What you need to know about immigrating to Singapore!

1. What you need to know about life in Singapore

Factors that affect the quality of life:

The following factors play a key role in determining the quality of life in a specific country/region. Function:

Political and social environment;

Economic environment;

Social and cultural environment;

Health and hygiene;

Schools and education;

Public services and transportation;

Entertainment;

Natural environment;

Consumer goods;

Housing;

Political and social environment.

Singapore is known for its stable political climate. Although the political culture is considered centralized and authoritarian, it is pragmatic, rational and based on the rule of law. The government's goal is the survival and prosperity of this small country. This often means having to make unpopular but difficult and wise decisions in order to safeguard the national interest. The government believes in being proactive and thinking for the future.

According to Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has attracted approximately 9,000 multinational companies because it provides first-world conditions in a third-world region. Good governance has a good system that ensures the survival of the country so that citizens can enjoy a secure life.

Economic Environment

Singapore has a highly competitive, corruption-free and open business environment. The port of Singapore is one of the busiest in the world as the country focuses on exporting electronics and chemicals to wealthy industrialized countries. However, over the years, Singapore has diversified its economy and is now a research and development (R&D) hub, a biomedical hub, a banking and financial hub, and most recently, Asia's healthcare destination. Today, Singapore is a knowledge-based economy that attracts cross-border investment. Its open trade policy, social stability, world-class infrastructure and international exchange links are the reasons why foreign investors flock to the country.

The World Economic Forum positions Singapore's economy as one of the most open economies in the world. The country is also known for its low tax regime. In Singapore, personal income tax rates for residents start at 0% and do not exceed 22%, while the rates for non-residents range from 15% to 22%. Singapore’s corporate income tax rate is approximately 8.5% for businesses with profits of S$300,000 or less, and a flat rate of 17% for businesses with profits above S$300,000. The consumption tax or VAT rate is 7%. Additionally, there is no dividend tax, no inheritance tax, and no capital gains tax.

Singapore is considered one of the most suitable investment destinations for foreign companies in Asia, according to reports from financial consulting firm Ernst & Young and the Japan External Trade Organization. These companies benefit by bringing capital, technology, management knowledge and access to international export markets. Singapore has also recognized the need to increase its manpower and encourage top foreign talent to move here. As a result, the workforce is well-educated, competent and skilled.

Socio-Cultural Environment

Singapore's social and ethnic structure is a unique blend of cultures and people - Malays, Chinese, Indians and immigrants from different countries. Singapore's lifestyle is multicultural, with each of these ethnic communities maintaining their own unique way of life and living in harmony at the same time. Singapore's society is cosmopolitan due to the influx of foreigners. People are approachable to each other. Strong emphasis on community and racial harmony. The Singapore government has prescribed five basic "Valleys of Enjoyment" to develop a unique Singaporean identity - a nation that transcends itself before community and society; family as the basic unit of society; community support and respect for the individual;** *No conflict in consciousness; racial and religious harmony.

In Mercer’s personal security rankings, Singapore ranks first in Asia and eighth globally. Ensuring the safety and security of expats and their families, Singapore has become a popular destination for international immigrants. Expats continue to view safety as one of the most attractive features of life in Singapore.

Health Care

Singapore’s population enjoys one of the highest levels of health and nutrition in Asia. The country is also known for its world-class medical infrastructure, technological advancements in the healthcare industry, expert doctors and specialists. Healthcare environments are clean, efficient and safe. Singapore has adopted public-private partnerships in healthcare financing. The core of the system is "Medisave", where every working resident is required to make mandatory monthly contributions to the Medisave portion of their Central Provident Fund account. This can then be used to pay for medical expenses. The government, on its part, provides high-quality, affordable health care and subsidized medical services in public hospitals and clinics to those in need. In addition to registered pharmacies, medicines are also easily available in supermarkets, shopping malls and department stores. The medicine is safe to consume and of high quality. All doctors are registered with relevant institutions.

Singapore advocates a clean and green environment. It encourages a healthy lifestyle, with diet and hygiene integrated into the system. The National Environment Agency conducts regular mosquito breeding inspections across the island and imposes hefty fines on breeding sites.

Such steps are crucial in curbing the spread of diseases such as chikungunya and dengue. According to the World Health Organization's 2010 ranking of the world's top 100 health systems, Singapore ranks sixth out of 100 countries.

Schools and Education

Singapore attaches great importance to education. The education system provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive in a global competitive environment. The teaching standards in Singapore's public schools are very high, and many students have won international competitions. In addition to three internationally renowned local universities - the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, Singapore is also home to several internationally renowned world-class institutions such as INSEAD, the University of Chicago Business School and United World College. The country is aware of the growing diaspora community and has established many international schools and Foreign System Schools (FSS). These schools are registered with the Ministry of Education and follow the same curriculum as in their home country. Annual fees range from S$12,000 to S$48,000.

