Why Singapore's great to live and invest in - HSBC SG

Protecting You from Malware Scams

Malware scams targeting mobile device users are on the rise. We’ve recently introduced anti-malware security features and enhanced our controls to protect you as part of our commitment to safeguard your assets and your financial information.  Click here to read more. 

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to browse this site, you give consent for cookies to be used. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy .

All-in-One Accounts

Credit Cards

Bank Accounts and Savings

Debit Card, Payments & Transfers

Digital Banking

Employee Banking Solutions

Financial Wellbeing

Help and support

Credit Cards

Credit Card Features

Credit Cards Services

Home Loans

Loans

Personal Loans Services

Help and support

Wealth Management

Investments

Foreign Exchange

Financing

Digital Wealth

Planning

Insights

Offers

Help and support

International Wealth Hub

Expat Services

Non-Resident Indian Services

Help and support

Insurance

Savings

Life

Lifestyle

Health

Help and support

Promotions

Credit Cards

Help and support

All-in-One Accounts

Credit Cards

Bank Accounts and Savings

Debit Card, Payments & Transfers

Digital Banking

Employee Banking Solutions

Financial Wellbeing

Help and support

Credit Cards

Credit Card Features

Credit Cards Services

Home Loans

Loans

Personal Loans Services

Help and support

Wealth Management

Investments

Foreign Exchange

Financing

Digital Wealth

Planning

Insights

Offers

Help and support

International Wealth Hub

Expat Services

Non-Resident Indian Services

Help and support

Insurance

Savings

Life

Lifestyle

Health

Help and support

Promotions

Credit Cards

Help and support

Language

Why Singapore is a great place to live and invest in

Singapore is known worldwide for being a great place for expatriates, investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand into Asia. Its development into a financial hub conducive for trade, excellent infrastructure, and a stable, progressive legal and regulatory framework are just some of the reasons that make it appealing. Why invest in Singapore? Let s explore some reasons why the city-state is a great destination for your wealth management needs or even as a new home base for you.

It's a leading financial hub in Asia

The Lion City benefits from government policies that position the country as open to trade, attract foreign direct investment inflows and that welcome overseas business setting up shop on its shores. This has cemented its position as one of Asia's top financial hubs, with many multinational corporations already establishing a pivotal presence here. Singapore is the fourth largest financial centre globally 1 and the third richest in the world 2 . It's home to the biggest foreign exchange (FX) centre in Asia-Pacific and the third largest worldwide, after New York and London 3 . With these international accolades, it's little wonder the country is hailed as the de facto financial capital of the Southeast Asian region.

It's great for companies and businesses

Setting up a company in Singapore will get you access to its infrastructure, which is conducive for both overseas investors and businesses. Investors and businesses have long experienced great ease of doing business in Singapore, and it was voted top in Asia for its efforts in protecting intellectual property 4 and ranks fourth worldwide on the Corruption Perceptions Index 5 .

Wondering how to invest in Singapore? The country's Economic Development Board (EDB) dedicates significant resources towards overseas businesses and individuals to start up here, providing high-quality assistance along the way.

In fact, its efficient regulatory framework makes it hassle-free to incorporate a company or business, which is a big plus if you're an overseas investor. To register your business officially, just submit the company registration form and relevant documents to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA). Once your company's incorporated, you're all set to open a bank account and kick things off.

Business gateway to the world

Singapore's strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia makes its port a major player that is always bustling with activity.

Its proximity to other countries and key markets in the region open up many possibilities for investors and businesses based here. In fact, many Chinese and Australian producers and trading houses have major offices in Singapore, boosting its position as the region's stand-out commodities hub 6 , in case you're wondering what to invest in in Singapore.

Thanks to its stance on promoting international trade and business, Singapore has an extensive 25 free trade agreements in place 7 , many with major global markets, giving investors and businesses based here great access to these important economies.

Prime hub for offshore wealth management

Singapore is appealing to investors as an offshore wealth management hub, with 58% of participants in a 2018 survey conducted by Asian Private Banker rating it as their preferred market, followed by Hong Kong and Switzerland 8 .

This comes as little surprise as the city-state's renowned stability, openness to international investment, and economic strength make it a choice destination for investors, as well as foreign business owners looking to invest in Singapore. The proof is in the pudding: some 76% of the assets under management (AUM) in Singapore in 2019 originated overseas 9 .

