Singapore Tops Julius Baer’s Global Lifestyle Index—Again. But This Crown Comes with a Price (Tag)

For the third consecutive year, Singapore has clinched the title of world’s most expensive city for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025. And while most cities would buckle under such a title, the Lion City wears it like a bespoke suit from Savile Row—tailored, intentional, and silently audacious.

But behind the polite smiles and gleaming skyline is a city quietly waging a war—a war for talent, trust, and tenacity. And make no mistake: the prize is permanent residency (or Citizenship for some). As the cost of high-end living dips globally, Singapore’s position at the top only hardens the competition for those looking to secure their long-term foothold in the city-state.

A Pricey Paradise—Why HNWIs Still Flock to Singapore

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Singapore is expensive. In fact, private school fees rose 12.1%, hotel suites climbed 10.3%, and business class flights surged by 17% in SGD . And yet, HNW and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals are still queuing up—not just at Raffles for cocktails, but at the ICA for PR and/or Citizenship status.

Why?

Because Singapore offers something more valuable than luxury—it offers certainty.

In a world teetering on trade wars, political overreach, and generational handovers of wealth, Singapore provides the three things money can’t easily buy: 1) Safety

2) Credibility, and

3) A future-proof financial ecosystem.

The city’s reputation for clean governance, rule of law, family-friendly services, and regional connectivity makes it irresistible for globally mobile elites who want their wealth—and their children—to grow somewhere stable.

The Great Immigration Squeeze: When Luxury Meets Meritocracy

Here’s the rub. As more HNWIs pivot their lifestyle strategies from conspicuous consumption to sustainable legacy planning, Singapore is not just a base. It’s a brand. And everyone wants in.

That’s where the problem starts: the competition for permanent residency and Citizenship has never been more brutal.

Intergenerational wealth is shifting. Julius Baer notes that Asia will generate 47.5% of new HNWIs between 2025 and 2028, with India and China leading the surge. These new elites are not just richer—they’re younger, savvier, and more willing to tick all of ICA’s boxes: financial independence, integration, contribution, and commitment.

And so, we have a paradox: Singapore attracts the world’s wealthiest, but grants permanence to only the most aligned.

Long Term Residence in Singapore Isn’t Just a Form—It’s a Strategy

In this climate, immigration is no longer a compliance function—it’s a branding exercise, a diplomatic essay, a forensic audit of one’s financial, social, and moral capital.

And this is where firms like Elite Expats rise above the noise.

While others spam templates or rely on hope and HNW bank statements, Elite Expats plays the long game. We don’t just submit your PR application—we curate your Singapore story.

• Are you a founder contributing to the fintech ecosystem? We’ll anchor you to MAS and SGX narratives.

• A philanthropist funding marine science? We’ll link your cause to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.

• A family office principal with ties to healthcare? Let’s talk about SGH endowments and future-ready infrastructure.

  
  

Elite Expats’ secret? We turn your wealth into relevance—and your relevance into residence.

Final Thoughts: From Rich to Rooted

Yes, Singapore is expensive. But in a fragmented, uncertain world, it remains one of the few places where a life well-lived can also be a life well-grounded.

The Julius Baer report is clear: the global luxury index may be wobbling, but Singapore’s grip on the affluent psyche remains firm. From digital wellness to education, from law firms to leisure, the Lion City continues to demand a premium—not just for living well, but for belonging.

For those who truly want to anchor themselves here, Elite Expats is not just an immigration firm—it’s your strategic concierge to permanence.

Because in a city where everything costs more, getting it right from the start is priceless.

This article is part of the Elite Expats series spotlighting immigration, wealth, and identity in Asia’s most strategic city-state.

Muhammad Ryhan has extensive experience in facilitating successful pathways for individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds into Singapore  - having consistently delivered tailored solutions that align with Singapore's dynamic immigration landscape. He has provided expert insights on prominent media platforms like The Straits Times, The Business Times, and Thomson Reuters since 2014 and has ingrained into his work ethics unparalleled dedication to ensuring that your immigration journey is not just seamless but strategically aligned with your goals.

To find out how Elite Expats can help you secure your PR or Citizenship in Singapore, connect with us today.