Taxes for expats in Singapore

Cheryl · 2025-05-21T07:32:50+02:00

Discover essential tax information for expats in Singapore, including regulations, incentives, and tips to simplify your tax experience.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator21 May 2025 05:32:50

14413

Hello everyone,

When settling in and living in Singapore, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your experience.

What are the taxes applicable to expats in Singapore?

Have there been any recent changes in tax regulations that expats should know about?

Are there any local tax incentives or agreements with your home country?

Have you come across any unexpected or unusual local tax?

What do you wish you had known earlier about taxes in Singapore?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
海角乱伦 Team

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert21 May 2025 06:50:55

15544

In Singapore, income tax is paid in the year after the income accrued. (Thus it is wise to put aside sufficient funds for this when the income is paid to you.) The due amount is calculated by the tax authority ("IRAS") based on your (compulsory) yearly tax declaration.

Tax rates are low (compared to other developed countries), rules are clear and easy to understand, preparing the tax declaration (and entering it into an online system) is simple and quick.

tankelvin New member

Member since 18 August 2025

tankelvinNew member20 August 2025 09:19:10

Singapore taxes are pretty straightforward. You only pay on income earned here, no tax on foreign income, no capital gains, no inheritance tax. Stay 183+ days and you鈥檙e taxed as a resident on a sliding scale, otherwise it鈥檚 a flat rate. GST is 9%. Honestly, way simpler than most countries.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert03 October 2025 18:02:34

15544

Singapore taxes only income earned locally, ... - @ahmadfarhan

This is not exactly true: Singapore taxes only income for work performed in Singapore - that is taxable in Singapore, no matter where and how it is paid. But if you, as I did in the past, work on an assignment abroad (longer than just a business trip) and still get paid in Singapore, this income in non-Taxable here (but might be taxable in the other country).