Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) maintains one of the world's most respected financial regulatory frameworks. The investment options available to Singapore-based expats — from the Singapore Exchange (SGX), global ETFs, real estate investment trusts (REITs), robo-advisors and the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) — are genuinely excellent. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about investing in Singapore as an expat in 2026 — from opening your first investment account to understanding the tax implications and building a diversified portfolio that works for your specific circumstances./>
Can Expats Invest in Singapore?
Yes — absolutely and without significant restrictions. Singapore's investment market is open to foreigners on work passes including Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit holders. There are no foreign investor restrictions on purchasing Singapore stocks, ETFs, bonds or REITs through regulated brokers. The main consideration for expats is understanding which investment vehicles are available to non-PR, non-citizen investors versus those restricted to Singapore Citizens and PRs.
| Investment Type | Available to EP Holders | Available to Singapore PRs | Citizens Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore stocks (SGX) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Global ETFs via broker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Singapore REITs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Robo-advisors (StashAway, Syfe) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) | ✅ Yes (with local bank account) | ✅ Yes | — |
| CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) | ❌ No (EP holders not in CPF) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) | ✅ Yes — highly recommended | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HDB flat purchase | ❌ No | ✅ Resale only | ✅ Yes |
| Private property purchase | ✅ Yes (with ABSD) | ✅ Yes (lower ABSD) | ✅ Yes (no ABSD) |
| SkillsFuture credits | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) — Start Here
If you only do one thing after reading this guide, open an SRS account. Trust me on this. The Supplementary Retirement Scheme is Singapore's most powerful tax-efficient investment vehicle for working expats and it is dramatically underutilised by the expat community.
How SRS Works
The SRS is a voluntary savings scheme that reduces your taxable income dollar-for-dollar on contributions made. As a foreigner on a work pass, you can contribute up to SGD 35,700 per year to your SRS account. Every dollar contributed reduces your assessable income by one dollar — meaning if you are in Singapore's 22% income tax bracket, contributing the maximum SGD 35,700 to SRS saves you SGD 7,854 in income tax annually.
Your SRS funds are not locked away earning nothing — they must be invested through the SRS into approved investment products including:
- Singapore stocks listed on SGX
- Singapore government bonds and treasury bills
- Approved unit trusts and investment funds
- Singapore REITs
- Fixed deposits at the SRS operator bank
- Endowment insurance policies from approved insurers
When you withdraw SRS funds at or after the statutory retirement age (currently 63 for those who opened SRS before 2022, 63 for others), only 50% of withdrawals are taxable — creating a further tax advantage at the point of use.
Opening a Brokerage Account in Singapore
To invest in stocks, ETFs and REITs listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and international exchanges, you need a brokerage account and a Central Depository (CDP) account. Here is the landscape of options:
š Tiger Brokers
One of the most popular brokers among Singapore-based expats and young investors. Tiger Brokers offers access to SGX, US markets (NYSE, NASDAQ), Hong Kong, Australia and more through a single account. Commission rates are competitive — SGD 1.99 per US trade, SGD 1.88 per SGX trade as of 2026. The app is excellent. Regulated by MAS.
Best for: Active traders, US and Singapore market access, competitive fees
š moomoo (Futu Singapore)
Futu's Singapore platform offers very competitive commissions, strong market data tools and access to SGX, US and Hong Kong markets. The platform has grown rapidly in Singapore with an excellent research interface and frequent promotional offers for new account holders. Regulated by MAS.
Best for: Research-oriented investors, competitive commissions, data tools
š Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
The gold standard for sophisticated investors — access to 150+ markets globally, very low commissions at scale and a comprehensive range of investment products including options, futures and bonds. The interface is complex but the breadth of access and low costs at higher volumes are unmatched. Regulated by MAS Singapore.
Best for: Sophisticated investors, global market access, high-volume traders
š DBS Vickers / OCBC Securities / UOB Kay Hian
The brokerage arms of Singapore's three major banks. Higher commissions than digital-first brokers but integrated with your bank account, strong customer service and reassuring for those who prefer dealing with established institutions. Minimum SGD 25 commission per Singapore trade is a disadvantage for smaller trades.
Best for: Conservative investors, SGX-focused investing, bank integration
š Saxo Markets
A premium multi-asset broker with access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, CFDs and commodities across global markets. Strong research tools and competitive pricing for larger portfolios. Regulated by MAS. Premium platform experience with correspondingly premium minimum account requirements.
