The French community in Singapore is vibrant and diverse, numbering around 12,776 officially registered members in 2023. Although this figure has fallen slightly since 2019, Singapore remains an attractive destination for French people looking for a new professional and personal life.
Life in Singapore offers many advantages to French expatriates. These include a safe environment, a high quality of life and proximity to other Asian countries. The French community is also very active, offering numerous events and activities for its members.
Administrative procedures for expatriating to Singapore
Before fully committing to the process of expatriating to Singapore as a French national, it’s important to understand and plan the preliminary administrative steps. This includes aspects such as obtaining visas and work permits, checking admission criteria and preparing the required documents. This phase forms the necessary foundation for a successful expatriation.
Obtaining a work visa
Each visa corresponds to specific professional profiles and individual situations. Here is an overview of the visas most commonly used by French expatriates.
EP Visa (Employment Pass)
It is specially designed for qualified professionals earning a high minimum wage, according to well-defined criteria. To be eligible, you must meet specific salary conditions. These include a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 for Q1 positions, S$6,000 for Q2 positions and S$10,000 for P1 positions. In addition, proof of a recognized degree or significant professional experience is required. Sponsorship by a company in Singapore and membership of the CPF (Central Provident Fund) are also requirements. This visa enables holders to work in Singapore for a local or foreign company. This visa is therefore mainly aimed at executives, business leaders and experts in their field, helping to enrich and energize the Singapore labor market.
PEP Visa (Personalized Employment Pass)
It is designed for entrepreneurs, investors and highly qualified professionals wishing to expatriate to Singapore. This visa offers greater flexibility and professional autonomy. It allows visa holders to work for any company, set up their own business and change employer without having to renew their work permit. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include a minimum investment of S$50,000 in a Singaporean company, and the presentation of a solid proof-of-concept and business plan. Proven entrepreneurial experience is also required. As with the EP Visa, membership of the CPF (Central Provident Fund) is also a requirement for this visa. This visa is therefore an attractive option for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals looking to set up and thrive in Singapore’s dynamic business environment.
S Pass Visa
This is a suitable option for skilled workers earning a lower minimum wage than that required for the EP Visa. Eligibility criteria for the S Pass Visa include a minimum monthly salary of S$2,500, as well as possession of a diploma or professional qualification in an in-demand field. Applicants must also be sponsored by a company in Singapore and be registered with the CPF (Central Provident Fund). This visa represents an opportunity for those who do not meet the requirements of the EP Visa, but who nevertheless possess specialized skills sought after by Singaporean employers. This gives them the opportunity to work and contribute to Singapore’s dynamic job market.
Please note: don’t forget that the conditions for obtaining work visas can change at any time. So it’s important to keep abreast of the latest information, and to seek professional advice if necessary.
Dependant’s Pass for spouses
The “Dependant’s Pass” is a residence visa that allows the spouse of an expatriate holding an EP or PEP work visa to live in Singapore. This visa, while allowing residence in the country, does not allow the spouse to work without additional authorization. To obtain a “Dependant’s Pass”, spouses must meet certain criteria. In particular, they must have been married for at least 3 months and provide documents proving their marriage and relationship.
In addition, they must have a financial sponsor, usually the spouse holding the work visa, and undergo a medical examination. Once obtained, the “Dependant’s Pass” is generally valid for 2 years and can be renewed. It entitles the spouse to live in Singapore with his/her partner, to study in the country and to travel freely abroad. However, it is crucial to note that this visa does not confer the right to work in Singapore. Spouses wishing to work must therefore obtain a separate work visa.
Administrative formalities on arrival in Singapore
Once you’ve obtained your work visa, a series of administrative formalities await you on arrival in Singapore. Among these, registering with the local authorities is an essential step, enabling you to settle officially in the country. We also recommend that you open a local bank account to help you manage your finances and carry out day-to-day transactions with ease. Finally, you’ll also need to obtain a residence permit to prove your status as a resident of Singapore. This can simplify certain administrative formalities and make your daily life in the country easier. These various formalities are the first important steps towards successful integration in Singapore. They guarantee a smooth transition to your new life in this dynamic Southeast Asian country.
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Finding accommodation in Singapore
Singapore’s real estate market is dynamic and highly priced, especially in the central districts. The most common property types are condominiums and townhouses. The price of a condo can range from S$500,000 to several million dollars, depending on size, location and amenities. Townhouses are generally larger and more expensive than apartments.
The most popular neighborhoods for expatriates in Singapore
In Singapore, several neighborhoods offer a variety of housing options for expatriates.
- The downtown area, considered the central business district, is prized for its proximity to public transport and urban amenities, although prices are generally high.
- Orchard Road, famous for its shopping malls, restaurants and lively bars. The area is also renowned for its high property prices.
- River Valley offers a peaceful residential setting, close to schools and parks, with more affordable prices.
- Tanglin, a chic, leafy district, attracts many expatriates, but property prices remain high.
- East Coast, a seaside neighborhood, offers a relaxed atmosphere and more affordable prices. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle by the sea.
Home search: real estate agencies, websites
When looking for accommodation in Singapore, there are a number of options available. These include established real estate agencies and specialized websites. Before starting your search, it’s crucial to clearly define your requirements in terms of size, location and budget. This will enable you to target the properties that best match your criteria. Some reputable real estate agencies in Singapore include ERA Realty Network, PropNex Realty and Huttons Asia. These agencies offer a wide range of properties for rent and purchase.
