Budget 2026: Should You Stay in Singapore or Leave?
You're considering your options—stay in Singapore, relocate to London, Dubai, Sydney, or the US. Budget 2026 just gave you fresh data. No new taxes, AAA fiscal health, and a $155B investment in the future—versus rising taxes globally. Here's the honest comparison.
Budget 2026 Guide Series
This article is part of our comprehensive Budget 2026 analysis. Explore guides tailored to your demographic or sector:
Overview
Demographics
Property
Singapore vs The World: Post-Budget Scorecard
| Factor | Singapore (Budget 2026) | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gains tax | 0% | UK: 18-24%, US: 15-20%, Aus: 25-50% |
| Wealth tax | None | France, Spain, Norway have wealth taxes |
| Top income tax | 22% (above $320k) | UK: 45%, US: 37%, Aus: 45% |
| Corporate tax | 17% (40% rebate in 2026) | UK: 25%, US: 21%, Aus: 30% |
| Fiscal surplus | $15.1B (FY2025) | Most countries running deficits |
| Credit rating | AAA | US: AA+, UK: Aa3, Aus: AAA |
| Carbon tax | $45/ton (highest in Asia) | EU: ~€50-100/ton |
| Defence spending | 3% GDP | NATO target: 2% |
What Budget 2026 Signals About Staying
PM Wong explicitly called Singapore a "trusted hub: stable, secure, well-governed." That's a direct pitch to internationally mobile talent. The signals:
- No wealth taxes: While the UK, France, and Nordic countries tighten, Singapore doesn't mention it
- No capital gains tax: Your investments grow tax-free—a massive edge over almost everywhere else
- AI hub positioning: Google, Microsoft, 60+ AI centers of excellence, quantum computing companies choosing Singapore
- Nuclear energy cooperation: Long-term energy security signal—Singapore is planning decades ahead
- $15.1B fiscal surplus: While the US, UK, and EU struggle with debt, Singapore is running surpluses
What Budget 2026 Signals About Leaving
Honesty requires acknowledging the pressure points:
- EP minimum at $6,000: The bar for staying on Employment Pass is rising. If you're borderline, it's a concern
- BEPS Pillar 2 (15% minimum tax): Singapore's corporate tax advantage narrows for MNCs from FY2027
- Highest carbon tax in Asia: Energy costs will keep rising
- Cost of living: Despite payouts, housing and food remain expensive vs most Asian cities
- Property ABSD: 60% for foreigners buying residential property—effectively prohibitive
The Remote Work Angle
If you work remotely for a global company, Budget 2026 reinforces Singapore as an excellent base: zero capital gains on your stock options, strong internet infrastructure, AI hub ecosystem for career growth, and political stability. The 17% corporate tax (with 40% rebate) makes it attractive if you run a consulting entity.
Financial Planning for Mobile Professionals
- SRS: Foreign professionals can contribute $35,700/year for tax deductions, and invest in gold ETFs through SRS
- Portable wealth: Gold is GST-exempt, capital-gains-free, and physically portable. If you might relocate, it travels with you
- Gold vs Bitcoin: For mobile professionals, both serve as jurisdiction-agnostic stores of value. See our Gold vs Bitcoin comparison
Read More Budget 2026 Guides
- Budget 2026: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
- Budget 2026 for High-Income Earners
- Budget 2026 for Foreign Professionals
- Budget 2026 for Investors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore still tax-competitive after Budget 2026?
Yes. Zero capital gains tax, no wealth tax, top income rate 22%, and corporate tax at 17% with 40% rebate. The BEPS Pillar 2 narrows the MNC tax gap slightly, but Singapore's overall tax regime remains among the world's most competitive.
Should I stay in Singapore or relocate after Budget 2026?
Budget 2026 reinforces Singapore's strengths: fiscal surplus, AAA rating, AI hub positioning, and tax stability. The main concerns are rising EP minimums and cost of living. If your career is in AI/tech/finance, Singapore's investment signals strongly favour staying.
How does Singapore compare to Dubai for mobile professionals?
Both have zero income tax for individuals (though Singapore has a progressive rate up to 22%). Singapore offers stronger rule of law, deeper capital markets (SGX-NASDAQ bridge), and better AI infrastructure. Dubai offers lower cost of living and zero income tax. The choice depends on industry and lifestyle.
Does Budget 2026 affect PR application strategy?
Indirectly: higher EP salaries strengthen applications, and community involvement through the SG Partnerships Fund demonstrates integration. The government's tone towards skilled foreign talent remains positive. See our foreign professionals guide.
Is gold a good portable asset for mobile professionals?
Yes. Gold is GST-exempt in Singapore, has no capital gains tax, and is physically portable. Unlike property or CPF, it's not jurisdiction-locked. A 5-15% allocation provides location-independent wealth preservation.