Best for: Multi-asset investing, larger portfolios, comprehensive global access
š Standard Chartered Online Trading
Standard Chartered's retail brokerage platform offers access to 15+ markets including SGX and US exchanges. Competitive for larger trades. Integration with Standard Chartered banking products provides additional convenience for existing customers. Free realtime SGX prices for account holders.
Best for: Existing Standard Chartered customers, mid-range investors
Broker Comparison — Fees and Features 2026
| Broker | SGX Commission | US Commission | Min. Commission | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Brokers | 0.03% or SGD 1.88 | USD 1.99/trade | SGD 1.88 | SGX, US, HK, AU |
| moomoo | 0.03% or SGD 1.99 | USD 1.99/trade | SGD 1.99 | SGX, US, HK |
| Interactive Brokers | 0.05% or SGD 2.50 | USD 0.005/share | SGD 2.50 | 150+ markets |
| DBS Vickers | 0.28% or SGD 25 | 0.35% or USD 25 | SGD 25 | SGX, US, HK, others |
| Saxo Markets | 0.10% or SGD 3 | 0.10% or USD 3 | SGD 3 | 40+ markets |
| SC Online Trading | 0.25% or SGD 10 | 0.35% or USD 15 | SGD 10 | 15+ markets |
Robo-Advisors in Singapore — The Easiest Starting Point
For expats who want to invest but do not want to pick individual stocks, Singapore's robo-advisor ecosystem offers an outstanding starting point. These platforms manage diversified investment portfolios automatically — you choose your risk level, set a recurring investment amount and the platform does the rest.
š¤ StashAway
Singapore's most popular robo-advisor — well-designed, transparent and backed by sophisticated portfolio construction. Offers globally diversified portfolios of ETFs across multiple risk levels. The StashAway Risk Index system lets you dial in your exact risk tolerance. Low fees at 0.2% to 0.8% per annum depending on portfolio size. Excellent mobile app. SRS-eligible. Regulated by MAS.
Annual fees: 0.2% — 0.8% p.a.
Minimum: SGD 0
SRS eligible: ✅ Yes
š¤ Syfe
Strong StashAway competitor with a distinctive product range including Core portfolios (globally diversified ETFs), REIT+ (Singapore REIT portfolio), Cash+ (high-yield cash equivalent) and Equity100 (100% global equities). The Cash+ product earns significantly better returns than a standard savings account. Regulated by MAS.
Annual fees: 0.35% — 0.65% p.a.
Minimum: SGD 0
SRS eligible: ✅ Yes
š¤ Endowus
Endowus is unique in Singapore — it is the only robo-advisor that allows you to invest your CPF OA savings (for PRs and citizens), SRS funds and cash all through one platform. For Singapore PRs who have CPF savings, Endowus is particularly powerful. Their fund selection is curated and institutional — trailer fees from funds are rebated back to investors. Regulated by MAS.
Annual fees: 0.25% — 0.60% p.a. (plus underlying fund fees)
Minimum: SGD 1,000
SRS and CPF eligible: ✅ Yes
š¤ AutoWealth
A simpler robo-advisor with a straightforward global ETF portfolio approach. Lower profile than StashAway and Syfe but competitively priced and well-regarded. Good for investors who want simplicity without too many portfolio options to consider.
Annual fees: 0.5% p.a. + SGD 18 platform fee
Minimum: SGD 3,000
SRS eligible: ✅ Yes
Singapore Exchange (SGX) — Investing in Singapore Stocks
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is Southeast Asia's leading stock exchange with over 600 listed companies and a strong selection of Singapore REITs and business trusts. For expats living in Singapore, having some SGX exposure makes intuitive sense — you are living in this economy and understanding it first-hand gives you genuine analytical edge.
Singapore REITs — The Crown Jewel of SGX
Singapore REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are widely considered the best feature of the SGX for income-oriented investors. Singapore has one of the most mature and well-regulated REIT markets in Asia with over 40 REITs and property trusts listed. REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends — making them compelling income vehicles.
