Singapore

Quick Facts

• Tax residency threshold: 183 days or more of physical presence or employment in Singapore in the preceding calendar year
• Alternative test: You may be a resident if you "reside" in Singapore (with reasonable temporary absences) even if under 183 days
• What counts as "day": Any part of a day present or employed in Singapore counts toward the 183-day threshold
• Consequence: Residents are taxed on Singapore-source income; foreign-sourced income is generally exempt (major advantage over most countries)
• Common visas: Work pass, employment pass, tech.pass — visa status supports but doesn't guarantee tax residency

Residency Rules Explained

Visa vs Tax Residency

Key Dates

• Tax year: Calendar year (1 January – 31 December)
• Year of Assessment (YA): The YA is the year following the income year (so 2024 income is assessed in YA 2025)
• Filing deadline: Typically 15 April of the YA, though IRAS may extend this
• Residency determination: Assessed based on presence in the preceding calendar year

Common Pitfalls

• Assuming foreign income is always taxable — it's generally exempt in Singapore
• Relying only on the 183-day test without considering the qualitative residence test
• Missing the 3-year continuous stay concession that could help arriving employees
• Not understanding the straddling-years concession for multi-year employment
• Overlooking withholding tax obligations as a nonresident professional
• Not applying for a Certificate of Residence when needed for treaty benefits

Before You Reach 183 Days

• Track entry/exit dates with DayVA if approaching the 183-day threshold
• Review whether you may qualify for the 3-year or straddling-years concessions
• Understand that your foreign income is likely exempt from Singapore tax
• If you're a nonresident professional, understand your withholding tax obligations
• Plan to apply for a Certificate of Residence if you'll need treaty benefits abroad
• Keep detailed records of your presence and employment dates

Offshore & Expat Considerations

• Foreign income exemption: One of Singapore's biggest tax advantages — residents don't pay tax on foreign-source income. Plan around this if relocating
• No worldwide income tax: Unlike most developed countries, Singapore doesn't tax worldwide income. Only Singapore-source and specific foreign income are taxable
• Nonresident withholding: If you're a consultant or professional, understand you may be subject to withholding even as a nonresident
• Double taxation treaties: Singapore has treaties; Certificate of Residence helps claim benefits
• Year of Assessment timing: Remember the YA is the year AFTER income is earned. Income from 2024 is assessed in YA 2025
• Continuous presence advantage: The 3-year concession is valuable if you're planning a multi-year stay. You gain residency status for all years automatically