Introduction: The Singaporean Expat Landscape

For Singaporeans considering a move abroad, whether for lifestyle changes, career opportunities, lower living costs, or simply a new experience, the global landscape offers numerous accessible pathways. Unlike Americans who may be seeking escape from high costs or political climates, Singaporeans often relocate for different reasons: pursuing education, gaining international work experience, enjoying a change of pace, or stretching their CPF savings and retirement funds further in countries with lower costs of living.

This comprehensive analysis examines six countries that offer relatively straightforward visa pathways, evaluated specifically through a Singaporean lens. We’ll analyze how these destinations compare to Singapore’s economic context, what income requirements mean for typical Singaporean earners, and practical considerations unique to Singapore passport holders.

Understanding the Singapore Advantage

Before diving into specific countries, it’s important to recognize that Singapore passport holders enjoy significant advantages. The Singapore passport consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. However, visa-free access typically means only 30-90 days for tourism, not the right to live and work long-term.

Additionally, Singaporeans generally have strong financial profiles compared to global averages. The median gross monthly income in Singapore hovers around S$5,070 (approximately US$3,750), while professionals in sectors like finance, technology, and management often earn significantly more. This means many of the income thresholds below are achievable for working Singaporeans, particularly those with several years of career experience.

The Six Countries: In-Depth Analysis

1. Mexico: The Affordable American Dream Alternative

Visa Pathway: Temporary Residency Visa

Mexico offers one of the most straightforward residency options, particularly attractive for Singaporeans seeking a dramatically different cultural experience with significantly lower living costs.

Key Requirements:

• Approximately US$73,000 (S$98,000) in savings or investments, OR
• Net monthly income of approximately US$4,400 (S$5,900) from external sources
• Initial visa valid for one year, renewable annually for three additional years
• After four years, conversion to permanent residency becomes possible

Singapore Context Analysis:

For many Singaporean professionals, the income requirement of S$5,900 monthly is within reach, particularly for mid-career professionals, couples combining incomes, or those with rental income from Singapore property. The savings requirement of S$98,000 is also achievable for Singaporeans who have been diligently contributing to CPF and have additional savings, though accessing CPF funds before retirement age presents challenges.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Cost of Living Comparison: Mexico City’s cost of living is approximately 40-50% lower than Singapore’s. Popular expat destinations like Playa del Carmen or San Miguel de Allende can be even cheaper. A comfortable lifestyle that costs S$5,000 monthly in Singapore might only require S$2,500-3,000 in Mexico.

Climate: Coming from Singapore’s consistent tropical weather, Mexicans varied climates (from tropical coasts to temperate highlands) offer diversity. However, the lack of year-round air conditioning culture in many areas might require adjustment.

Healthcare: Mexico’s healthcare quality varies significantly by region. Major cities offer excellent private healthcare at costs far below Singapore, but the public system doesn’t match Singapore’s standards. Private health insurance is essential and affordable.

Time Zone Challenges: Mexico’s time zones are 14-15 hours behind Singapore, making it extremely difficult to maintain business relationships or family connections in real-time.

Language Barrier: Unlike Singapore’s multilingual environment, Spanish is essential for daily life in Mexico. English is limited outside major tourist areas and expat communities.

Best For: Singaporeans seeking dramatic cost-of-living reductions, those with passive income streams, retirees, or remote workers whose jobs don’t require Asian timezone hours.

2. Costa Rica: The Tropical Retirement Haven

Visa Pathways: Pensionado Visa or Digital Nomad Visa

Costa Rica appeals particularly to Singaporean retirees and remote workers seeking a stable, nature-rich environment with strong expat infrastructure.

Pensionado Visa Requirements:

• Only US$1,000 (S$1,350) per month in retirement income
• Includes Social Security, pensions, or CPF withdrawals
• Two-year temporary residency, indefinitely renewable
• Cannot work locally on this visa

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

• US$3,000 (S$4,000) monthly for individuals or US$5,000 (S$6,700) for families
• One-year visa, renewable for a second year
• Must show foreign income source

Singapore Context Analysis:

The Pensionado visa is exceptionally accessible for Singaporean retirees. The S$1,350 monthly requirement is well below what most Singaporeans would draw from CPF LIFE payouts, which average around S$1,500-2,000 for those who have contributed regularly. Combined with other retirement savings, this makes Costa Rica highly viable.

However, there’s a critical challenge: accessing CPF funds. Singaporeans can only fully withdraw CPF savings at 55 (for some accounts) and receive CPF LIFE payouts from 65. Those retiring early would need alternative income sources or savings outside CPF.

For digital nomads, the S$4,000 individual requirement is reasonable for many Singaporean professionals working remotely.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Cost of Living: Costa Rica is 30-40% cheaper than Singapore overall, though popular expat areas and imported goods can be expensive. Local produce and services are very affordable.

