experiences haze and air pollution caused by forest fires and the burning of agricultural waste in neighboring countries.

Air pollution during these periods can reach levels considered hazardous to health.

Please visit the website of Singapore’s National Environment Agency for the latest information on air pollution level.

Traffic Safety

While in Singapore, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Singapore is provided for general reference only and may not be completely accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Singapore has a highly developed and well-maintained road and highway network.

Driving is done on the left-hand side of the road.

Motorists should be particularly aware of motorcyclists, who often ignore lane markings.

Public transportation and taxis are abundant, inexpensive, and reliable.

All bus stops and trains have panels indicating all routes and stops.

You should consider using these forms of transportation.

The Automobile Association (AA) of Singapore provides roadside assistance, and the Land Transport Authority has rescue vehicles on the road at all hours.

In addition, closed circuit cameras monitor all major roads.

As with all laws in Singapore, those involving traffic rules, vehicle registration, and liability in case of accident are strictly enforced, and failure to follow them may result in criminal penalties.

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Airports - total

9

Airports with Paved Runways

9

Roadways- total

2,128 Miles 3,425 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Singapore

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Pipelines: Gas

76 Miles 122 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

5 Miles 8 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,852,000

Cell Phones

5,619,000

Internet Users

3,105,000

Internet Country Code

.sg

Internet Hosts

992,786

Broadcast Media

• state controls broadcast media
• 8 domestic TV stations operated by MediaCorp which is wholly owned by a state investment company
• broadcasts from Malaysian and Indonesian stations available
• satellite dishes banned
• multi-channel cable TV service available
• a total of 18 domestic radio stations broadcasting with MediaCorp operating more than a dozen and another 4 stations are closely linked to the ruling party or controlled by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association
• many Malaysian and Indonesian radio stations are available

Telephone System

• assessment: excellent service
• domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity more than 180 telephones per 100 persons; multiple providers of high-speed Internet connectivity and the government is close to completing an island-wide roll out of a high-speed fiber-optic broadband network
• international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 4; supplemented by VSAT coverage

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

37,110,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

39,210,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,778,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

8,780,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,380,000

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,137,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

8,290

Anthem History

adopted 1965; first performed in 1958 at the Victoria Theatre, the anthem is sung only in Malay

Anthem Lyrics

Majulah Singapura Mari kita rakyat Singapura Sama-sama menuju bahagia Cita-cita kita yang mulia Berjaya Singapura Marilah kita bersatu Dengan semangat yang baru Semua kita berseru Majulah Singapura Majulah Singapura

Anthem Lyrics English

May Singapore Progress Let us, the people of Singapore Together march towards happiness. Our noble aspiration is to make a success of Singapore. Let us unite With a great new spirit Let us proclaim Onward Singapore! Onward Singapore