Singapore Budget 2025: What Business Owners, Investors and Entrepreneurs Need to Know

Singapore Budget 2025 A Budget for All, A Future for Everyone

 

Key Takeaways at a Glance

  • Government Listens on Rising Costs – Significant tax concessions and rebates to support businesses big and small, helping ease cost pressures.
  • Enhanced Incentives & Support – More funding for hiring, workforce training, AI adoption, R&D, and business expansion, ensuring businesses stay ahead.
  • Business-Friendly Approach – While other economies tighten belts, Singapore doubles down on pro-business policies, reinforcing its role as a global hub for innovation and investment.
  • The Trade-Offs – Rising CPF contributions mean higher business costs, but generous tax breaks, grants, and incentives far outweigh the increases.
  • Opportunities for Growth – $1B Private Credit Growth Fund, AI & digital transformation grants, and global expansion support make now the time to scale and invest.
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As Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary (SG60), Budget 2025 arrives at a critical juncture, setting the stage for both near-term relief and long-term economic resilience. With a strong fiscal position and a strong surplus of $6.8 billion (0.9% of GDP), expectations were high for a pre-election budget that addresses cost-of-living concerns, workforce upskilling, and business growth, while reinforcing Singapore’s status as a global economic hub.

 

Under Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, Budget 2025 was widely anticipated to introduce tax rebates, enhanced CDC vouchers, targeted support for families, and strategic incentives for businesses and sustainability-driven initiatives. 

 

Given the pre-election context and SG60 celebrations, many expected a generous budget that would not only provide immediate relief but also bolster economic stability and social cohesion for the years ahead.

Beyond direct financial support, businesses looked forward to enhanced grants, tax incentives, and pro-growth policies aimed at strengthening innovation, attracting foreign investment, and developing a future-ready workforce.

 

Now that the budget has been unveiled, the key question is: Has it delivered on these expectations? What measures have been introduced to support Singaporeans and businesses alike?

“Let’s move onward together for a better tomorrow.” These words from PM Wong set the tone for a budget that strengthens social unity, enhances economic opportunities, and prepares Singapore for the future.

 

In this blog, we break down how Budget 2025 aligns with these goals, examining its key policies and their impact—paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Singapore.

1. Business & Global Expansion: Strengthening Singapore as a Corporate Hub

Singapore Budget 2025 (5)

Singapore continues to attract global businesses, startups, and high-growth enterprises. Budget 2025 focuses on AI, technology, financing, and global expansion to ensure that companies can scale, innovate, and thrive.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • Encouraging AI & Technology Adoption:
      • Singapore remains home to top global tech firms, including leaders in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
      • New $150M Enterprise Compute Initiative to help companies adopt AI-powered solutions for business transformation.

 

  • R&D & Innovation Boosts:
      • New National Semiconductor R&D Facility to support innovation in semiconductor technology.
      • Upgrade of one-north’s biotech infrastructure to enhance biosciences, medtech, and life sciences research.
      • New tax incentives for businesses investing in AI, semiconductors, and life sciences R&D.

 

  • Scaling Up & Global Expansion:
    • New $1B Private Credit Growth Fund to provide financing options for high-growth enterprises.
    • Expansion of internationalization and M&A support schemes to help companies expand beyond Singapore.
    • Global Founder Programme (EDB Initiative) to encourage multinational firms & entrepreneurs to anchor businesses in Singapore.

 

  • VIVOS Take: Businesses looking to expand, invest in R&D, or leverage AI solutions should explore available government incentives and financial support programs.

2. Tax & Fiscal Policy: Balanced & Pro-Business Approach

Singapore Budget 2025 (1)

Singapore remains committed to a fair, stable, and competitive tax environment while ensuring that businesses contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • Corporate Tax Adjustments:
    • 50% Corporate Income Tax Rebate (capped at $40,000 per company).
    • New property tax rebates for owner-occupied properties.

 

  • Personal Tax Relief:
    • 60% Personal Income Tax Rebate (capped at $200).
    • No major new wealth taxes announced.

 

VIVOS Take: Singapore’s competitive corporate tax regime continues to attract global entrepreneurs, fund managers, and investors seeking a stable, business-friendly environment.

3. Workforce & Lifelong Employability: Upskilling, Reskilling and Redesigning Jobs for the Future

Singapore Budget 2025 (2)

“We can and will invest in every worker and Singaporean.” – FM Lawrence Wong
A future-ready workforce is key to Singapore’s global competitiveness. Budget 2025 focuses on upskilling, job transformation, and reintegration of seniors and ex-offenders into the workforce.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme:
    • $3,000 monthly training allowance for mid-career professionals in full-time courses.
    • $300 monthly support for part-time training (from 2026).

 

  • Workforce Support & Job Reintegration:
    • Support for hiring seniors & ex-offenders, including wage offsets and incentives.
    • More localized job-matching services to connect job seekers with employers.

