Singapore Overview
Singapore is considered one of the world’s best places to live, and is frequently voted best Asian city due to its excellent infrastructure and public services. It is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world if measured by GDP per capita.
The Republic of Singapore consists of Singapore Island and 57 small neighbouring islands, located close to the equator, resulting in a tropical climate. Singapore was originally founded as a British trading colony in the early 19thcentury and gained independence in 1965. Today it has emerged as a world-class destination with its multi-racial and multi-cultural society. Singapore is a city state, with a rich mixture of cultures that exist in harmony in an organized community.
Singapore has excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art telecommunication, business and financial facilities. The country has grown into an international financial centre, evidenced by the presence of many international banks and the volume of financial transactions which take place in this thriving city. Singapore is an exception to other large cities by virtue of the fact that it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, where even littering is punishable by law.
Over the last 20 years the Singaporean government has made great efforts to attract talent and exceptional human capital to facilitate the continued growth of its economy. However, in the past few years the government has increased the requirements for incoming talent and has slowed the number of Employment Passes and Permanent Residence approvals. Additionally, the rules of the Global Investor Programme have been tightened, making it more difficult for entrepreneurs to move to Singapore.
English is the predominant language in Singapore and is used specifically in administration, business and technology. Singapore is politically stable, as well as economically prosperous, and offers an extensive and reputable education system and a highly reliable healthcare system. A stroll down the famous Orchard Road provides the evidence that Singapore attracts affluence. This factor, combined with the high quality of service and quality of life, makes it an ideal environment for residence and business.
Citizenship in Singapore
The Singapore passport is the strongest travel document in the world. It provides the holder with visa-free access to 189 countries, including the Europe (EU), the Schengen area, the United States of America (US), Canada, China and others.
After two years of permanent residence in Singapore, it is possible to apply for Singaporean citizenship.
Singapore is a single citizenship country and this is strictly enforced. For this reason, Singapore is not attractive if you are interested in holding more than one citizenship and passport.