🇸🇬 Singapore vs 🇯🇵 Japan
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Non-Permanent Resident |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0-24% | 5-45% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% (foreign, NPR) |
| Corporate Tax | 17% | 23-30% |
| Residency Requirement | EntrePass or Employment | Various visas |
| Minimum Stay | 183 days for tax residency | NPR status first 5 years |
| Cost of Living | Very High ($4,000-7,000/mo) | High ($2,500-4,500/mo) |
🇸🇬 Singapore
Highlights
- ✅Zero capital gains tax
- ✅Territorial system
- ✅World-class infrastructure
- ✅English speaking
- ✅Global finance hub
Considerations
- ⚠️Very expensive
- ⚠️Hard to get residency
- ⚠️Hot and humid
Best For
- 👤High earners
- 👤Entrepreneurs
- 👤Finance professionals
🇯🇵 Japan
Highlights
- ✅NPR regime excludes foreign gains
- ✅Amazing culture
- ✅Safe country
- ✅Great infrastructure
- ✅Digital nomad visa coming
Considerations
- ⚠️High taxes after NPR ends
- ⚠️Language barrier
- ⚠️Complex bureaucracy
Best For
- 👤Culture enthusiasts
- 👤First 5 years tax planning
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Singapore if: You prioritize zero capital gains tax and territorial system. Ideal for high earners, entrepreneurs, finance professionals.
Choose Japan if: You prioritize npr regime excludes foreign gains and amazing culture. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, first 5 years tax planning.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.