Singapore Expats

Another Newbie Question...or two!!

Discuss about getting a well paid job or career advancement. Ask about salaries, expat packages, CPF & taxes for expatriate.
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Gallahad
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Another Newbie Question...or two!!

Post by Gallahad » Mon, 27 Oct 2008 5:13 am

Hi Guys and Gals,

I have been reading your forum extensively, and collected some great information. Thank you all that have contributed, it makes the decision making process in setting up a new life in Singapore so much easier.

Despite my extensive research, both on this site and various other government and commercial websites, I have been unable to find a relevant answer to the two most important questions I face. I am considering an offer to relocate to singapore to live. However, the company that I will be employed by is not singapore based, and I will be paid out of a foreign country with favourable tax rates. So the two questions are: Firstly, what kind of visa will I need if I am not to be employed in Singapore, merely to live there, that is, Singapore is just a central location and therefore convenient to live. Secondly, with the answer to the first question in mind, what, if any, tax rate will I fall under and will any of the many concessions be available? I am unlikely to spend more than 183 days in Singapore each year, and I have an Australian Passport, though have not lived or paid tax there for some time.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:30 pm

First of all, you wont be allowed to reside in Singapore unless you have proper documentation, e.g., a work permit or employment pass. If you are to be working for a foreign entity, getting paid in a foreign currency into a foreign bank account, then you will not have Singpoare employer. However, if your company has an office IN Singapore, and you receive your money here, regardless of the currency and you are employed by or report to that company, then you will need an employment pass.

Singapore will only give you a social visit pass otherwise. This means leaving the country every 30 days and returning. This will last only a few times and then Immigration will get wise to what is happening and you will get a warning that the next time you enter Singapore it will be you last time and you may only get 3 days instead of 30 days. Long enough to get your belongings and get out of the country, having worn out your welcome.

If you should be allowed here........ and you spend more than 60 days or less than 183 days in Singapore you will be taxed at a flat rate of 15% of your gross income and there are not any "concessions". If you spend more than 183 days here then you are taxed at the graduated rates.
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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sierra2469alpha
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Post by sierra2469alpha » Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:54 pm

Hi Gallhad - not sure if this helps, but it may do. I'm kind of reading between the lines to your OP..

My wife's company set up a Singaporean company (local director etc.) and that company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the foreign company (AUS). The SIN company then sponsored the employment pass, hires staff, pay wages/expenses, earns revenue etc. etc.

I'm not knowledgeable on the tax rate issue as it applies here, but if you have any questions regarding the application of tax back in AUS if you reside here, then let me know.

HTH, P

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