Singapore Tax for UK Expats 2026 -- Personal Income Tax, Treaty and SRS

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026

Singapore tax for UK expats covers a competitive personal income tax regime (lower rates than the UK at most income levels), no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and a well-structured DTC with the UK that eliminates double taxation on most income types. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS, iras.gov.sg) administers all Singapore income tax; the Ministry of Finance Singapore (mof.gov.sg) publishes budget and tax policy documents. Singapore’s resident PIT rates top out at 24% above SGD 1,000,000 -- materially lower than the UK’s 45% additional rate above £125,140. For the full Singapore relocation guide, see our moving to Singapore guide. For UK tax residency rules, see our UK tax residency guide.

UK dividend tax rates changed from 6 April 2026 under the Autumn Budget 2025: ordinary rate 10.75% (was 8.75%), upper rate 35.75% (was 33.75%), additional 39.35% (unchanged) per the OOTLAR at gov.uk. For UK nationals in Singapore who hold UK shares, the new UK dividend rates apply to UK-sourced dividends above the £500 allowance. Under the UK-Singapore DTC (1997, available at gov.uk/guidance/singapore-double-taxation-convention-tax-treaty), dividends from UK companies to Singapore residents are taxable in Singapore under DTC Article 10, with a UK withholding cap of 15%; Singapore then credits the UK withholding against any Singapore tax due on the same dividends. Singapore’s one-tier tax system means corporate tax is the final tax on company profits; dividends paid by Singapore companies to Singapore residents are tax-exempt in the hands of the recipient (no further personal income tax on Singapore dividends). UK dividends received by Singapore residents are treated as foreign income and are within Singapore PIT only where they are remitted to Singapore; Singapore taxes on a remittance basis for some foreign-source income.

Singapore personal income tax rates 2025

Singapore PIT rates for the year of assessment 2025 (income year 2024) per IRAS (iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax): 0% on the first SGD 20,000; 2% on SGD 20,001-30,000; 3.5% on SGD 30,001-40,000; 7% on SGD 40,001-80,000; 11.5% on SGD 80,001-120,000; 15% on SGD 120,001-160,000; 18% on SGD 160,001-200,000; 19% on SGD 200,001-240,000; 19.5% on SGD 240,001-280,000; 20% on SGD 280,001-320,000; 22% on SGD 320,001-500,000; 23% on SGD 500,001-1,000,000; 24% above SGD 1,000,000. At SGD 200,000 income (approximately £118,000 at April 2026 rates of approximately 1.70 SGD/GBP): estimated Singapore PIT is approximately SGD 27,550 (13.8% effective rate). In comparison, the UK income tax + NI on £118,000 in 2025/26 would be approximately £47,408 (40.2% effective rate). This makes Singapore significantly more tax-efficient for UK nationals earning moderate to high incomes. The personal income tax return is filed on Form B1 (for employment income) or Form B (for business/self-employment income); the filing deadline is 15 April for the year of assessment (Y/A 2026 return for income year 2025 is due 15 April 2026).

Singapore tax residency: 183-day rule

Singapore tax residency is determined by IRAS primarily on a duration basis: individuals who are present or employed in Singapore for 183 days or more in a calendar year are treated as tax residents for that year. Individuals present for 60-182 days may be treated as tax residents under the "administrative concession" if they are in Singapore for continuous periods across 2 consecutive years totalling 365+ days. Non-residents are taxed at a flat 22% on most Singapore-source income (15% on employment income where this is higher than the 22% standard rate, as an employment income concession for short-term workers). IRAS publishes the residency rules at iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/basics-of-individual-income-tax/tax-residency-status-of-individuals. UK nationals who move to Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass are typically treated as Singapore tax residents from the start of their employment period; IRAS confirms residency on the basis of the EP/S Pass duration. UK SRT non-residency (fewer than 16 UK days per year for those recently UK-resident) and Singapore tax residency can apply simultaneously for the same tax year; the UK-Singapore DTC tie-breaker (Article 4) resolves dual residency using the sequential permanent home/centre of vital interests/habitual abode/nationality test.