Key Singapore REITs that expat investors frequently consider:
| REIT | Property Type | Dividend Yield (approx. 2026) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) | Retail and office | 5.2% — 5.8% | Largest retail REIT in Singapore, premium malls |
| Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) | Industrial logistics | 6.0% — 6.8% | Pan-Asian logistics exposure |
| Mapletree Industrial Trust (MINT) | Industrial and data centres | 5.5% — 6.2% | Growing data centre exposure |
| Ascendas REIT | Industrial, business parks | 5.8% — 6.5% | Singapore's largest industrial REIT |
| Parkway Life REIT | Healthcare | 3.8% — 4.5% | Defensive healthcare assets, consistent growth |
| Frasers Centrepoint Trust | Suburban retail malls | 5.5% — 6.2% | Neighbourhood malls, resilient suburban demand |
Investing in Global ETFs from Singapore
Many sophisticated Singapore-based expat investors build their core portfolio around low-cost global index ETFs rather than picking individual stocks. This evidence-based approach — popularised by Warren Buffett's recommendation of passive index investing for most investors — delivers market returns at minimal cost and is well-suited to expats who may not have time to research individual companies.
Popular global ETFs available to Singapore-based investors through brokers like Tiger Brokers, IBKR and moomoo:
- Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT): Exposure to the entire global stock market in one fund. Low expense ratio of 0.07%. The single most diversified equity investment available — holds over 9,000 companies across 50+ countries.
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO): The 500 largest US companies. Extremely low 0.03% expense ratio. Consistent long-term returns. The most widely recommended single ETF for long-term wealth building.
- iShares MSCI World ETF (IWDA): Listed on the London Stock Exchange, available through most Singapore brokers. Covers developed world equity markets. Particularly popular with non-US investors for avoiding US estate tax exposure on US-listed ETFs.
- Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWRA): London-listed global equity ETF — all-world exposure including emerging markets. Very popular among Singapore expats from non-US countries for its estate tax advantages.
- Nikko AM STI ETF / SPDR STI ETF: Singapore-listed ETFs tracking the Straits Times Index (Singapore's benchmark stock index). Provides convenient Singapore equity exposure with no forex risk.
Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB)
Singapore Savings Bonds are issued monthly by the Singapore government and offer one of the safest investments available in Singapore — backed by the full faith of the Singapore government (AAA-rated). They are available to Singapore residents with a local bank account and CDP account.
Key features of Singapore Savings Bonds:
- Guaranteed by Singapore government — zero credit risk
- Step-up interest rates — interest increases the longer you hold, rewarding longer investment
- Flexible redemption — you can redeem in full or partial amounts any month with no penalty. This is uniquely flexible compared to most fixed-income products.
- Maximum holding: SGD 200,000 per individual
- Minimum investment: SGD 500
- Interest rates (2026): Approximately 2.8% to 3.2% average over 10 years — varies monthly based on Singapore government bond yields
SSBs are excellent for your emergency fund or short-to-medium term savings that you want to earn better than bank deposit rates while maintaining full liquidity. Apply through your Singapore bank's internet banking portal or the SGS (Singapore Government Securities) website.
Treasury Bills (T-Bills) in Singapore
Singapore Treasury Bills are short-term Singapore government securities issued at a discount and redeemed at face value. Available in 6-month and 1-year tenures with higher yields than savings accounts.
- 6-month T-bill yield (2026): Approximately 3.2% to 3.6% annualised
- Minimum bid: SGD 1,000
- Risk: Zero — Singapore government guaranteed
- Application: Through ATM (cash applications), internet banking or CPF/SRS
T-bills are excellent for parking lump-sum cash for 6 to 12 months at returns well above savings account rates. They are particularly useful for money you know you will need within a defined short timeframe — a housing down payment, an upcoming car purchase or emergency reserve top-up.
Buying Property in Singapore as an Expat
Property investment is a major aspiration for many Singapore-based expats but comes with significant additional costs and restrictions that make it less financially attractive than it appears at first glance.
As an Employment Pass holder, you can purchase:
- Private residential property (condominiums, landed property) — subject to Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
- Commercial property — no ABSD applies
You cannot purchase:
- HDB flats (public housing) — not available to non-PRs
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) — The Key Number
ABSD is a major consideration for expat property investment. As of 2026, foreigners pay 60% ABSD on residential property purchases. This means buying a SGD 2,000,000 condominium incurs SGD 1,200,000 in ABSD alone — on top of Buyer's Stamp Duty, legal fees and other transaction costs.
This extremely high ABSD rate was introduced to cool Singapore's property market and prioritise local home ownership. For most expats, the mathematics of property investment in Singapore are fundamentally unattractive given the ABSD burden — you need significant capital appreciation just to break even against the stamp duty paid. Commercial property (shophouses, office units) is exempt from ABSD and represents a more viable property investment route for expats who specifically want Singapore real estate exposure.
