Singapore
Singapore is a small but highly developed island city-state located in Southeast Asia, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Despite its compact size (just over 700 square kilometers), Singapore is a a model of urban planning, governance, and multiculturalism.
Singapore is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Despite its small geographic size, it plays a disproportionately large role in global finance, thanks to its strategic location, strong regulatory environment, political stability, and global connectivity.
Over 70% of Singapore's GDP is driven by the services sector, which includes professional services, finance, and tourism.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Singapore is often described as modern, safe, and cosmopolitan, blending Eastern traditions with Western conveniences. It’s a highly livable city with a high standard of living, excellent public services, and a multicultural environment — though it can also be fast-paced and expensive in certain areas.
In Singapore, people enjoy a wide range of pastimes that reflect the country’s multicultural heritage, urban lifestyle, and love of food, shopping, and nature.
Transport in Singapore is known for being efficient, affordable, clean, and well-organized. The country has developed a world-class, integrated transport system that includes extensive public transport, private vehicles, taxis, and active mobility options like walking and cycling.
Work Permits
If you're not a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident, you generally need a work permit (often called a “work pass” or “employment pass” depending on your job situation) in order to work legally in Singapore.
A Dependant’s Pass allows spouses (and certain children) of work pass holders to live in Singapore
Once a role in Singapore is secured, your employer will apply and pay for your work/dependent permit, which are typically able to be processed and approved within 4 weeks.
Remuneration
“Law firm remuneration” in Singapore depends a lot on things like the law firm’s size, its reputation (local, regional, international, “magic circle”, US firms etc.), the practice area, and how many years post qualification experience (PQE) someone has.
The offshore law firms offer very competitive salaries, with mid-level associates likely drawing salaries between SGD$180 -$250K + bonus/benefits.
Accommodation
The cost of renting accomodation varies a lot depending on location, size, amenities, how luxurious the building is, how close you are to MRT / CBD etc.
A 2 3 bedroom apartment in central districts with good amenities will likely cost between SGD 6,000 10,000+.
1-2 month’s rent is typically required for a deposit, plus first month’s rent in advance.
Weather
Singapore’s climate is pretty consistent year-round because it’s located near the equator.
The weather is hot and humid with temperatures typically ranging between 24oC at night-time and up to 34oC during the day. Airconditioning is popular!
Intense (but short-lived) rain showers are experienced near daily, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Travel to/from
Traveling to and from Singapore is super convenient, thanks to its excellent transport links.
Changi Airport (SIN) is Singapore’s main international gateway. It is one of the world’s best airports, with flights to/from virtually every continent.
Changi Airport is about 20 to 25 kilometers east of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), which typically takes around 20-30 mins by car or 30-40 mins by MRT.
Principle areas of demand
Corporate / Commercial
Investment Funds
Litigation
Trust / Private Client
Corporate Finance
Shopping
Residential and Commercial Property
Interesting Facts
Despite being a vibrant urban hub, Singapore is one of the world’s greenest cities, with around 50% of its land covered in nature reserves, parks, and skyrise greenery. Known as the Garden City, Singapore is working toward becoming a “city in a garden”, with popular green spaces including the Gardens by the Bay and the massive Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Singapore is a rare city-state, like Monaco and Vatican City, meaning it is both a country and a city with its own government. As a city-state, Singapore is small—it’s the smallest country in Southeast Asia.



