Seeking Advice: Singapore vs. New Zealand – Balancing Careers, PR Challenges, and Family Aspirations

Posted by AdTechnical8501@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 5 comments

Hi everyone,

I’m a 33-year-old Indian tech professional currently living in Singapore with my wife, and we’re at a pivotal point in deciding our future. I completed my master’s at NUS and currently work in cloud technologies, designing cloud roadmaps for a global bank (earning around 150k NZD annually). My wife, 28, works as a front-end developer in tech, earning about 100k NZD annually. Together, we’ve built a strong financial base with savings and investments totaling around 700k NZD.

However, some challenges have made us question whether Singapore remains the best long-term option, and I’d really value the community’s advice.

Our Current Situation:

1. Singapore Challenges:

Despite being here for years and earning in the top percentile of our respective fields, all our Permanent Residency (PR) applications have been rejected.
With tightened rules around Employment Pass (EP) approvals, my current EP application has been under review for over a month, adding to the uncertainty.

2. New Zealand Opportunity:

My wife has worked hard to secure admission to a master’s program in New Zealand, starting in July 2025.
New Zealand offers a more straightforward path to PR and could provide her with a fresh start in her career.

3. Health and Logistical Concerns:

My wife manages Type 1 Diabetes, and in Singapore, we’ve had a smooth process of sourcing medication in bulk from India. Transitioning to New Zealand might introduce challenges, especially as she would initially be living alone during her master’s program.

What We’re Considering:

Option 1: Move to New Zealand

Fully support my wife’s aspirations by moving to NZ, with both of us working toward PR.
While NZ salaries and job opportunities may not match Singapore, it could offer a more stable and balanced lifestyle in the long run.

Option 2: Stay in Singapore

Continue building our careers here, navigating the challenges of work visa renewals and PR rejections.
Focus on maximizing Singapore’s earning potential to secure long-term financial stability.

Option 3: Hybrid Approach

My wife goes to New Zealand to pursue her studies while I remain in Singapore to maintain financial stability. Depending on how things evolve, I could join her after a year.

Questions for the Community:

Has anyone faced a similar dilemma between Singapore and New Zealand?
Between these two countries, does anyone regret migrating to NZ or staying in Singapore, considering career growth and quality of life?
How does New Zealand fare for mid-career professionals in tech or fintech, especially regarding job opportunities and salaries?
Are there effective ways to manage Type 1 Diabetes for international students in NZ? Any insurance providers you’d recommend that cover this condition?
How would you weigh the financial stability and career growth Singapore offers against the opportunity for PR and a fresh start in NZ?

We’re trying to balance my wife’s aspirations, our careers, and long-term stability. Any insights or advice from your experiences would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you so much!

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chamboi@reddit

I'm an American expat living in Singapore. My initial thought would be to go with your third option, the hybrid approach. This allows your wife to go to NZ without you completely uprooting your life in Singapore, then after she is settled in, you two can determine where you'd rather commit to long-term.

The reason I suggest this is because the reality of the situation is tech jobs in NZ will be nowhere near as plentiful and high-paying as Singapore.

I feel you on the pain of PR rejections in SG. Unfortunately, it seems hard to break out of the cycle after being rejected.

AdTechnical8501@reddit (OP)

Thank you for sharing your perspective—it’s incredibly practical and thoughtful and it’s reassuring to hear that others understand the PR struggles here. I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in!

bunganmalan@reddit

I met an Indian uber driver in Darwin who did option 3. But in reverse I think. His wife remains in Singapore to earn a higher income, they maintain some hybrid residency in Australia. He admits its difficult to find the equivalent job offers in Australia (they are Indian nationals, then converted to Singaporean citizenship or PR years ago) and also, they chose Darwin for reasons including closest to Singapore and easier to settle as Australian PR (vs Sydney or Melbourne or other more diverse Australian cities). I asked about what his plans were and he says once they feel financially secure, they will all eventually commit to Australia. Even though they realise how much of a lifestyle change it is (he misses the cheap good food, how easy it is to get cleaning services - in Australia and NZ, you have to do everything yourself and that is very hard for many people who are used to maids or eating out often), he says he's much happier in Darwin even though he has to be an Uber driver vs being whatever top flyer he was in Singapore. He enjoys the slower pace of life and thinks it's a better place to raise kids and basically he's doing it for the kids too. Although I wonder if it would be better for them to remain Singaporean or maybe they can hold both (Australian PR). Ultimately it's a lifestyle choice and only one way to find out is to test what it is like in NZ, the reality of the job market, and if you can see a future for yourselves there.

Thanks for your candid perspective and this really helps.

exsnakecharmer@reddit

The job situation in NZ is awful at the moment. We're in a real downward slump with our new government cutting public services and de-funding everything they can. It's a bit depressing to be honest.