Brief Summary
Bella Han shares her experiences as an expat in Singapore, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of living and working there. She covers topics such as job opportunities, low taxes, the vibrant food culture, and excellent infrastructure. However, she also addresses the challenges, including a competitive work environment, high cost of living, strict visa requirements, and difficulties in obtaining permanent residency. Ultimately, she explains why she decided to leave Singapore and move to Germany, offering advice and lessons learned for those considering a similar path.
- Singapore offers numerous job opportunities, especially for skilled workers.
- The cost of living is high, particularly for housing.
- Obtaining permanent residency can be challenging and uncertain.
- Visa requirements are strict and subject to change.
- Despite the challenges, Singapore offers a unique and enriching expat experience.
Intro & My Story
Bella Han, originally from Taiwan, introduces her 12-year experience living in Singapore, with five years spent working under an Employment Visa. She aims to provide an unfiltered perspective on the realities of expat life in Singapore, highlighting both the advantages and the hidden challenges and costs associated with moving there. Her intention is to offer insights that can help others assess the risks involved in such a move.
Why Singapore is Great
Singapore is described as the best country in Asia to live and work in due to its favorable environment for overseas investment, which leads to numerous job opportunities in international companies. English is widely spoken, making communication easy. The tax rates are low. The country is compact, well-organized, and efficient, with convenient public transportation. The Hawker Center culture is a major draw, offering affordable and diverse food options. Fitness is a priority for many residents, with beautiful park connectors for running and cycling. Changi Airport is world-class, providing a VIP experience upon arrival. The multicultural environment allows for enriching cultural exchange.
Hidden Costs & Challenges
The hidden costs and risks of living in Singapore as an expat include a highly competitive work environment where working overtime is common. The term "Kiasu," meaning "scared of losing," describes the intense competition. Rent is a significant expense, with single bedrooms costing S$1,000 to S$1,500 and studios starting at S$3,000 per month. Many expats find it difficult to find a place that feels like home. Maintaining a job is crucial for visa status, and frequent changes in employment visa laws can lead to visa loss.
Singapore Work Visa Types
Singapore offers different types of employment visas, primarily distinguished by their minimum salary requirements. The Work Permit (WP) has the lowest salary requirement and is mainly for domestic helpers, with significant restrictions. The S Pass (SP) is difficult to obtain due to limited quotas. The Employment Pass (EP) is for highly skilled workers, with steadily increasing salary requirements. Only SP and EP holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency, indicating Singapore's preference for highly skilled and high-value individuals.
Work Visa Struggles
The speaker shares her personal struggles with Singapore's work visa system. She was unable to secure an SP and was striving to obtain an EP when she was laid off, preventing her from applying for permanent residency. The criteria for obtaining an EP have become increasingly strict, considering factors such as industry, qualifications, and the current needs of Singapore's job market. The increasing minimum salary requirements can create stress and impact one's sense of personal value. It's important to stay informed about potential changes in visa criteria to avoid losing visa status.
PR (Permanent Residency) Problems
Applying for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) is a challenging process with no guarantee of success. The application process lacks transparency, with varying timelines for approval. Maintaining employment is essential during the waiting period. The most certain path to PR is through marriage to a Singaporean citizen or PR holder. As a result, many expats eventually leave Singapore, leading to a transient community.
Why I Left Singapore
The speaker explains that she left Singapore because she did not have the opportunity to apply for PR and faced difficulties finding a new job after being laid off. Despite receiving numerous interview opportunities, many companies were hesitant to hire a foreigner due to the lengthy and complex process of obtaining an EP. This process includes advertising the job on a Singaporean recruitment website for two months and demonstrating that no suitable Singaporean candidate was found. Ultimately, she accepted a job offer in Germany, where she was able to obtain a blue card and a clear path to permanent residency.
What I Could Have Done Better
Reflecting on her time in Singapore, the speaker wishes she had been less stressed about work and more accepting of the possibility of having to leave. She advises others to recognize their resilience and strength, avoid excessive stress, and focus on enjoying life. She believes that if one is meant to stay in Singapore, they will, and if not, something better awaits them elsewhere.
Why I Chose Germany
The speaker moved to Germany because of a job offer and the opportunity to obtain a blue card, which allows her to apply for German permanent residency after 21 months of paying tax. The process for obtaining German PR is transparent and straightforward.
Life Lesson & Conclusion
The speaker concludes by sharing the life lessons she learned from her experience in Singapore: be brave in the face of challenges, be ready for changes, assess hidden risks, and ensure sufficient savings before moving to a new country. She encourages viewers to leave questions in the comments and expresses hope that her video has been helpful.
