Expats In Singapore Embrace Financial Freedom, But Complexities Raise A Frown – Study

Editorial Staff

10 July 2026

A report by St James's Place Asia – part of UK-headquartered – says that a majority of expats living in Singapore think life abroad accelerates financial freedom (93 per cent) and retirement (83 per cent).

While the report casts the Asian city-state in a positive light, it also points to cross-border complexities. Many expats in Singapore experience difficulties managing assets and wealth across borders. Exposure to currency volatility is the biggest barrier to accumulating wealth, affecting 85 per cent of expats.

Another common barrier includes limited access to preferred investment products (83 per cent). The high cost of living in the city-state and insufficient time to manage finances (both 82 per cent), add further pressure.

Such reports add to a positive image of Singapore – with some caveats. On 1 July, , a firm advising people about residency and citizenship, issued its Global Passport Index 2026, showing that Singapore has held a perfect mobility score of 100 every year since 2021 and ranks first globally on investment. However, it sits at 10th overall, held back by quality of life. The Index ranks 197 countries on mobility, investment, and quality of life.

In its report, St James’s Place Asia said the financial uplift enjoyed by expats allows many to accelerate life goals, such as financial freedom or retirement. More than half (57 per cent) of Singapore respondents believe achieving financial freedom would have taken at least five years longer had they never lived overseas. Some 59 per cent think that living abroad will bring forward their retirement by at least three years.

An overwhelming number of expats say they are in a stronger financial position overseas: 96 per cent earn more than they would in their home country and 97 per cent save more each month after expenses.

The report also found that expats were happy to settle in the city-state for the long run; 78 per cent planned to stay for at least eight years, half said they will likely only return to their home country upon retirement, and 16 per cent were unlikely to return at all.

Wealthier expats are the most likely to settle overseas permanently, the report added.