 

  • Developing Future Leaders:
    • Expansion of programs to nurture Singaporean leaders in global and regional roles.
    • More funding for corporate leadership development and global work exposure.

 

  • VIVOS Take: Companies can tap into government-backed workforce training programs to build a skilled, future-ready talent pool while benefiting from wage offsets and hiring incentives.

 

4. Family & Social Support: Reducing Living Costs & Strengthening Social Safety Nets

Singapore continues to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for global talent and businesses by ensuring a high quality of life for individuals and families.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • Cost-of-Living Support:
    • SG60 Vouchers: $600 for all Singaporeans aged 21+; $800 for those 60+.
    • CDC Vouchers: $800 per household to help with daily expenses.
    • U-Save Rebates: Increased financial support for utility bills.

 

  • Support for Families & Caregivers:
    • Reduction in childcare fees at government-supported preschools.
    • New Large Families Scheme:
      • $5,000 increase in Child Development Account grants.
      • $1,000 annual LifeSG credits for third & subsequent children.
      • $5,000 Large Family MediSave Grant to help with pregnancy & healthcare costs.
    • Higher caregiving support: Home Caregiving Grant increased to $600 per month.

 

VIVOS Take: A strong family and social safety net makes Singapore a top choice for global professionals and entrepreneurs considering relocation or business expansion.

5. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Strengthening Singapore’s Global Links

Singapore Budget 2025 (1)

Singapore’s connectivity, digital infrastructure, and world-class facilities continue to enhance its position as a leading regional hub.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • Expansion of Changi Airport & Tuas Port:
    • $5B added to Changi Airport Development Fund to support Terminal 5 & Changi East.
    • Continued development of Tuas Port as a global maritime hub.

 

  • Strengthening Digital & Physical Connectivity:
    • Islandwide 5G coverage & upgraded broadband speeds (10x faster).
    • Improved public transport infrastructure: $60B investment in rail expansion & bus services.

 

  •  VIVOS Take: Businesses in logistics, trade, digital commerce, and fintech can benefit from Singapore’s investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity.

6. Climate Change & Sustainability: Green Economy & Clean Energy

Singapore Budget 2025 (4)

Sustainability is a key driver of business investment and consumer demand. Singapore is investing heavily in green finance, clean energy, and sustainable mobility.

 

Key Announcements:

 

  • Expanding Green Energy Investments:
    • $5B added to Coastal & Flood Protection Fund.
    • Exploring nuclear energy as part of long-term clean energy transition.
    • Higher grants for electric heavy vehicles & charging infrastructure.

 

  • Greener Homes & Sustainable Cities:
    • $400 Climate Vouchers for all households, including private property owners.
    • Expansion of Climate-Friendly Households Programme.

 

  • VIVOS Take: Businesses investing in ESG, sustainability, and green tech can benefit from new grants, incentives, and regulatory support.

VIVOS Take: Conclusion

Budget 2025 strikes a careful balance between immediate relief and long-term economic resilience, reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a global business hub and a thriving, inclusive society. With strong fiscal measures, workforce upskilling initiatives, infrastructure enhancements, and sustainability commitments, the budget lays the groundwork for businesses, families, and individuals to prosper in an evolving global landscape.


For businesses, enhanced tax incentives, AI and R&D funding, and global expansion support reaffirm Singapore’s position as a leading destination for innovation and investment. Meanwhile, strategic workforce initiatives ensure that companies have access to a highly skilled, future-ready talent pool, enabling them to remain competitive.


At the heart of this budget is a commitment to strengthening Singapore’s economic foundation, ensuring that no one is left behind, and preparing for a future shaped by technological advancements, sustainability, and global connectivity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or corporate leader, Budget 2025 presents new opportunities to grow, innovate, and succeed.


As PM Lawrence Wong emphasized, this is a budget for all Singaporeans—one that empowers businesses, nurtures families, and secures long-term prosperity. 


Looking to expand your business in Singapore? Let VIVOS help you navigate the opportunities in Budget 2025—from company incorporation and compliance to workforce solutions and tax incentives.

Ivan-McAdam-OConnell
Ivan-McAdam-OConnell

Onward Together for a Better Tomorrow

Discover how Singapore Budget 2025 supports growth, resilience, and unity for all Singaporeans.

Frequently
Asked Questions

  • Budget 2025 introduces several pro-business initiatives to help enterprises grow, innovate, and expand globally. Key measures include:

    • Corporate tax rebate of 50% (capped at $40,000) to ease business costs.
    • New $1B Private Credit Growth Fund for high-growth local enterprises.
    • New AI & tech adoption grants, including the $150M Enterprise Compute Initiative.
    • Extended support for mergers, acquisitions, and internationalization to help businesses expand beyond Singapore.
    • Global Founder Programme to attract global entrepreneurs and startups to establish in Singapore.

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