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Relocations
Singapore
Overview
Also a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, Singapore could be described
as a more laid back and quieter alternative to Hong Kong.
Whilst it is still a major business location in Asia, and
work opportunities abound, it can be more attractive location
for families, and people wanting a more peaceful environment
to live in. Housing is usually good value for money compared
to other Asian destinations, and large apartments and houses
are usually available at affordable prices. Almost every shopping
option is available in Singapore, from international malls,
to markets, and local ethnic shopping areas such as Little
India. Food is a pastime in Singapore, and you can find anything
from outdoor food courts to top international restaurants.
Almost all sports and leisure options are catered for in Singapore,
and there many enjoyable outdoor areas to enjoy. Singapore’s
climate is tropical, so it is hot and humid all year round
in varying levels.
Visa
All nationalities require a visa to work in Singapore, and
these are usually issued first time around for 1 year. Usually,
permanent residency can be applied for after 3 years of living
and working in Singapore. Companies have to sponsor a visa
application, and all dependents will be included on the principles
application. Time to process is usually anywhere between 2
and 8 weeks. You can get more information at: www.mom.gov.sg
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Housing
Many different options exist for housing in Singapore. Inner
city apartments and condo’s are available in plentiful
supply, and are often very spacious with good facilities.
30 minutes or so out of the CBD, you can also find houses
with gardens, and prices are not always too prohibitive. Depending
on your needs, there is usually a good value for money option
available to you
Cost
of living
You can live relatively cheaply in Singapore, or you can live
an expensive life of luxury – it’s up to you.
There are numerous cheap food options in the guise of indoor
and outdoor ‘hawker centres’ where local and international
food is on offer. Restaurants can be as cheap or expensive
as you like. Public transport is cheap, efficient and convenient,
and taxi’s are reasonably priced and in plentiful supply.
Alcohol, due to the high tax, is quite expensive but affordable,
and supermarket shopping is relatively inexpensive. Cars are
expensive to buy and run, so if you really need a car, this
may ‘drive’ up your costs. |
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Schools
There are a whole host of international schools in Singapore,
as well as high quality local schools where the language medium
can be in English, Mandarin, or Malay. Obviously there is
a large price difference between the private international
schools and the state schools, but there are several affordable
options. For more information, please click on this link:
http://www.singapore-school.com
Sports
/ Leisure
There are plentiful sporting and leisure options in Singapore.
Cricket, football, rugby and other team sports are played
across the territory, and all racquet sports are easily found.
There are many international standard gyms. Being on the water,
there are many water and beach activities to choose from,
and places such as the East Coast Parkway and Sentosa Island
are popular destinations. There are many golf courses in Singapore,
as well as on nearby islands reachable by a short boat trip.
There is an annual Rugby Sevens tournament, and as of 2008,
F1 will be racing through the streets at night.
Tax
Tax is relatively low in Singapore, and it is likely you will
pay somewhere between 14% and 20% depending on how much you
earn. Please see the following web-site for details:
http://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/
default.aspx
Annually, all taxpayers complete a tax return and file it,
paying it themselves annually. |
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