Central Provident Fund (CPF) obligations for UK expats

The Central Provident Fund (CPF, cpf.gov.sg) is Singapore’s mandatory social security savings scheme for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Employment Pass (EP) holders (the work pass category used by most professional UK expats) are not required to make CPF contributions; CPF applies only to Singapore Citizens and PRs. When a UK expat transitions from EP holder to Singapore PR (available after 6+ months of EP employment, subject to Ministry of Manpower approval), CPF contributions commence: employer contribution 17% of monthly wages; employee contribution 20% for those under 55 (CPF Act 2022 contribution schedule confirmed at cpf.gov.sg/employer/employer-obligations/how-much-cpf-contributions-to-pay). UK expats who are not Singapore PRs (i.e., those on EP or S Pass) avoid CPF obligations; they may instead contribute to the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) voluntarily. UK expats who intend to remain in Singapore long-term should assess the EP-to-PR transition and CPF contribution implications; CPF provides retirement security (funds can be withdrawn at age 55/65) but represents a significant proportion of Singapore employment costs for the employer.

Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) for UK expats

The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary tax-advantaged savings scheme for Singapore residents, including Employment Pass holders. UK expats on EPs can contribute up to SGD 35,700 per year to an SRS account (confirmed by the Ministry of Finance Singapore at mof.gov.sg/policies/the-supplementary-retirement-scheme); contributions are deductible from Singapore assessable income in the year made. Investment earnings within the SRS grow tax-deferred; withdrawals from age 63 are subject to Singapore income tax at 50% of the withdrawal amount (i.e., only 50% of each SRS withdrawal is included in taxable income). The SGD 35,700 limit applies to foreigners (Singapore Citizens and PRs can contribute up to SGD 15,300 per year). IRAS confirms SRS tax deductibility at iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/deductions-for-individuals/personal-reliefs/supplementary-retirement-scheme-srs-relief. Compared to the UK SIPP, SRS contributions are limited (SGD 35,700 versus UK SIPP annual allowance of £60,000 for 2025/26); but the combination of lower Singapore PIT rates and SRS deduction makes SRS cost-effective for UK expats in Singapore with Singapore-taxable income above the personal relief threshold.

Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Singapore GST is 9% from 1 January 2024 (increased from 8% in 2023, following increases from 7% in 2022 per the GST Act Singapore). GST applies to most goods and services in Singapore; businesses with annual taxable turnover above SGD 1,000,000 must register for GST and charge GST on Singapore-supply goods and services. UK expats running Singapore businesses above the registration threshold must register with IRAS (iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/basics-of-gst/registering-for-gst) and file quarterly GST returns. Certain supplies are GST-zero-rated (exports, international services) or GST-exempt (residential leases, most financial services). Singapore’s GST at 9% compares to UK VAT at 20%; UK expats who are transitioning a UK-VAT-registered business to Singapore should deregister from UK VAT where UK-taxable turnover falls below the £88,000 deregistration threshold and register for Singapore GST where the SGD 1,000,000 threshold is met.

UK source income for Singapore residents

UK nationals in Singapore remain subject to UK income tax on UK-source income. UK rental income is taxed via the NRLS at 22% basic rate from 6 April 2026 per the Autumn Budget 2025 OOTLAR (up from 20% previously). UK private pension income is taxable in Singapore under DTC Article 17(1); an NT code from HMRC is required to receive it gross. UK government service pensions (NHS, civil service, teachers) are taxable only in the UK under DTC Article 17(2). UK dividends above the £500 allowance are taxed at the new UK rates from 6 April 2026 (10.75%/35.75%/39.35%), with the 15% UK withholding credited against Singapore PIT on the same dividends under DTC Article 10. Singapore does not tax foreign-sourced income that is not remitted to Singapore for individuals (tax residents and non-residents alike); UK-source income received directly into a UK bank account and not remitted to Singapore is generally outside Singapore PIT for Singapore tax residents. However, the remittance exemption for foreign-sourced income in Singapore is subject to specific conditions and has been subject to periodic review by IRAS; UK expats should confirm the current Singapore remittance basis rules with a Singapore-qualified tax adviser. IRAS’s guidance on foreign-sourced income at iras.gov.sg is the primary reference.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax, legal, financial or immigration advice. Rules and rates change; verify with the primary sources cited or consult a qualified adviser before acting.

