Singapore vs other hubs — HK, Dubai, London, NY, Sydney — Costs and fees breakdown

Singapore consistently ranks among the leading global business hubs, and comparing it with Hong Kong, Dubai, London, New York and Sydney comes down to tax, cost of living, talent access and ease of relocation. In practice, Singapore’s competitive corporate tax, strong rule of law and connectivity make it a preferred base for families and asset managers relocating to Asia. This guide to singapore vs other hubs sets out the practical costs, timelines and requirements for 2026.

Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

What the comparison covers

A hub comparison is not only about headline tax rates. It weighs personal and corporate tax, residency and immigration pathways, schooling and housing costs, safety, and access to capital markets and talent. Each city trades off differently across these dimensions. See our related guide, Multi-jurisdiction family office structures — Timeline and processing benchmarks, for more detail.

Singapore’s appeal is its balance: a low, simple tax system, a stable regulatory environment, world-class infrastructure and a central position in Asia’s growth markets.

Who this is for

Families relocating from Europe, the Middle East or North America, entrepreneurs choosing a regional headquarters, and fund managers deciding where to domicile their operations are the typical audiences. The right hub depends on where the family’s assets, businesses and next generation are based. See our related guide, Singapore bank account opening — DBS, OCBC, UOB, Wise, Aspire — Timeline and processing benchmarks, for more detail.

For many, Singapore’s education system, healthcare and safety are decisive quality-of-life factors alongside the tax position.

Tax and cost comparison

Singapore’s corporate tax is a flat 17 per cent with partial exemptions, and personal income tax is progressive to a top marginal rate below many Western peers. There is no capital gains tax and no estate duty, which is significant for wealth planning.

Housing and international schooling in Singapore are expensive, comparable to London and New York, while Dubai offers zero personal income tax but a different regulatory and lifestyle profile. London and New York carry higher personal tax burdens; Sydney sits between the two.

Refer to the official guidance. Refer to the official guidance.

Cost and timeline benchmarks

Relocation timelines depend on the immigration pathway chosen. Employment Pass and family relocation can be arranged in a matter of weeks once documentation is complete, while permanent residency and citizenship follow longer, discretionary timelines.

Singapore vs other hubs — costs, timelines and thresholds

  • Singapore corporate tax: 17% flat, with partial exemptions
  • Singapore personal top marginal rate: 24%
  • Capital gains tax: none
  • Estate duty: none
  • Employment Pass processing: typically 2 to 4 weeks once documents are complete

Step-by-step relocation approach

Define the family’s objectives, choose the immigration pathway, secure a work pass or investor route, arrange housing and schooling, open banking relationships, and set up any corporate or family office structure. Sequencing the pass and the corporate set-up together avoids delays.

Professional guidance on tax residency and structuring ensures the move captures Singapore’s advantages without creating exposure in the departure country.

Common mistakes and gotchas

Common errors include comparing headline tax rates without factoring cost of living, underestimating school placement timelines, and moving before tax residency is properly planned. Currency and banking friction also catch families out. See our related guide, Singapore vs other hubs — HK, Dubai, London, NY, Sydney — Step-by-step walkthrough, for more detail.

Relocating families frequently pair the move with a Singapore incorporation or family office structure to anchor their tax residency.

Relevant legislation

The Immigration Act 1959 governs entry, residence and the issuance of passes for foreigners relocating to Singapore.

The Income Tax Act 1947 sets Singapore’s tax residency rules and rates, which underpin the jurisdiction’s competitiveness against other global hubs.

FAQs

Is Singapore cheaper than Hong Kong or London?
Tax is competitive, but housing and international schooling are comparable to top-tier cities; the overall cost depends on lifestyle and family size.

Does Singapore tax capital gains?
No. Singapore does not levy capital gains tax or estate duty, which is attractive for wealth planning.

How fast can a family relocate?
Employment Pass and dependant passes can often be arranged within a few weeks once documentation is complete.

Should I set up a company when relocating?
Many relocating families establish a Singapore company or family office to anchor tax residency and manage assets.

Related guides

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

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