Tax Residency Rules for Expats: Are You Considered a Singapore Tax Resident?

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Tax

Singapore is often seen as a lucrative market for expats to make a fortune for themselves. Yet, along with the opportunities, there are tax obligations that have to be fulfilled as well. With a complex tax residency rule, it is important to be aware of the specific details and rules expats are under. Criteria for […]

As an expatriate holding a crypto portfolio in Singapore, is the crypto subject to income tax in Singapore?

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Tax

Introduction Due to Singapore’s stable political climate, esteemed reputation as a bustling global financial hub and attractive tax policies, Singapore has irrefutably become a magnet for expatriates and investors alike. In light of the cryptocurrency boom in the past decade, expatriates residing in Singapore may also be increasingly investing in digital currencies. This article delves […]

U.S. Tax Evasion Crackdown: What American Expats in Singapore Need to Know

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Tax

The recent news that Credit Suisse will pay a US$658 million settlement in a tax evasion case involving undeclared Singapore bank accounts has once again highlighted the risks U.S. citizens face when failing to meet their international tax obligations. For American expatriates living and working in Singapore, the message is clear: compliance with U.S. tax […]

How Can an Expat in Singapore Buy a Property or Villa in Bali or Lombok – Indonesia

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Property, Tax

Indonesia, particularly Bali and Lombok, is a popular destination for expats looking to invest in property. However, Indonesia has strict foreign ownership laws, making it challenging for non-Indonesians to buy freehold property. In the past, expats often used PMA (Foreign-Owned Company) structures to acquire real estate, but rising capitalization requirements have made this option less […]

Why Expats Should Understand the Terms of Tax Treaties Between Singapore and Their Home Country

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Tax

For expatriates living and working in Singapore, understanding tax obligations both locally and in their home country is essential to avoid double taxation, unexpected liabilities, and compliance issues. Singapore has signed Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with multiple countries to prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income. However, misinterpreting or overlooking […]

Legal Considerations for Global Chinese High Net Worth Individuals

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ESG Investments, Family Office, Lawyers, Tax, Visa & Immigration

As Chinese High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) become increasingly global, Singapore has emerged as a premier destination for wealth management, business expansion, and investment diversification. With its strategic location, pro-business policies, and strong legal financial frameworks, Singapore offers a stable and efficient environment for affluent Chinese families. Moving Between China and Singapore For affluent Chinese HNWIs, the […]

Global Indian Expats: Legal Issues in Singapore

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Lawyers, Permits, Tax, Visa & Immigration

Singapore has emerged as a preferred destination for affluent global Indian expats seeking to establish businesses, manage wealth, and navigate cross-border legal frameworks. With deep-rooted economic ties between India and Singapore, many Indian professionals find themselves moving between these two economies. Understanding key legal issues, ranging from residency and taxation to setting up a Family […]

Dual Employment Agreements or Split Employment Agreements in Singapore – How to Structure Them

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Employment, Permits, Tax

For multinational companies and expatriates working across multiple jurisdictions, structuring employment agreements correctly is critical for legal compliance, tax efficiency, and work authorisation. Dual employment and split employment arrangements are two common structures used to allocate work responsibilities and compensation across different entities. While dual employment is widely recognised and permissible in Singapore, split employment—where […]

Self-Employed in Singapore? Legal Obligations Every Expat Should Know

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Employment, Permits, Tax

Singapore’s dynamic economy and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for professionals looking to carve their own path. However, for expats, self-employment comes with legal and regulatory challenges that must be carefully navigated. If you are considering freelancing or running your own business in Singapore, understanding the legal framework is essential to ensure compliance […]

Getting terminated at work. What an expat needs to know

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Employment, Permits, Tax

Meet Amelia. She is a Canadian citizen working at a MNC in Canada. The MNC requested that she relocate to Singapore to help in growing the Singapore business. Amelia takes up the offer to move to Singapore. The MNC convinces her to enter a new employment contract governed under Singapore law. The MNC offers her […]

What an Expatriate Needs to Do Before Leaving Singapore – a Legal Perspective

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Employment, Permits, Tax

Leaving Singapore as an expatriate is not a simple matter of booking your departure flight and leaving. There are several legal and administrative obligations that must be addressed beforehand. Preparation for departure can start months before the day you leave Singapore, so having a clear understanding of the different steps needed allows you to navigate […]