Options for staying longterm

[guitarnoise]

What are some options for staying long term in Singapore without working?

I'd like to stay in Singapore for 1-3 years. I'm qualified and able to work, but full time work doesn't suit me. I can afford to live in Singapore without working and wouldn't be a drain on social services. From what I understand an EPEC is only good for one year. Also, if I don't have some kind of employment pass I won't be able to rent an apartment legally. How does one stay in Singapore long term without working?

[sundaymorningstaple]

You don't unless you keep flying out of the country for a couple of days and then return. However, you will not be able to rent anything but will have to live in hotels or backpacker lodging. Course if you want to invest a million or so, I'm sure the government will see their way clear to finding a loophole somewhere though.

[ptechnix]

So for example, you can head to JB for a couple of days, then come back in, and you'd be able to stay for another few months again? Rinse and repeat? I'd also like to know.

[guitarnoise]

There seem to be controls on everything else. I can't imagine leaving the country for a few days every couple months is something that will work longterm.

Perhaps forming a company and employing myself is the way to go. I'm already self-employed and that's why full-time work doesn't interest me.

Dovetailing to another somewhat related question, can you rent an apartment on an EPEC?

[sundaymorningstaple]

20 years ago, we used to do that all the time. I lived in Singapore for 11 years on a social visit pass. But in my case I was gone for 1 or 2 months at a time on the oil rigs & came back for 4 weeks normally, when it ran over we used to do the same thing. Those days are long gone. Now you can usually do it once or twice max but they will tell you the next time you will not be allowed back in. You almost have to fly out and back and be gone for a couple of days in order to get away with it. Eventually, that will have to stop as well. Time frame? Depending on where you are from, 2 week extension to 30 days. Some may give you the full 90 days but I'm not too sure there. It's not really a doer in the medium term - only short term. Three years? Doubt it seriously.

I don't think so, as it is not a working visa. However, subletting from somebody might be possible but again, without a contract it could be dangerous for both you and the landlord.

Without all the controls here, Singapore would have never gotten to where it is today. You cannot rapidly change directions without a large dose of Control. And I believe LKY invented the word!

[guitarnoise]

Has anyone here rented an apartment on EPEC? I searched around quite a bit and was looking for a definite yes or no answer.

I mean you can stay for up to 1 year to find a job. But are you really expected to stay in a hotel for up to 12 months? That would be uncomfortable. Finding suitable accommodation is just as important as finding a job.

[hei guess what]

Perhaps forming a company and employing myself is the way to go. I'm already self-employed and that's why full-time work doesn't interest me.

Yeah, I do believe that's the most viable option . . .

You'll be welcome as long as you can find a suitable way to contribute to public coffers through taxes . . .