Relocation tax guideMoving to Singapore: Taxes for Expats 2026
Singapore taxes on a territorial basis: Singapore-source income and foreign income received in Singapore, the latter largely exempt for individuals, at progressive rates up to 24%. There is no capital gains tax and no inheritance or estate tax. GST is 9%. You become a tax resident after 183 days of presence or employment in a calendar year.
Singapore draws relocating professionals and entrepreneurs with a simple proposition: low headline rates, a territorial system that largely leaves foreign income alone, and no tax on capital gains or inheritance. The Not Ordinarily Resident concession has expired, so the appeal now rests on the standard system itself. This guide explains how that works and when Singapore treats you as resident.
Singapore: key tax rates
| Tax | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 17%Headline corporate income tax rate | PwC Worldwide Tax Summariesas of 2026-04-01 |
| Top personal income tax | 24%Top resident personal income tax rate | PwC Worldwide Tax Summariesas of 2026-04-01 |
| VAT / GST (standard) | 9%Goods and services tax (GST) | PwC Worldwide Tax Summariesas of 2026-04-01 |
| Capital gains | No CGTNo general capital gains tax | PwC Worldwide Tax Summariesas of 2026-04-01 |
| Inheritance / wealth tax | NoNo inheritance or estate tax (estate duty abolished 2008) | PwC Worldwide Tax Summariesas of 2026-04-01 |
When you become a tax resident
You are generally a Singapore tax resident for a year if you are physically present or employed in Singapore for at least 183 days in the calendar year. Residents are taxed at progressive rates up to 24% on Singapore-source income and on foreign income received in Singapore, most of which is exempt for individuals.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Singapore (Residence) (as of 2026-06-24).
Territorial taxation explained
Singapore taxes income sourced in Singapore and foreign income received in Singapore. In practice, foreign-source income received by a resident individual is generally exempt, so most overseas earnings of an individual are not taxed - the main exception being foreign income received through a partnership in Singapore.
This is a structural feature of the system rather than a special election, which is why Singapore needs no expatriate regime to be attractive. The Not Ordinarily Resident scheme, which once gave time-apportioned relief to mobile executives, has expired and is not open to new applicants.
No capital gains or inheritance tax
Singapore does not levy a general capital gains tax, and it abolished estate duty in 2008, so there is no inheritance or estate tax. Gains that are part of a trade or business can still be taxed as income, and frequent property trading can be treated as a taxable trade - so 'no CGT' is not the same as 'no tax on any disposal'.
Before you move: what to weigh
- It is foreign income RECEIVED in Singapore that matters; most individual foreign income is exempt, but confirm partnership and trade situations.
- The Not Ordinarily Resident concession has expired - do not plan around it.
- Gains from an activity amounting to a trade (including frequent property dealing) can be taxed as income despite the absence of a general CGT.
- US citizens remain taxable by the US on worldwide income; the credits and treaty position then apply (note the US-Singapore position has no comprehensive income-tax treaty).
Get this right for your situation
Cross-border tax turns on your specific facts. Find a tax professional who works with people moving to Singapore.
Does Singapore tax capital gains?
No - Singapore has no general capital gains tax, and no inheritance or estate tax since estate duty was abolished in 2008. However, gains from what amounts to a trade or business, including frequent property dealing, can be taxed as ordinary income, so the disposal's character matters.
Does Singapore tax foreign income?
Singapore taxes Singapore-source income and foreign income received in Singapore, but foreign income received by a resident individual is generally exempt. The main exception is foreign income received through a partnership. Most individual overseas earnings therefore fall outside Singapore tax.
When are you a Singapore tax resident?
Generally when you are physically present or employed in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year. Residents are taxed at progressive rates up to 24% on Singapore-source income and on foreign income received in Singapore, most of which is exempt for individuals.
Informational only, not tax advice. Cross-border tax depends on your personal circumstances and changes often; figures are dated to their sources. Confirm your position with a qualified professional before moving or filing.
Important disclaimer
Informational only — not tax advice. This page summarises publicly available information about tax in Singapore as of July 2026. Tax laws change, individual circumstances vary, and the application of any rule depends on your specific facts.
TaxProsRated does not provide tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Before acting on anything you read here, consult a qualified tax professional licensed in your jurisdiction (in the US: CPA, Enrolled Agent, or attorney; in the UK: CIOT- or ATT-qualified adviser; in Australia: TPB-registered tax agent; elsewhere: a locally-licensed equivalent). TaxProsRated, its operators, and its contributors disclaim all liability for action taken in reliance on this page.