According to the 2018 Financial Times Global 100 MBA Rankings, the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) are among the top 50 business schools in the world. .

Public services and transport

Singapore is acutely aware of the need for clean water, clean energy, clean air, managing traffic congestion, water conservation, and reliable energy. supply and good urban planning. Over the past few years, the government has been committed to building Singapore into a "garden city" (increasing greenery and creating a garden effect), with good urban planning and pollution control as key considerations. Today, the city is clean, green, and has relatively little traffic congestion. Residents have access to carefully planned parks and nature reserves. America's clean water bodies provide reliable water supplies and opportunities for sports and recreation.

Singapore’s air quality is better than many Asian cities, with its Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remaining between “good” and “moderate” for much of 2017, according to the National Environment Agency. "within the range. Singapore's achievements in integrated water resources management saw national water agency Public Utilities Board win the prestigious Stockholm Industrial Water Award in 2007. Singapore also bans smoking in public places.

Singapore has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including taxis, buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. These modes of transport are air-conditioned, operate from 5:30 am to 12pm late at night, and connect the entire city. They are safe, clean and efficient. Bus and rail fares are affordable, costing between S$0.70 and S$2.50 per trip. Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap compared to the Western world. Taxis are reliable and drivers don't leave customers hanging or paying even a penny more than the metered fare.

To curb traffic congestion, the government introduced the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. This means you have to pay a minimum fee when using certain congested roads and highways in the CBD. Owning a car in Singapore can be very expensive, costing between S$100,000 and S$200,000, not including registration, insurance and taxes. Leasing a vehicle is a cheaper option.

Entertainment

Dining and shopping are two popular activities in Singapore. Most expats feel the lack of adequate entertainment options on weekends and are forced to explore nearby places in Malaysia (Langkawi, Tioman, Genting, etc.) and Indonesia (Bintan, Batam, Bali, etc.). Singapore does have a vibrant nightlife, with bars and nightclubs frequented by many customers. Movie theaters are another option that has gained a lot of popularity. There are arts festivals, plays, concerts, cultural performances, etc., but these options are seasonal and can be expensive.

Natural environment

Due to Singapore’s geographical location, it is generally not threatened by natural disasters. However, the weather can be wet year-round and wet in the final months of the calendar year.

Access to Consumer Goods

Singapore’s retail industry experiences active trading conditions almost year-round. With increasing disposable income, housing boom and aggressive retail promotions, people are spending a lot on luxury goods, cars and household items such as furniture and other consumer durables. Therefore, every retailer is setting up shop in Singapore. Packaged food, cosmetics, toiletries, household products, etc. Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and luxury brands are easily available. Many consumer durables have become basic necessities in Singapore.

Large supermarkets and supermarkets have multiple outlets all over the island. Most of these supermarkets offer promotions and discounts and also carry basic Mexican, Australian and Indian products. In addition, there are convenient stores near residential areas, such as 7-11, as well as small local grocery stores.

You will also find specialty supermarkets such as Medi-ya (Japanese supermarket), Tanglin Market Place (American products), Tierney's (Scandinavian, Swiss and German products) and Mustafa (Indian products). Ready-to-eat, semi-finished products, frozen foods, and Western-style convenience foods are becoming more and more popular. Low-fat foods, diet drinks, yogurt, fruits and other healthy foods have also become popular. Since Singapore imports every conceivable item from around the world, the selection is vast and prices are competitive.

Housing

Housing in Singapore is divided into two major categories: public HDB flats (built by the Housing Development Board) and private apartments/landed properties. The choice of housing depends purely on budget, location, facilities/amenities, transportation and personal preference.

Many immigrants prefer to live in apartments and often choose to live near their workplace or their children's schools. The apartments are mid-rise buildings with stylish exteriors and interiors, 24-hour security, swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, barbecue grills and covered parking. Renting a three-bedroom apartment near the CBD costs between S$7,000 and S$15,000, while units outside the CBD cost between S$3,300 and S$5,000. HDB flats are a cheaper option for 90% of Singaporeans to live in. However, they do not come with luxury facilities such as swimming pools or gyms. However, they are usually located near shopping malls, food courts/restaurants/hawker centres, libraries, supermarkets, clinics and sports/entertainment facilities. Immigrants from India,

In short

Positive factors

Easy to adapt to culture and living environment;

Modern Westernized environment ;

High security and low crime rate;

English is widely spoken in Singapore and is the first language;

Convenient transportation, high-quality infrastructure and medical facilities;

Readily available and affordable housekeeping services;

Clean, green and healthy environment;

Negative factors

< p> Limited sports/recreation options;

Rule-bound and sometimes stifling;

Expensive to own a car;

The weather is hot and humid most of the time.