Love & LayoversSingapore is home to one of the world's largest Indian communities outside India. Tamil is an official language, Deepavali lights up Little India every year, and you can find everything from Mumbai vada pav to Kerala sadya. It's also expensive, competitive and very different from life in India.
We live in Singapore, so here's an honest overview of what moving here involves: passes, money, housing and everyday life.
Work passes: how Indians move to Singapore
| Pass | Who it's for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professionals, managers, executives | Employer applies. Minimum salary from about S$5,600/month (higher in financial services, rises with age). Must also pass the COMPASS points framework. |
| S Pass | Mid-skilled staff | Employer applies, subject to quotas and levies. Lower salary threshold than the EP. |
| Dependant's Pass | Spouse and children of EP or S Pass holders | Main pass holder must earn above a salary threshold (about S$6,000/month). |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | Parents, and some spouses | For parents, the pass holder typically needs a much higher salary (about S$12,000/month). |
In practice, most Indians move with a job offer: tech, finance, consulting, healthcare and engineering are big employers. Search on LinkedIn and the government's MyCareersFuture portal, and talk to recruiters who specialise in your field.
Monthly cost of living
Rough monthly costs for a couple living fairly simply. Rent is the big one.
| Expense | Approx. per month |
|---|---|
| Rent: room in a shared flat | S$900–2,000 |
| Rent: whole HDB flat (3–4 room) | S$2,800–4,000 |
| Rent: 1–2 bedroom condo | S$3,200–5,500 |
| Groceries for two | S$500–900 |
| Eating out (hawker S$4–8 per meal) | S$300–800 |
| Utilities (aircon is the biggest factor) | S$100–250 |
| Home internet + two mobile plans | S$60–100 |
| Public transport for two | S$150–250 |
| Typical total for a couple (excluding rent) | S$1,100–2,300 |
Renting a flat
- Where to look: PropertyGuru, 99.co and community Facebook groups. Many people rent a room first, then a whole flat once they know the neighbourhoods.
- HDB or condo: HDB flats are public housing, well located and cheaper; condos add a pool, gym and security. Foreigners can rent both (HDB has minimum lease rules).
- Lease and deposit: leases are usually 1–2 years, with a security deposit of one month's rent per year of lease. Ask for a diplomatic clause in case your job moves you.
- Agent fees: if you engage your own agent, expect a commission (often half a month's rent for a one-year lease).
- Read the contract: check the minor repairs clause, aircon servicing, and the inventory list. Take photos on move-in day.
- Location: stay near an MRT line that goes straight to your office. A 30-minute direct commute beats a cheaper flat with two changes.
First things to set up
- Singpass: your digital ID for government services, activated once you have your pass
- Bank account: DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB are the main local banks and open accounts with your work pass
- Mobile plan: SIM-only plans are cheap and plentiful; you don't need a contract
- Sending money home: compare bank remittances with apps like Wise; rates and fees vary
- Health insurance: most employers include it; check whether it covers your spouse and children
Taxes
Singapore's personal income tax is low and progressive. Tax residents pay nothing on the first S$20,000 a year, and rates rise gradually to a top rate of 24% on very high incomes. There's no tax on most capital gains. Foreigners don't contribute to CPF (the local pension scheme), so plan your own savings and retirement investing.
Schools for Indian families
Local government schools have limited places for foreigners. Most Indian expat families choose international schools; several offer the CBSE or IB curriculum, including Indian-run schools such as GIIS, DPS International and NPS International. Fees are significant, often S$20,000–40,000+ a year, so factor them into any job offer.
Indian food, festivals and community
You won't miss home food for long. Little India and Mustafa Centre stock every dal, masala and snack you can think of, and supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice carry Indian staples. There are temples, gurdwaras and mosques across the island, and Deepavali, Pongal and Thaipusam are celebrated in a big way. Regional associations (Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu and more) organise festivals and are a great way to make friends.
Here's where we eat when we miss home: our best Indian restaurants in Singapore.
The honest pros and cons
Want to see what daily life here actually looks like? We film it in our Life in Singapore series.
FAQs
Is Singapore a good place for Indians to live?
For many Indians, yes. It is safe, efficient, close to India and has a large Indian community, food and festivals. The main downsides are high rent and a competitive job market.
What salary is needed for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
As of 2026 the minimum qualifying salary for a new Employment Pass starts at about S$5,600 a month, higher for financial services and older applicants, and applicants must also pass COMPASS. Check the Ministry of Manpower website for current rules.
How much does it cost to live in Singapore per month?
A couple living simply typically spends S$1,100 to S$2,300 a month excluding rent. Rent ranges from about S$900 for a room to S$5,500 or more for a condo.
Can foreigners rent HDB flats in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners with valid passes can rent HDB flats or rooms, subject to HDB rules such as minimum lease periods.
Are there CBSE schools in Singapore?
Yes. Several international schools offer the CBSE curriculum, including Indian-run schools such as GIIS, DPS International and NPS International. Fees are significant.
Follow our life in Singapore
We live here and film it every day: new food finds, guides and our daily vlog series.
Prices and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.
