Singapore Income Tax Tips & Tricks 3

Query: Does everyone here come to Singapore on an expat pacakge? If so, how did you get this kind of package? - Pat

Tip: No, a lot of people come over to Singapore on "full local terms". Some foreigners come over to Singapore on "full expat terms" ie. they are given a housing allowance, car allowance, club membership, relocation allowance, have their children's international school fees paid by the company etc. (Note - these expat benefits may not be offered by every MNC and financial institution in Singapore. Every company is different in terms of the benefits that they offer to their staff.) Others are employed on "semi-expat terms" ie. they are given a housing allowance by the company but generally receive standard benefits like the locals eg. medical and hospital insurance, CPF etc. A large number of Australians, New Zealanders, Indians and Brits, not to mention other nationalities, are employed on full local terms. Some of these people are happy to come over to Singapore to work because of the low tax rate here or for lifestyle reasons or because they've always wanted to work in Asia.

Many people have a stereotyped image in their minds that anyone who looks "white" and works in Singapore must be on a huge expat package. This is far from the truth. I personally know a lot of Europeans, Australians and New Zealanders who came over to Singapore on full local terms and are sharing a house or condo with 2 or 3 other expats.

If you want to receive some expat perks in your package, you have to negotiate these things up front with your employer before you sign the dotted line and accept the job offer. I always encourage candidates to be open about their current salary packages and to tell me what sort of package they are looking for in their next job. It doesn't hurt to ask for a housing allowance up front. You can always try to get as much out of your employer as possible. The worst thing that can happen is that they say "No". If the company really wants to hire you and think that you're a great candidate, quite often they'll be willing to negotiate with you. It all depends on how good you are and how keen they are to hire you.
- submitted by HR Manager