Singapore: a popular destination

22 November 2015

It is official; Singapore is equally as popular amongst professionals desiring to relocate and those who actually do move for their careers. Attracted to the country’s economic and job prospects, Singapore remains popular amongst global professionals.



Ranked in third position for cities that professionals actually relocate to, Singapore’s financial hub is one of the world’s largest and possibly plays a key role in attracting both companies and professionals. For companies, the country’s location presents a gateway to further expand into nearby markets. For professionals, alongside the wealth of career opportunities, Singapore is an ideal destination for individuals and families to enjoy a less hectic lifestyle, as weekend trips to exotic locations such as Bali are always tempting.


The World Bank also views Singapore as a global hotspot after naming it ‘Best country in the world for doing business'. This is mainly due to the open and highly-competitive markets that permit individuals to start new businesses within three days. In addition, there are no tariffs on imports, and foreign and domestic businesses are equally regulated, which presents an even platform for everyone to succeed.


Simon Walker, Hydrogen Group’s COO for APAC said: “Many companies have their APAC headquarters in Singapore, which brings new career opportunities for professionals. Although Singapore is an expensive city, rental costs are reducing and it is a very family-orientated with good schools, lots of outdoor activities and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.”


With such obvious benefits, it’s with little wonder that Singapore continues to thrive and remain a firm favourite with global professionals. In spite of it being an expensive city, research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) confirms that foreign workers, who currently make up 38% of the total population, are still willing to relocate to Singapore for an indefinite period of time to have a successful career, whilst living a higher quality lifestyle.

Our latest insights

by Mani Rakhra • 5 October 2026
We hosted a roundtable in Bangkok recently. A couple of hours in, the debate was flowing and so was the wine, which in hindsight deserved more of the budget than we gave it. Then someone asked a very simple question: If an AI agent is doing a job in your organisation, who actually manages it? And who is accountable when it gets something wrong? It was probably the question from the evening that has stayed with me the most.
by Millie MacEacharn • 28 September 2026
Laya Aoun-Hani is a partner in Baker McKenzie's EMEA International Commercial & Trade Practice Group.
by Millie MacEacharn • 12 August 2026
Tom helps clients with Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands law, focusing on investment funds (including hedge funds, venture capital funds and private equity funds).
by Millie MacEacharn • 28 July 2026
Raya Alkhatib is a highly accomplished Corporate Partner and the Head of the Corporate and M&A Practice at Bird & Bird’s Riyadh office. She offers sophisticated, market-leading counsel on a comprehensive range of corporate matters for both international and local clients.
Show More