[Singapore] Nearly 90% of expats cite favourable tax policies as reason for relocating

According to new research, nearly nine in 10 expatriates cite Singapore’s tax policies as a primary influence on their decision to relocate, The Independent reports.

An overwhelming majority of 96 per cent reported earning and saving more by working in Singapore than they could in their home countries. 

But St. James’s Place’s Money on the Move 2026 report found that many also face growing challenges managing their finances across borders.

The research reportedly revealed that expats in Singapore are remaining overseas for longer than originally planned, with around 78 per cent of respondents expecting to live abroad for at least eight years, while 54 per cent said they have already been overseas longer than they had anticipated.

Half of expats surveyed said they are only likely to return to their home country after retiring, while 16 per cent stated that they do not expect to return at all. 

St. James’s Place found that the likelihood of permanently settling overseas was even higher among wealthier respondents. About 31 per cent of high-net-worth expatriates said they do not expect to return home, compared with 14 per cent among affluent and mass affluent respondents combined.

In addition, the report disclosed the financial advantages many expats associate with working in Singapore. Nearly all respondents stated that they earn more than they would in a comparable role in their home country, while 97 per cent reported that their monthly savings have increased.

Singapore’s tax framework remains a significant attraction for internationally mobile professionals: 89 per cent of respondents said the country’s tax policies influenced their decision to relocate and 87 per cent cited its residency permit and visa arrangements as another key consideration.

Source: The Independent

According to new research, nearly nine in 10 expatriates cite Singapore’s tax policies as a primary influence on their decision to relocate, The Independent reports.

An overwhelming majority of 96 per cent reported earning and saving more by working in Singapore than they could in their home countries. 

But St. James’s Place’s Money on the Move 2026 report found that many also face growing challenges managing their finances across borders.

The research reportedly revealed that expats in Singapore are remaining overseas for longer than originally planned, with around 78 per cent of respondents expecting to live abroad for at least eight years, while 54 per cent said they have already been overseas longer than they had anticipated.

Half of expats surveyed said they are only likely to return to their home country after retiring, while 16 per cent stated that they do not expect to return at all. 

St. James’s Place found that the likelihood of permanently settling overseas was even higher among wealthier respondents. About 31 per cent of high-net-worth expatriates said they do not expect to return home, compared with 14 per cent among affluent and mass affluent respondents combined.

In addition, the report disclosed the financial advantages many expats associate with working in Singapore. Nearly all respondents stated that they earn more than they would in a comparable role in their home country, while 97 per cent reported that their monthly savings have increased.

Singapore’s tax framework remains a significant attraction for internationally mobile professionals: 89 per cent of respondents said the country’s tax policies influenced their decision to relocate and 87 per cent cited its residency permit and visa arrangements as another key consideration.

Source: The Independent