Meanwhile, websites such as PropertyGuru, 99.co and SRX Property are also excellent resources. These sites will allow you to browse a multitude of property listings and compare prices, locations and features of available properties. By using these tools, you can simplify and refine your search for accommodation in Singapore.
Integrating into local life as a French expatriate in Singapore
Singapore culture: customs, values, language
Singaporean culture is a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. It’s important to respect local customs and adapt to community life. Punctuality, cleanliness and respect for elders are important values in Singapore. English is the official language of Singapore, but Mandarin Chinese and Malay are also spoken. We recommend that you learn some basic Mandarin Chinese to facilitate integration.
Meet other French people: associations, events
In Singapore, many French expatriate groups and associations are active. This offers newcomers the opportunity to meet other compatriots and integrate into local life. These associations include :
- the Association Française de Singapour (AFS – FIAFE), which offers a range of events and activities to promote cultural and social exchanges between French residents of Singapore.
- The French Chamberof Commerce in Singapore is also an important meeting point for French professionals and French companies established in Singapore.
- Club France offers a convivial space for French and French-speaking people to get together and share their experiences.
At the same time, numerous events are regularly organized throughout the year by the French community in Singapore. These include cultural evenings, sporting events, picnics and many other activities, offering French expatriates the opportunity to get together, forge social links and discover the richness of life in Singapore together.
How to register your children at school
Enrolling children in school in Singapore requires advance planning. Not least because of the high demand for international schools. Although Singapore’s education system is renowned for its quality, it is essential to seek out and reserve places in advance to ensure the best possible education for your children.
Here’s an overview of the different options available for school enrolment in Singapore:
- International schools: These offer instruction in English, and generally follow the curriculum of a foreign country. However, tuition fees can be considerable and places are often limited.
- Local schools: These offer instruction in English and Mandarin Chinese. Admission criteria are based on age and nationality. These schools are an affordable option, but can be very competitive in terms of available places.
- Private schools: offering instruction in English and other languages. Private schools offer a variety of programs and tuition fees. It’s important to choose a school that matches your children’s educational and linguistic needs.
It is advisable to contact several schools for detailed information on curricula, tuition fees and admission requirements. By planning ahead, you can ensure you make the best choice for your children’s education in Singapore.
The cost of living in Singapore
The cost of living in Singapore generally exceeds that in France, particularly for housing and food. However, it is important to note that public transport is cheaper and salaries are often higher in Singapore, which can offset these additional expenses.
Budget for housing, food, transport, leisure
Living in Singapore means managing a substantial budget, especially when it comes to housing. Condominium prices can vary significantly, from S$500,000 to several million dollars, depending on factors such as size, location and amenities. Food is also a major expense, especially in restaurants. Public transport, on the other hand, is relatively affordable. They offer an efficient and economical way of getting around the city. However, leisure activities can be costly, especially if you enjoy eating out or going to shows. To get a clearer idea of your monthly budget, here’s an example for a single person living in Singapore:
- housing (S$1,500 – S$3,000),
- food (S$500 – S$1,000),
- transport (S$100 – S$200)
- leisure (S$200 – S$500)
Here is a table summarizing the cost of living in Singapore for a single person:
| Monthly expenses | Price range (SGD) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | S$1,500 – S$3,000 | Highly variable depending on apartment size, location and facilities |
| Food | S$500 – S$1,000 | Expensive, especially in restaurants |
| Transport | S$100 – S$200 | Affordable and efficient thanks to public transport |
| Leisure | S$200 – S$500 | High expenses if frequent outings (restaurants, shows, etc.) |
Health insurance for your expatriation to Singapore
As a French expatriate in Singapore, it’s essential to consider the high cost of healthcare. While Singapore’s public healthcare system is renowned for its performance and accessibility, private care can represent a considerable expense. To offset these high costs, it is compulsory for all Singapore residents to have health insurance. The government offers a subsidized health insurance plan called Medisave, which covers basic medical expenses. However, Medisave may not be sufficient to cover all medical expenses, which is why it is important to take out supplementary health insurance.
International health insurance offers more extensive coverage, often including overseas medical care, emergency medical evacuation and other expatriate-specific services. The price of health insurance in Singapore varies according to several factors, including age, gender, nationality, type of coverage and the insurance company chosen. On average, the annual cost of health insurance for an individual in Singapore is around $2,500 (about €2,350). This price may vary according to each person’s specific needs and circumstances. Taking out the right international health insurance can therefore offer financial peace of mind and increased protection in the event of medical need.
The pros and cons of expatriating to Singapore
Advantages: safety, economic dynamism, quality of life
Singapore has a reputation for safety. The crime rate in Singapore is very low. The city is clean and well-maintained. What’s more, the public transport system is efficient and affordable, offering great accessibility to all residents.
On the economic front, Singapore shines with its dynamism, offering numerous job opportunities with a low unemployment rate. Companies attract expatriates with generally high salaries and an often advantageous tax system, making it an attractive choice from a professional standpoint.
Singapore offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its wide range of cultural, sporting and leisure activities. Many residents generally appreciate the warm, humid, if sometimes demanding, climate, which offers a pleasant living environment all year round.
Disadvantages: high cost of living, climate, distance from family
However, living in Singapore can have its drawbacks. The cost of living is high, particularly for accommodation and food, which can be a financial strain for some residents. What’s more, the hot, humid climate can be hard to bear for some people, requiring adaptation.
Being away from family and friends can also be a challenge. This can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and nostalgia. However, there are many expatriate communities in Singapore! Which offer support and social activities to help alleviate this feeling.
