On a humid morning in Tanjong Pagar, Ben Whitfield sipped kopi while waiting at a Singpass kiosk. A commercial solicitor from Surrey, Whitfield had landed in Singapore three weeks earlier, his belongings still somewhere over the Indian Ocean. “It feels efficient here,” he said. “In London, you keep track of delays. Here, you keep track of your next move.” Whitfield is one of a growing number of Britons who are moving to Singapore from the UK, not to flee but to reposition.

His firm, a mid-sized legal consultancy, opened an Asia-Pacific hub this year. “Our clients were expanding faster in this region than we were. It made sense to follow them.”

Relo.AI, a relocation intelligence platform, reports that inquiries about relocating to Singapore from the UK rose 42% between Q1 2023 and Q2 2025. “The pattern has shifted,” said Elaine Low, Relo.AI’s Asia Director. “It used to be contract-driven expats. More families and professionals now choose Singapore long-term.”

Moving to Singapore from the UK brings new global opportunities. Know visas, careers, costs, and life abroad in 2025.

 

Are British Professionals Moving to Singapore to Realign, Not to Relocate?

Moving to Singapore from the UK has always been possible, but never quite this intentional. It’s no longer about short-term costs or tax breaks. Instead, British professionals are charting life in Southeast Asia, drawn by regulatory clarity, schooling options, and a surprisingly familiar rhythm.

Singapore, with its English-speaking institutions and common-law foundation, feels like a cousin city. “It’s like the Home Counties with better weather and faster trains,” said Emma Royston, a logistics executive who moved last year.

Royston lives in Bukit Timah, known for its schools and greenery. “I wake up to birdsong and still make it to my office in Raffles Place in under 30 minutes.”

For many, the move is about alignment, not departure. “We loved our life in Hampshire,” Royston said. “But this was the right fit for where our careers and kids’ education were heading.”

You can also read our complete guide about relocating to Singapore.

 

What Makes Singapore’s Visa Process So Manageable for UK Citizens?

British citizens benefit from one of the smoothest entry paths into Singapore’s immigration framework. To begin with, the Employment Pass (EP) is considered the gold standard for mid- to high-skill professionals. It offers a clear and structured application route.

In many cases, processing is streamlined and completed within just three weeks.

According to Relo.AI’s internal data from 2025 –

• 73% of UK professionals relocating to Singapore entered on Employment Passes.
• 18% applied for Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes for family members.
• 9% pursued the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), often for ventures in fintech, healthtech, or education.

 

“For a country this small, they handle migration with remarkable clarity,” said Dr. Charlotte Greene, a relocation policy analyst and advisor to several MNCs. “The aim is to bring in the right mix.”

Applicants submit contracts and records. Health checks are also required. In most cases, employers handle the majority of administrative tasks.

 

Can the Cost of Living When Moving to Singapore from the UK Justify the Quality of Life for Expats?

“Singapore costs more, but you get what you pay for”, said Matthew Blake, who relocated from Leeds in 2024 to lead regional operations at a cloud infrastructure company. He lives in Novena with his partner. They pay SGD 4,800 for a two-bedroom.

Groceries cost more than UK prices. Dairy and cereals cost the most. But Blake notes that public transport, medical care, and utilities are “sensibly priced and always reliable.”

Relo.AI’s latest expat expenditure index found the following monthly averages for UK professionals living in Singapore –

• Rent (2BR condo, central) – SGD 4,500
• Groceries (family of four) – SGD 1,200
• Transport (MRT & Grab) – SGD 320
• Schooling (per child, international school) – SGD 3,200

 

Despite the costs, 81% of surveyed expats reported “strong satisfaction” with quality-of-life indicators, including commute time, safety, and access to healthcare.

💡 Related – How Much Do Relocation Services Cost? Here is your guide

 

Why Do Families Moving to Singapore from the UK Prioritize Schools and Healthcare First?

Sarah Naughton moved from London to Singapore with her 11-year-old son. Her top concern was finding the right school. “We applied to Tanglin Trust, Dulwich, and UWCSEA. We were lucky to get a spot.”

Singapore has over 60 international schools. In most cases, they follow the British, American, or IB curriculum. However, admissions are competitive, with waitlists starting as early as October for the following academic year.

