Serviced Apartment & Long Stay Guides

Planning a long stay in Singapore

A long stay in Singapore needs a different plan from a short holiday. You will want more space, a kitchen and a washing machine. Location matters more too, as you will make the same trips again and again. This guide covers the main types of stay, the best areas and the practical details.

Your options for a longer trip

Serviced apartments

Serviced apartments are the most popular choice for stays of a few weeks or more. You get a flat with a kitchen, living space and often a washing machine. A front desk, security and regular cleaning are part of the package. Many offer lower rates for weekly or monthly stays. Browse our Serviced Apartments list to compare them.

Co-living

Co-living gives you a private room plus shared kitchens, lounges and laundry. It suits solo travellers and remote workers who like meeting people. Lyf Funan Singapore, near City Hall, works this way. See more in Co-living.

Hotels

A hotel can work for a few weeks if you do not need a kitchen. Daily cleaning and on-site dining make life simple. Some hotels offer better rates for longer bookings, so it is worth asking.

Private rentals

Private homes in Singapore cannot legally be rented out for less than three months at a time. Public housing flats have a longer minimum. For shorter trips, choose licensed serviced apartments or hotels.

Best areas for a long stay

Orchard and Tanglin

This area is popular with people on work postings and families who are relocating. Supermarkets, clinics and malls are close by. Ascott Orchard Singapore and Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard are near Orchard Road. Fraser Suites Singapore and Shangri-La Apartments are a little further west, with a quieter feel.

Raffles Place and the CBD

The CBD, or Central Business District, suits business trips. Ascott Raffles Place Singapore and Citadines Raffles Place are close to the offices. The area is quiet at weekends, but Chinatown and Marina Bay are a short walk away.

Bugis and Beach Road

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road and Parkroyal Serviced Suites Singapore are central, with good MRT links and plenty of food nearby.

The heartlands

Residential towns outside the centre often cost less and feel more local. Staying in the Singapore Heartlands: What to Expect explains daily life there. How to Choose a Hotel Area in Singapore also helps you compare areas.

Practical tips for living here short-term

• Check your visit pass. How long you can stay depends on your passport and the pass you get on arrival. Check the rules on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website.
• Ask what the rate covers. Utilities, Wi-Fi and cleaning are usually included, but check. Rates marked "++" exclude service charge and GST, Singapore's goods and services tax.
• Ask about cleaning. Housekeeping in serviced apartments may be weekly or a few times a week, not daily.
• Shop for groceries. Supermarkets are easy to find in malls and housing estates. Wet markets, which are traditional fresh food markets, are often cheaper for produce.
• Mix cooking and eating out. Hawker centres serve cheap, quick meals. What Is a Hawker Centre? A Plain Guide for Visitors explains how they work.
• Travel like a local. You can pay for the MRT and buses by tapping a contactless bank card. See How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide.
• Get a local SIM card. A local number makes deliveries, bookings and ride-hailing easier.
• Arrange insurance. Clinics are easy to find, but medical care can be costly for visitors.

FAQs about long stays in Singapore

What is the best accommodation for a long stay?

For most people, a serviced apartment. It gives you a kitchen, laundry and space, with hotel-style support. Co-living can suit solo travellers who want a social base.

Can I rent a private flat for a few weeks?

No. Private homes cannot legally be rented out for less than three months, and public housing flats have a longer minimum. Licensed serviced apartments and hotels are the right choice for shorter stays.

Are monthly rates cheaper than nightly rates?

Usually, yes. Many serviced apartments lower the nightly rate for weekly or monthly bookings. Prices change with dates and demand, so compare a few offers.

How long can a visitor stay in Singapore?

It depends on your passport and the visit pass you receive on arrival. Check the latest rules with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority before you book a long stay.

Which area suits a business trip?

Raffles Place and the CBD keep you close to the offices. Orchard suits longer work trips, with more shops, clinics and supermarkets nearby.