1. Cross-Border Tax & Compliance
Singapore has a highly attractive territorial tax regime. However, as an expat, you must navigate your home country’s global tax liabilities. We specialize in structuring portfolios to manage tax efficiency:
- FATCA & US Tax Planning: Helping US citizens construct IRS-compliant portfolios that minimize PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) punitive taxation.
- European & UK Pension Repatriation: Advising UK expats on QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) and QNUPS to protect UK pension growth.
- Australian Expat Advisory: Structuring assets to manage Australia's non-resident tax rules, CGT tax locks, and superannuation choices.
2. Expat Retirement & SRS Optimization
Expats in Singapore do not have CPF contributions by default, meaning retirement funding is self-directed. We optimize local and international schemes to maximize savings:
- Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS): Foreigners can contribute up to SGD 35,700 annually to SRS, which reduces local taxable income. We advise on how to invest SRS cash beyond the default 0.05% bank rate into low-cost portfolio funds. To learn more about SRS optimization rules and early retirement sum gaps, read our strategic analysis on the CPF & SRS Early Retirement Bridge.
- Tax-Efficient Withdrawal: Foreigners can withdraw SRS funds penalty-free after 10 years from the date of the first contribution. We design withdrawal models to capture the 50% tax exemption rule.
- Portable Pensions: Establishing offshore saving portfolios that are fully portable, allowing you to continue growing capital if you relocate or repatriate home.
3. International Health & Protection
Healthcare in Singapore is world-class but can be extremely expensive for non-citizens who do not qualify for subsidized public rates. We review and set up global health structures, partnering with specialized international networks like International Expat Medical to secure tailored worldwide protection plans:
- Worldwide Coverage Plans: Sourcing health insurance that covers you locally in Singapore and when traveling globally or visiting family in your home country.
- Excluding/Including USA Cover: Tailoring policies to include or exclude US medical zones to optimize premiums.
- Company Benefit Audits: Checking if your corporate group insurance leaves gaps in critical illness or long-term disability, and supplementing with cheap portable plans.
4. Property Financing for Foreigners & Expats
Acquiring real estate in Singapore involves specific regulatory filters for non-citizens. Associated with Singapore Mortgage Brokers, LINC advises on financing options:
- Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): Foreigners face a standard 60% ABSD on residential properties, but citizens of specific countries under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like the US, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are exempt and pay local rates.
- Expat Home Loans: Setting up bank mortgage packages with flexible currencies and optimal LTV (Loan-to-Value) splits.
Why Choose LINC for Expat Wealth Management?
Our branch directors, Rainer Ackbari (with background in US/German corporate banking) and Oliver Doss (30 years of global market banking), are expatriates themselves who reside in Singapore. We understand the specific concerns regarding offshore assets, cross-border moves, and global asset management firsthand.