FAQ

What income tax rate do UK expats pay in Singapore?

Singapore residents pay PIT from 2% to 24% (above SGD 1,000,000) on Singapore-sourced income per IRAS (iras.gov.sg). At SGD 200,000 income (approximately £118,000), the effective Singapore PIT rate is approximately 13.8%. Non-residents pay a flat 22% on most Singapore-sourced employment income. Singapore has no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. UK-source income is generally outside Singapore PIT if not remitted to Singapore.

Does Singapore have a capital gains tax?

No. Singapore has no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. Gains from the sale of shares, property, and investments are not taxed in Singapore regardless of the holding period or the seller’s tax residency. This is a significant advantage for UK expats who hold UK or Singapore equity portfolios; gains accrued during Singapore residency are not subject to Singapore tax on disposal. UK CGT on UK property (NRCGT) may still apply to UK residential property gains regardless of Singapore residency.

What is the SRS and how much can I contribute?

The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary tax-advantaged savings scheme for Singapore residents including Employment Pass holders. Annual SRS contribution limit for foreigners is SGD 35,700 (Ministry of Finance Singapore, mof.gov.sg); contributions are deductible from Singapore assessable income. Investment in the SRS grows tax-deferred; withdrawals from age 63 include only 50% of the amount in taxable income. IRAS confirms SRS deductibility at iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/deductions-for-individuals/personal-reliefs/supplementary-retirement-scheme-srs-relief.

Do Employment Pass holders pay CPF in Singapore?

No. CPF contributions apply only to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents; Employment Pass (EP) holders are explicitly excluded from CPF obligations (cpf.gov.sg/employer). When an EP holder transitions to Singapore Permanent Resident status, CPF contributions commence at employer 17% + employee 20% for those under 55. UK expats on EPs who do not seek PR status have no CPF obligations and may instead contribute to the SRS voluntarily for retirement savings tax relief.

How are UK dividends taxed for Singapore residents?

Under UK-Singapore DTC Article 10, UK dividends to Singapore residents are taxable in Singapore; the UK may withhold at a treaty-capped rate of 15%. Singapore credits the 15% UK withholding against any Singapore PIT due on the same dividends. UK dividend tax rates changed from 6 April 2026 to 10.75% ordinary, 35.75% upper, 39.35% additional per the Autumn Budget 2025 OOTLAR. Singapore residents who receive UK dividends not remitted to Singapore may be outside Singapore PIT on those dividends under Singapore’s remittance exemption for foreign-sourced income (confirm with IRAS guidance).

When do I file my Singapore income tax return?

The Singapore income tax return filing deadline is 15 April for the year of assessment (e.g., the Y/A 2026 return for income year 2025 is due 15 April 2026). Employment income is typically auto-assessed by IRAS using employer-submitted data; taxpayers who receive pre-filled returns check and file online via myTax Portal at mytax.iras.gov.sg. Individuals with business, rental, or foreign-source income file Form B (income year 2025 data). Tax assessments are issued by IRAS; any tax due must be paid within 30 days of the notice of assessment.

Sources

1. IRAS -- Individual income tax: residency and PIT rates (verified 26 April 2026)
2. Ministry of Finance Singapore -- SRS scheme and contribution limits (verified 26 April 2026)
3. CPF Board -- Contribution rates for employers and employees (verified 26 April 2026)
4. GOV.UK -- UK-Singapore Double Taxation Convention (1997) (verified 26 April 2026)
5. GOV.UK -- Autumn Budget 2025 OOTLAR (dividend and rental income rate changes) (verified 26 April 2026)