Tax system

The little red dot has a tax system that makes it appealing for expatriates and investors. Income tax rates for individuals residing in Singapore are progressive in nature and range between 0% to 22% 10 . Currently, Singapore does not impose capital gains tax, inheritance tax and estate duties. Investors don't have to pay stamp duties when they purchase scripless shares listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, where the transfer of such shares is made by the Central Depository (CDP) via electronic means.

Businesses based in Singapore are subject to a flat corporate income tax rate of 17%. There are various tax incentives and grants available to businesses based in Singapore.

Great quality of life

Besides factors directly related to investments, the quality of life in Singapore is also a big pull. The republic has a stable and progressive political environment promising a secure and peaceful life, as well as a strong workforce that's able to offer employment to individuals in multiple industries and sectors. It also boasts a multiracial and multicultural society that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. These qualities contribute to it being the only country in Asia-Pacific that has received a stellar AAA long-term sovereign rating by Moody's, Fitch and S&P 11 , which represents the highest issuer credit rating given to countries.

Singapore also is home to a world-class education system, which is good news for families looking to relocate or have their children go to school here. It's one of the most popular global destinations for parents considering a well-rounded, rigorous overseas education for their children, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) both ranking 11th among universities worldwide 12 .

All in all, there are so many reasons why moving to Singapore or investing in the Lion City are worth exploring. But most of all, knowing that the country truly welcomes and embraces foreign residents and businesses is perhaps its biggest allure.

1 "The Global Financial Centres Index 26", Long Finance, September 2019

2 "These are the 25 richest countries in the world", Grant Suneson, USA Today, 7 July 2019

3 "Singapore is largest forex centre in Asia, third largest globally", The Straits Times, 1 September 2019

4 Singapore's IP ranking, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

5 Transparency International, 2019

6 "Singapore increases scrutiny on commodity trading and marketing companies", Sowmya Varadharajan, ITR, 30 July 2020

7 Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore

8 "The Role of Singapore as an Offshore Wealth Management Hub", Asian Private Banker, 2018

9 "Singapore-based asset managers' AUM jumps 15/7% last year: MAS survey", Vivien Shiao, The Business Times, 30 September 2020

10 " https://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/Individuals/Locals/Working-Out-Your-Taxes/Income-Tax-Rates/ ", IRAS Singapore

11 Sovereigns Ratings List, Country Economy

12 2020 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings

Looking to invest in Singapore? Find out how we can help you get started.

Connect with us

Help & Support

Find a branch

Frequently Asked Questions

About HSBC

HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited | © Copyright HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited 2023. All rights reserved

This website is designed for use in Singapore. Cross-border disclaimer

• Investing in Stocks and Shares - Singapore
  StashAway is a MAS-licensed investment platform in Singapore that's designed for portfolio and wealth management for all at low fees.
• than half of Singapore's rich investing more in safer assets ...
  Learn more about the basics of investing by getting started with SGX tools and resources to reach your investment goals.
• Singapore Financial Markets
  Singapore is known worldwide for being a great place for expatriates, investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand into Asia. Its development into a ...
• 6 investment options to help you maximise your savings
  Investing tips for beginners in the stock market · #1 Research, research, research · #2 Create a diversified portfolio · #3 Be prepared for the market to dip.
• 5 Questions to Ask Before You Start Investing
  Fidelity in Singapore is a leading investment fund provider on mutual funds, CPF funds and SRS eligible funds. Achieve your investment goals with Fidelity ...
• Why Singapore's great to live and invest in
  6 investment options to help you maximise your savings · Singapore Saving Bonds (SSB) and Corporate Bonds (CB) · Structured Deposits (SD) · Unit Trusts · Real ...
• Rising of Social Responsible Investing in Singapore
  3 smart principles for investing in Singapore · 1) Divide the amount you want to invest into equal amounts and allocate them in bonds/ fixed deposit accounts ...
• Singapore Residence by Investment
  Unit trusts, also known as mutual funds, are funds that pool money from other investors for further investment. When you start investing in Singapore, there's ...
• Best Online Investment Brokerage, Trading Platform ...
  Learn how to identify good quality assets, the benefits of having a diversified portfolio and investing strategies suited to your needs!
• OCBC Investments | Wealth Management Singapore
  Nov 10, 2023 — More than half of Singapore's rich investing more in safer assets like cash, gold: Study ... SINGAPORE – Among the well-heeled in Singapore, more ...