AskGuru Q&A Community

**If you live overseas for 3 to 5 years, you will generally be treated as a tax non-resident by IRAS, and your net rental income will be taxed at the flat non-resident rate of 24% (not the progressive resident rate)**.

Under Singapore tax law, citizenship alone does not automatically grant you tax residency.

---

### 1. How IRAS Determines Your Tax Residency

Under Section 2 of the Income Tax Act, an individual is a **tax resident** in Singapore for a Year of Assessment (YA) only if they:

* Are physically present or employed in Singapore for **at least 183 days** in the preceding calendar year, OR
* Reside in Singapore, except for temporary absences that are reasonable and consistent with being a resident.

An absence of **3 to 5 continuous years** living and working/staying abroad is considered long-term, not a "temporary absence". Consequently, for the calendar years you are based abroad, IRAS will classify you as a **tax non-resident**.

---

### 2. How Your Rental Income Will Be Taxed

* **Non-Resident Tax Rate (24%):** As a non-resident, your Singapore-sourced rental income is subject to a flat **24% tax rate** on your **net rental income** (no personal tax reliefs apply).
* **You Are Taxed on Net, Not Gross Rent:** You do not pay 24% on the total rent collected. You can deduct:
* **15% Deemed Rental Expense** (a flat 15% deduction on gross rent without receipts), OR
* **Actual Allowable Expenses:** Property tax, mortgage interest (interest portion only), fire insurance, agent commissions, and maintenance/repairs.

* **Foreign Income is Safe:** Any foreign salary or savings earned abroad remains completely exempt from Singapore tax.

---

### 3. Crucial Property Tax Reminder

The moment you rent out the whole flat and cease living there:

* Your **Property Tax** shifts from the concessionary *Owner-Occupier Rate* (0%–16%) to the **Non-Owner-Occupier Rate (11%–27% of Annual Value)**.
* Notify IRAS via myTax Portal within **15 days** of the tenancy start date to avoid backdated penalties.

---

Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®

MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)

CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 88899918 

Email: onassis@sgagent.com

SGAgent.com | SGRealtor.com | SGCommercial.com | SGCBD.com

SGShowflat.com | SGNewLaunch.com

Integrated Services: SGCash.com | SGRepair.com | SGLegal.com

Social (Facebook & TikTok): @sgcommercial Read More

Hi there!

Since you're planning to live overseas for three to five years while renting out your entire property, I would strongly recommend checking directly with IRAS regarding your tax residency status and the applicable income tax treatment.

Rather than relying on general advice, it's better to obtain clarification from IRAS based on your specific circumstances, particularly given the duration of your intended overseas stay.

From a property perspective, if you're referring to an HDB flat that has fulfilled its MOP, you'll still need to meet HDB's prevailing eligibility requirements and obtain approval before renting out the entire flat.

You should also factor in property maintenance, management arrangements and the practical responsibilities of being an overseas landlord.

**My suggestion is to settle the tax clarification with IRAS first, then work out whether the expected rental returns make financial sense for your plans.**

All the best!

Geryl Lim
CEA Reg No: R014783H
 9278 7772  Read More

1. Being a Singaporean doesn't automatically mean you'll qualify for resident tax rates while living overseas. Your tax residency depends on your circumstances, so confirm with IRAS before assuming you'll pay 24%.

2. Your Singapore rental income remains taxable even when you're living abroad. Check whether the resident progressive rates or non-resident rate applies to your situation and which allowable rental expenses you can claim.

3. Remember that renting out your entire property may also increase your property tax because you can no longer enjoy the owner-occupier property tax rates.

4. If it's an HDB flat, make sure you meet HDB's requirements for renting out the whole flat after MOP and obtain the necessary approval.

5. Before leaving, clarify your income tax treatment with IRAS and arrange someone reliable to manage repairs, tenants and rental matters while you're overseas.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin

WhatsApp me at >> ✔✔9856 9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255.
-----------------------99Years------------------------999Years---------------------->>>
IF YOU NEED more assistance with PROPERTY matters such as RENTING, SELLING, BUYING, or INVESTING, I’m here to help.
WhatsApp me at ✔✔ ABLE TOH (65) 9856 9255  , Property Agent (Director ) or via this link:
* https://wa.me/6598569255
* Unfortunately, this platform does not allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me on WhatsApp.
* ✔✔✔You can READ my REVIEWS here:Able S K Toh
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* For PRIVATE HOME BUYERS
* ✔✔ I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ZERO charge
* ✔✔ Most PRIVATE seller agents are willing to share commission with buyer agents
* DEVELOPER SALES TEAM
* ✔✔ BEST PRICES ✔✔ NO AGENT FEES
* ✔✔ LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED
* For UPDATED INFO, E BROCHURE, FLOOR PLAN, and PRICE LIST for New Launches Condominium in Singapore, contact me directly.
* ✔✔ Connect Singapore Line (ABLE TOH): (65) 9856 9255  , Property Agent (Director )
* ✔✔ WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔ Email: Able.selling@gmail.com
* ---///------
* CHINESE VERSION // 中文版本
* 如需房产相关协助，
* 包括出租、出售、购买或投资，
* 欢迎联系我。
* ✔✔ 房地产经纪（董事) 诗强:/ABLE TOH (65)9856 9255 
* WhatsApp：https://wa.me/6598569255
* ✔✔✔查看我的客户评价：
* Able S K Toh,房地产经纪（董事) 诗强
* https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591
* 私人住宅买家服务
* ✔✔ 协助转售及新私人住宅
* ✔✔ 买家无需中介费
* 发展商销售团队
* ✔✔ 最优惠价格
* ✔✔ 无中介费
* ✔✔ 保证最低价
* 新推出私人公寓资料、电子手册、户型图及价格表，
* 欢迎随时联系。
* ✔✔ 新加坡联系号码（ABLE TOH）/ 诗强：（65）9856-9255
* ✔✔ 电子邮箱：Able.selling@gmail.com
* --------------- 结束 / The END ------------------ Read More