🇦🇺Australia• 9 min read • Updated Aug 2026
Moving to Singapore from Australia: 2026 Visa, Cost & Settling-In Guide
A relocation guide for Australians moving to Singapore — Employment Pass requirements, cost comparison to Sydney/Melbourne, and a first-month setup checklist.
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Quick Facts Snapshot — Australia to Singapore
Visa Route
Standard Employment Pass (COMPASS rubric)
Income Tax Comparison
Max 24% in Singapore vs 45% + 2% Medicare in Australia
Superannuation
No CPF for EP holders; Super remains preserved in Australia
HECS / HELP Debt
Must continue reporting worldwide income to ATO for repayments
Timezone
SGT is UTC+8 (same as Perth; 2–3 hrs behind Sydney/Melbourne)
Entry Visa
Visa-free for Australian passport holders up to 90 days
Australians represent one of Singapore's most vibrant expat communities in mining, commodities trading, finance, tech, law, and creative industries. Comparing income taxes, superannuation implications, and housing costs is the key to maximizing your relocation.
1. Visa Pathway for Australian Citizens
Australian citizens apply under the standard Employment Pass (EP) framework. Although Singapore and Australia share a comprehensive strategic partnership (SAFTA), there is no separate bilateral work visa track. Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICT) from Australian companies can qualify for COMPASS exemptions under WTO/SAFTA guidelines.
Australian degrees from Go8 universities (University of Melbourne, USYD, UNSW, ANU, UQ, Monash, UWA, Adelaide) and other accredited institutions earn top tier points under COMPASS Criterion 2.
Key Action Steps & Considerations:
- EP salary threshold: Minimum $5,600/month (General) or $6,200/month (Financial Services).
- Australian degree verification through Veremark, Dataflow, or Sterling RISQ.
- Australian passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days for initial scouting visits.
2. Cost of Living Reality Check vs Sydney & Melbourne
Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Singapore private rental prices are broadly comparable or slightly higher for modern central condominium units. However, everyday public transit and local dining (hawker centres) are substantially cheaper.
Crucially, individual income tax is dramatically lower in Singapore. An Australian professional earning $200,000 SGD pays an effective tax rate of approximately 11% in Singapore, compared to over 32% in Australia under the 45% top marginal rate + 2% Medicare levy. There is 0% capital gains tax in Singapore.
Key Action Steps & Considerations:
- Model your take-home earnings with our Take-Home Pay Estimator.
- Compare housing scenarios with our Rent vs. Buy Simulator.
3. Superannuation & HECS/HELP Repayment Obligations
• Superannuation Note: Moving to Singapore does not permit you to withdraw your Australian superannuation (preserved until preservation age). Singapore EP holders do not contribute to CPF, meaning your retirement savings in Singapore will be self-directed.
• HECS/HELP Debt: Australians with outstanding HECS/HELP student loan debts MUST report their worldwide income annually to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) via myGov and make compulsory repayment levies based on ATO income thresholds.
Key Action Steps & Considerations:
- Notify the ATO of your overseas travel via myGov within 7 days of moving.
- Declare worldwide income annually for HECS/HELP repayment calculations.
4. Where Australian Expats Tend to Live
• Holland Village, Tanglin, & Robertson Quay: High concentration of Australian expats for café culture, riverside running, and dining.
• East Coast (Katong, Siglap, Marine Parade): Ideal for outdoor lifestyle, cycling, and proximity to Australian International School (AIS) in Lorong Chuan.
• Sentosa Cove: Popular for waterfront and boating enthusiasts.
Key Action Steps & Considerations:
- AIS Families: Lorong Chuan, Serangoon, Bishan, or East Coast shuttle corridors.
- Young professionals: Robertson Quay, Tanjong Pagar, Tiong Bahru.
5. Banking, SIM & First-Month Checklist
• SIM Card: Pick up an eSIM or SIM card (Singtel, StarHub, Circles.Life).
• Bank Account: Open an account with ANZ, DBS, OCBC, or HSBC.
• Health Insurance: Australian Medicare does not cover you in Singapore. Ensure your employment contract includes comprehensive private hospitalisation coverage.
Key Action Steps & Considerations:
- Set up SimplyGo on your smartphone or smart watch for public transit.
- Consult an Australian expat tax specialist regarding non-resident tax status under ATO tests.
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Recommended Financial Tool: Take-Home Pay Estimator
Calculate your net landing salary after progressive IRAS tax and 0% CPF foreigner exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical questions for Australia citizens relocating to Singapore
No. Australian passport holders enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or housing and school scouting trips. Working legally in Singapore requires an approved Employment Pass.
At a Glance
Country:🇦🇺 Australia
Reading Time:9 min read
Policy Status:Verified for 2026