Healthcare, another key consideration, ranks among the world’s best. “Our son had a minor asthma issue,” Naughton said. “The private GP sorted everything in one visit. No referral delays. It’s a relief.”

Expats typically carry international health insurance. Emergency care is fast, and telemedicine is common. “After the NHS, swiping a card felt odd,” Blake said. “But you appreciate the access.”

💁‍♀️ Also read – Health Insurance for Digital Nomads That Save You from Medical Nightmares

 

Career Landscape – How Moving to Singapore from the UK Aligns with Local Talent Demand

The professional match is intense. Specifically, UK professionals, particularly in finance, law, education, and tech, bring expertise that Singapore needs.

“We find British hires have cultural adaptability and structured thinking,” said Daryl Teo, a regional recruiter for APAC banking. “That’s vital for handling global rules and diverse teams.”

Jobs are competitive. Still, Singapore’s tight talent market favors qualified candidates. Local firms, startups, and global players regularly scout international CVs.

The government’s Compass Framework, introduced in 2023, grades EP applicants on diversity, salary benchmarks, and qualifications. Most UK applicants exceed the baseline.

 

Singapore’s Tax System Comparison for Professionals Moving from the UK

Singapore’s tax system is transparent and progressive. Currently, the top personal income tax rate stands at 22%. In addition, there is no capital gains tax or inheritance tax. Foreign-sourced income is also tax-free if not remitted.

For UK movers, this helps. It makes planning easier. Still, UK tax residency rules remain relevant.

“I advise clients to sever UK ties carefully,” said Anushka Virdi, a cross-border tax consultant. “Close dormant accounts, change voting registration, and limit UK visits under 90 days.”

First, opening a bank account in Singapore is quick. It usually takes under 48 hours. This is possible if all documents are ready. Next, several banks serve expats. For example, DBS, UOB, and OCBC are widely used. Additionally, many use Wise (read the complete review here) for transfers and Revolut for day-to-day spending.

 

Should You Hire a Relocation Company When Moving to Singapore from the UK?

Relocation companies help manage these pressures. Moreover, they bring structure to the process. It’s often complex and time-sensitive. They offer tailored guidance, legal support, and coordination.

For example, relocation firms help secure Employment Passes. They also handle lease negotiations. Some arrange dependent visas, too.

Meanwhile, digital platforms are reshaping this space. Specifically, Relo.AI, a relocation coordination system, blends expert support with automation. As a result, it strengthens them.

In practice, professionals use the platform to upload documentation, track timelines, and connect with vetted local advisors. Likewise, employers use it to ensure staff arrivals stay on schedule.

Ultimately, relocation requires support. In 2025, moving to Singapore takes planning. For many, a relocation company is essential. Instead, it is the difference between an efficient transition and a logistical burden stretched across borders.

Recommended read – The Ultimate Relocating Checklist for a Smooth and Organized Relocation

 

Community, Culture, and Social Integration

Singapore is known for precision. At the same time, it is also rich in texture. “There’s a sense of rhythm here that’s often hidden from afar,” said Royston. “From Chinese festivals to Deepavali, the city celebrates every community.”

Meanwhile, the British expat network is active. To begin with, the British Chamber of Commerce helps newcomers connect. In addition, the British Club offers support. Finally, informal Facebook groups also play a role.

Beyond that, daily life offers its own anchors. For instance, “The hawker food scene, the morning hikes, the jazz at Tanjong Katong, those are the things that anchor you,” Blake said. In contrast, “It’s not flashy. It’s real.”

 

What Relocation Means

Moving to Singapore from the UK is an opportunity to adopt a new one. For most, it is about timing, proximity, and purpose.

“I wouldn’t call it leaving home,” Whitfield reflected as the Singpass screen flashed green. “I’d say we’re adding a new one.” And in a world where mobility is increasingly strategic, that perspective is becoming common.

If you are in tech, finance, education, or creative industries, moving to Singapore from the UK represents not a reaction but a direction.

For those planning a strategic move to Singapore, every step matters.

Schedule a private call with Relo.AI’s relocation advisors today and move forward with certainty.