Who are Singapore expats?
Singapore expats refer to individuals or families who have chosen to live and work in Singapore while maintaining their foreign citizenship and cultural background. They are typically professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, or skilled workers from various countries worldwide who have relocated to Singapore for career opportunities, personal growth, or other reasons.
Expatriates play a vital role in Singapore’s multicultural society, bringing a valuable blend of skills, knowledge, and diversity that enriches the local workforce and communities.
Their presence contributes significantly to fostering international connections, promoting cultural exchange, and driving Singapore’s overall development and prosperity.
Recommended article: Serviced apartments in Singapore: An introduction for expats
Does Singapore have a high expat population?
From June 2021 to June 2022, there was a notable 6.6% increase in the non-resident population, totalling 1.56 million individuals. This accounts for nearly 30% of Singapore’s overall population.
This upward trend can be attributed to the gradual easing of travel restrictions that were initially implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, more individuals were able to enter Singapore for employment purposes, contributing to the rise in the non-resident population.
Recommended article: 99. co’s guides: What properties can foreigners in Singapore buy?
What are the types of expats in Singapore?
Singapore is home to two primary groups of expatriates. The first category comprises highly paid individuals from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, China, and India. These expats secure employment in Singapore through government-issued employment passes, which are typically granted to those with tertiary education and professional expertise.
The second group consists of low-wage foreign workers. The coexistence of these two segments has resulted in a significant surge in the number of foreigners working in Singapore.
Recommend article: Buying a property in Singapore as a foreigner