Investment Strategy by Time Horizon
The right investment strategy for you depends heavily on how long you plan to stay in Singapore and what you plan to do with the money:
-
Short stay (1 — 2 years in Singapore)
Prioritise capital preservation and liquidity. Singapore Savings Bonds and T-Bills for your savings. Possibly continue with investment accounts you already have in your home country rather than building a complex Singapore investment structure. Open an SRS account even for a short stay if your salary warrants it — the immediate tax saving on contributions makes it worthwhile even if you withdraw relatively soon. -
Medium stay (2 — 5 years in Singapore)
Open an SRS account and contribute annually for the tax benefit. Start a robo-advisor account (StashAway or Syfe) with a monthly recurring investment. Consider a diversified ETF portfolio through Tiger Brokers or IBKR for the equity component of your portfolio. Singapore REITs for income. -
Long-term stay or potential PR (5+ years)
Build a more comprehensive investment portfolio. Maximise SRS contributions annually. Diversified global ETF portfolio as the core. Singapore REIT allocation for regional real estate income. Consider Endowus for integrated CPF investment management if you obtain PR. -
Singapore PR pathway
PR status unlocks CPF contributions and the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) — allowing you to invest CPF OA savings above SGD 20,000 in approved instruments. This significantly broadens your investment options. Read our complete Singapore CPF guide for expats for the full picture of CPF investment opportunities.
Tax Implications of Investing in Singapore
Singapore's investment tax framework is genuinely favorable for investors:
- No capital gains tax: Singapore does not tax capital gains on investment disposals for individuals. Profits from selling stocks, ETFs, REITs or property are generally tax-free. This is a major advantage compared to the UK, Australia, US and most European countries.
- Dividend income: Dividends received from Singapore companies are exempt from individual tax (tax is paid at the corporate level). Dividends from foreign companies may be taxable depending on the source country's treaty with Singapore.
- SRS withdrawals: Only 50% of SRS withdrawals are taxable when made at or after the statutory retirement age. Pre-retirement withdrawals have the full amount taxable plus a 5% penalty.
- Home country tax obligations: Singapore's favorable tax environment does not eliminate your potential home country tax obligations. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. Some European countries tax departing residents on unrealized investment gains. Understand your specific situation before building a Singapore investment portfolio.
For the complete picture of your Singapore tax situation, read our Singapore income tax guide for expats 2026.
How to Start Investing in Singapore — Step by Step
-
Open a Singapore bank account
Your investment foundation. Use DBS, OCBC or UOB — all integrated with brokerage and SRS accounts. Read our complete bank account guide if you have not yet done this. -
Open a CDP account
The Central Depository (CDP) account is where your Singapore-listed securities are held. Apply at cdp.sgx.com or through your broker. Required for purchasing SGX-listed stocks, REITs and ETFs. Free to open and maintain. -
Open an SRS account at DBS, OCBC or UOB
Do this immediately — every year you delay SRS contributions is a year of tax savings lost. Contribute as much as is practical up to the SGD 35,700 annual cap. Invest the SRS funds rather than leaving them in cash. -
Choose a brokerage account
For most expat beginners, Tiger Brokers or moomoo offer the best combination of low fees, multi-market access and user-friendly apps. For larger portfolios and sophisticated investors, Interactive Brokers is the professional-grade choice. -
Start with a robo-advisor
Open a StashAway or Syfe account and set up a monthly recurring investment. Choose a risk level appropriate to your time horizon — most people in their 30s and 40s can tolerate moderate to high risk levels for long-term portfolios. Let it run automatically while you build investment knowledge. -
Build your ETF portfolio gradually
Use dollar-cost averaging — invest a fixed amount monthly regardless of market conditions — into globally diversified ETFs. VWRA or IWDA for non-US expats. VOO or VTI for US citizens. STI ETF for Singapore equity exposure. Gradually build a diversified portfolio over 12 to 24 months rather than investing a lump sum immediately. -
Add Singapore REITs for income
Once your core ETF portfolio is established, consider allocating 15% to 25% to Singapore REITs for income generation. CICT, Ascendas REIT and Mapletree Logistics are good starting points for diversified Singapore REIT exposure. -
Review annually — not monthly
Check your portfolio performance annually, rebalance if allocations have drifted significantly from targets and review whether your risk tolerance and time horizon have changed. Do not check daily — it encourages emotional decision-making that destroys long-term returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Employment Pass holders can invest freely in Singapore stocks, ETFs, REITs, Singapore Savings Bonds, Treasury Bills and through robo-advisors. The main restrictions are around CPF Investment Scheme (not available to non-PRs as EP holders do not contribute to CPF) and HDB property purchase (not available to non-PRs). The SRS is fully available and strongly recommended for EP holders at professional salary levels for the annual income tax saving it delivers.
