This article is a comprehensive guide for those who want to travel to Singapore for the purpose of visiting or doing business, and these are the most important points and topics that we will address
we will touch on:
An overview of Singapore and why we recommend traveling to Singapore
Doing business in Singapore for Americans in 2025
Things that are prohibited in Singapore
Save money in Singapore
Find job offers in Singapore
Find friends or partners in Singapore
Useful general information for a successful trip to Singapore
Information for your safety in Singapore
Visiting Singapore
Living in Singapore
An overview of Singapore and why we recommend traveling to Singapore
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest and most organized places in the world. What sets it apart is its ability to blend modernity and professionalism with a rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. Despite its small size, it has a significant economic and political influence, as well as being a popular tourist destination.
In Singapore, you'll find remarkably clean streets, strictly enforced laws to maintain order, and an accurate and efficient public transportation system. If you like order and convenience, you're in the right place.
Singapore is a culturally diverse society with a harmonious mix of Malaysians, Chinese, Indians, Indians, and more. This diversity is reflected in the cuisine, festivals, languages spoken, and even the design of buildings.
Whether you're visiting alone or with family, there's always something to surprise you: From the luxurious Marina Bay Sands, to the stunning Gardens by the Bay, to the fun-filled atmosphere of Sentosa Island.
Singapore is known as one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal choice for families and solo travelers alike.
The city is also characterized by the fusion of nature and technology: Plant-draped skyscrapers and vertical gardens dot every corner, giving you the feeling of being in a city of the future.
In short, Singapore is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique blend of sophistication, cleanliness, safety, and cultural diversity.
Doing business in Singapore for Americans
Doing business in Singapore for Americans is possible and relatively straightforward, given that Singapore is considered one of the most business-friendly environments in the world. Here's a clear look at what Arabs should know when considering starting or running a business there:
Why Choose Singapore?
Easy tax regime:
There are no taxes on profits made outside of Singapore, and no capital gains taxes.
Fast incorporation: You can start your business in less than a week, often in a day or two.
Good infrastructure and advanced technology.
Stable legal environment.
Excellent location in Southeast Asia.
Steps to starting a business:
Choosing a company form: A common choice is a limited liability company.
Appoint a resident director: You need to appoint a resident director (Singaporean citizen, permanent resident or holder of an appropriate work visa). You can also hire a temporary resident director through local companies.
Company registration: This is done via ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). You need the following documents:
Proposed company name.
Information on shareholders and directors.
Articles of Association.
Opening a bank account: Most banks in Singapore require a face-to-face interview, but some international banks may make it easier.
Obtain a work visa if you plan to relocate: The most prominent visas are EntrePass for entrepreneurs and Employment Pass for senior management and professionals.
Corporate taxes for Americans:
In Singapore: The basic tax on profits is 17% (with discounts for small businesses in the early years).
In the United States: U.S. citizens must file their taxes even if they are abroad, but they can take advantage of certain programs such as the exclusion of income earned abroad.
Challenges to consider:
Adapting to the local business culture.
Operating costs compared to neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Foreign ownership laws in some industries, but not many.
In short, Singapore is a good place for Arabs looking to expand into Asia. The incorporation process is straightforward and the tax regime is favorable, but you need to plan well for local taxes and take advantage of legal and accounting advice.
Things that are banned in Singapore
Carrying flammable objects in public places is very dangerous
in Singapore and subjecting the perpetrator to fines of more than 5,000 dollars and legal liability
Since 1992, Singapore has banned chewing gum. Why? Because it was being used by some vandals to cause chaos, and sogar glued apuas to their gum! The situation was very disturbing. There are still groups from America trying to convince the government to legalize it again.
But for men. An old law from colonial times prohibits same-sex relationships between men, but not between women (don't ask me why). Although the law prohibits same-sex marriage, homosexuality is not suppressed or penalized. Many people are questioning this law in parliament and calling for its repeal.
The story is a bit more complicated than that. As a foreigner, I'm not allowed to organize or participate in a demonstration to protect the country from foreign influences. For French citizens, we don't feel targeted, but the rule applies to us as well. As for Singaporeans, they can comfortably protest in the small corner of the park in the city center called Speakers' Corner. If they want to demonstrate elsewhere, they have to get approval from the police, which is why demonstrations don't happen very often.
Watching them is another matter. Sites like ---Phub are blocked, but this topic can be bypassed. If you are able to bypass the ban, congratulations. Just don't download or store any pornographic content on your device!
If you forget to flush the toilet in a public restroom, you could be fined S$150.
If you're wondering why the government decided to legislate on such a matter, I invite you to go to the restroom in the dining hall.
You could be caned
Continuing the “Crime and Punishment” series, corporal punishment is still practiced in Singapore for some crimes. If you've done something really stupid, you'd better apply for extradition to France if you don't want to be caned. And we're not talking about small strokes. You are sentenced to a certain number of strokes of the cane, for example 20 strokes of the cane: A caning only counts if it makes you bleed; if it doesn't make you bleed, you're entitled to a double portion.
The smell of durian is so strong that it is banned everywhere: transportation, hotels, airports...
Durian is a fruit that is particularly common in Southeast Asia. However, its odor is so bad that it has not made it to Europe. It is forbidden to take it with you on public transportation and in many public and private places. The odor lingers and is difficult to get rid of.
Save money in Singapore
In many restaurants, the prices on the menu are tax-free, so you have to add a 10% service charge and 7% VAT. If you're eating chicken rice at a local restaurant, things are easy, the prices are around 2 to 3 euros, and you don't need to calculate anything extra. But if you go to a more expensive restaurant, make sure to look at the menu prices, because they usually add a 10% service charge, and you have to add 7% VAT on top of that. To know the total bill, use a calculator and multiply by 1.177.
Search for job offers in Singapore
Visiting Singapore
Safety Information in Singapore
The country is free of infectious diseases, and public and private hospitals are excellent.
If you experience a health emergency, call 995 for an ambulance. Use only official ATMs and avoid sharing your banking information.
You don't need to carry a lot of cash, as most places accept electronic payments.
Public transportation here is safe, even if you're traveling at night.
When taking a taxi or using apps like Grab, check the license plate and the driver's name before boarding.
There are no natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes.
Rain can be heavy at times, but the city is well-equipped to drain water and prevent flooding.
People here are friendly and respectful, but respect privacy and don't photograph anyone without permission.
Try not to raise your voice or engage in public arguments, as this is considered unacceptable behavior.
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 999
Ambulance or Emergency: 995
Tourist Information: 1-800-736-2000
Keep a digital and printed copy of your passport and visa.
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