For most expats new to Singapore investing, the ideal starting combination is: (1) Open an SRS account immediately and contribute annually for the tax saving; (2) Set up a robo-advisor account (StashAway or Syfe) with a monthly recurring investment in a globally diversified portfolio; (3) Purchase Singapore Savings Bonds for your emergency fund and short-term savings. This three-part foundation covers tax efficiency, long-term growth and capital preservation simultaneously without requiring significant investment expertise.
No. Singapore does not impose capital gains tax on investment disposals for individuals. Profits from selling stocks, ETFs, REITs, property or other investments are generally tax-free in Singapore. This is one of Singapore's most significant advantages as an investment base. Note that this applies to Singapore tax only — if your home country taxes worldwide income or capital gains on departing residents, your Singapore investment gains may still have home country tax implications.
A common financial planning guideline is investing 20% of your monthly take-home pay — but the right amount depends entirely on your salary level, expenses, emergency fund adequacy and financial goals. In Singapore specifically, with typically high salaries and relatively efficient infrastructure costs, many expats can invest 25% to 35% of their take-home pay while still living comfortably. Start with whatever amount is genuinely sustainable every month without stress — consistency matters more than amount. SGD 500 per month invested consistently at 7% average annual return grows to approximately SGD 260,000 over 20 years.
Your brokerage accounts, ETF holdings, SGX stocks and REIT positions can generally be maintained after leaving Singapore — most international brokers continue to serve clients globally. Singapore Savings Bonds can be redeemed before departure or held. SRS accounts become more complex — pre-retirement withdrawals after leaving Singapore are subject to the full amount being taxable plus a 5% penalty. Many expats who have built significant SRS balances either plan to return to Singapore at retirement or accept the tax implications of early withdrawal. Consult a financial advisor before leaving Singapore with significant investment balances across multiple structures.
For most Singapore-based expats the answer is both — in appropriate proportions. Global ETFs (VWRA, IWDA, VOO) should form the core of your equity portfolio for maximum diversification across 50+ countries and thousands of companies. Singapore REITs are excellent as an income-generating allocation of 15% to 25% of your portfolio — providing higher dividend yields than most global equities, specific Singapore and Asian real estate exposure and the significant advantage of no capital gains tax on disposal. The two complement each other well — global ETFs for growth, Singapore REITs for income.
The barriers to entry are remarkably low. Robo-advisors StashAway and Syfe have zero minimum investment — you can start with SGD 1. Singapore Savings Bonds have a SGD 500 minimum. Tiger Brokers and moomoo have no minimum deposit requirements though commissions make very small individual trades less cost-efficient. SRS accounts have no minimum contribution. The practical starting point for most investors is SGD 100 to SGD 500 per month through a robo-advisor — an amount that builds the habit without material financial stress while generating meaningful long-term compound returns.
Official Resources
- š️ Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): mas.gov.sg
- š Singapore Exchange (SGX): sgx.com
- š¦ Central Depository (CDP): cdp.sgx.com
- š° Singapore Government Securities (SSB and T-Bills): mas.gov.sg/ssb
- š IRAS (Tax on Investments): iras.gov.sg
- š¤ StashAway Singapore: stashaway.sg
- š¤ Syfe Singapore: syfe.com/sg
Final Thoughts
Singapore is an exceptional place to build wealth. The combination of high earning potential, low income taxes, no capital gains tax, world-class financial infrastructure and access to sophisticated investment products makes it one of the best environments for investing in the world.
The most important step is simply to start. Open your SRS account this week. Set up a robo-advisor with a modest monthly recurring investment. Get a CDP account and a low-cost brokerage. Build incrementally and consistently over your time in Singapore rather than waiting for the "perfect" moment or the "perfect" amount.
Compound growth is patient. Time in the market matters more than timing the market. Every month you delay starting is a month of compounding you never recover. Start now, stay consistent and let Singapore's outstanding investment infrastructure work for you throughout your posting — and beyond.
Questions About Investing in Singapore?
Drop a comment below — whether it is SRS mechanics, broker comparisons, REIT selection or understanding your tax situation as a foreign investor. The ExpatWiki community includes experienced Singapore investors and we are happy to share real-world perspective. Browse more Singapore financial guides at ExpatWiki.
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