Healthcare: Costa Rica’s healthcare system is highly regarded. The public “Caja” system is accessible to residents and provides good quality care. Private healthcare is excellent and significantly cheaper than Singapore’s private sector.

Stability: Costa Rica stands out in Central America for political stability, having no military since 1949. This appeals to Singaporeans accustomed to stable governance.

Environmental Quality: For Singaporeans frustrated by urban density, Costa Rica offers extraordinary biodiversity, beaches, and mountains within short distances.

Climate Adaptation: While both are tropical, Costa Rica has more seasonal variation in rainfall. The Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer different climates to choose from.

Time Zone: Like Mexico, Costa Rica is 14 hours behind Singapore, creating communication challenges with home.

Best For: Singaporean retirees with CPF LIFE income, remote workers in creative or tech fields, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower pace of life.

3. Portugal: The European Gateway

Visa Pathways: D7 Passive Income Visa or D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal has become increasingly popular among global expats and offers Singaporeans an accessible entry point into Europe with its mild climate, rich culture, and relatively affordable costs compared to other Western European nations.

D7 Visa Requirements:

• Regular passive income of at least €920 (S$1,350) monthly
• Minimum €11,040 (S$16,200) in savings
• Two-year residency, renewable for three years
• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

D8 Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

• At least €3,680 (S$5,400) in monthly foreign work income
• Minimum €11,040 (S$16,200) in savings
• Similar residency timeline as D7

Singapore Context Analysis:

Both income thresholds are very achievable for working-age Singaporeans. The D7’s S$1,350 monthly requirement is extraordinarily low, making it accessible even to those with modest investment portfolios, rental income, or part-time remote work. The D8’s S$5,400 requirement is comparable to median Singaporean professional salaries.

The savings requirement of S$16,200 is modest by Singapore standards—roughly equivalent to 3-4 months of median salary.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Cost of Living: Lisbon and Porto’s costs are roughly 20-30% lower than Singapore, though this gap has narrowed as Portugal has become more popular. Smaller cities and towns offer even greater savings.

European Access: Portugal provides visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area (26 European countries), opening up the entire continent for exploration. This is a major advantage for travel-enthusiastic Singaporeans.

Healthcare: Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) provides universal coverage to residents. While not as efficient as Singapore’s system, it’s comprehensive and low-cost. Private healthcare is also excellent and affordable.

Language: Portuguese is essential for bureaucratic processes and daily life, though English is increasingly common in Lisbon and tourist areas. Coming from Singapore’s English-speaking environment, this requires adjustment.

Tax Implications: Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime that can provide significant tax benefits for 10 years, though rules have recently tightened. Singaporeans must carefully consider tax implications in both countries.

Climate: Portugal’s Mediterranean climate offers four distinct seasons—a significant change from Singapore’s perpetual summer. Winters are mild but can be damp.

Property Investment: While Portugal recently ended its “Golden Visa” for residential property investment, property prices remain attractive compared to Singapore. Many expats eventually purchase homes.

Best For: Singaporeans seeking European lifestyle, those with passive income or remote work capability, families wanting quality education options in Europe, and those interested in eventual EU citizenship.

4. Estonia: The Digital Nation of Europe

Visa Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa or Startup Residence Permit

Estonia represents a unique option for tech-savvy Singaporeans. As one of the world’s most digitally advanced societies, it may feel surprisingly familiar to Singaporeans accustomed to efficient digital governance.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

• €4,500 (S$6,600) in monthly gross income
• Income must be mainly from foreign sources
• One-year visa duration

Startup Residence Permit:

• Five-year temporary residence permit (extendable up to 10 years)
• Requires establishing a startup in Estonia that can support you
• Must demonstrate business viability

Singapore Context Analysis:

The S$6,600 monthly requirement is higher than the other options but remains accessible to mid-to-senior level Singaporean professionals, particularly in technology, finance, and consulting sectors. For couples where both partners work remotely, this threshold becomes even more achievable.

The startup path is particularly interesting for entrepreneurial Singaporeans, as Estonia’s e-Residency program and business-friendly environment make company formation straightforward.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Digital Infrastructure: Estonia pioneered digital governance with services like e-Residency, digital signatures, and online voting. Singaporeans accustomed to SingPass and efficient digital services will appreciate this environment.

Tech Ecosystem: Tallinn has a thriving startup scene (Skype, Wise, and Bolt originated here), making it attractive for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

Cost of Living: Estonia is 35-45% cheaper than Singapore. Tallinn offers modern amenities at European prices significantly below Western Europe.

Climate Shock: This is perhaps the most dramatic consideration. Estonia’s cold, dark winters (with only 6 hours of daylight in December and temperatures dropping to -20°C) represent an extreme contrast to tropical Singapore. Many Singaporeans may find this challenging.

Language: While younger Estonians speak excellent English (especially in tech sectors), Estonian is complex and learning it is difficult. Russian is also widely spoken due to historical ties.

Small Market: With only 1.3 million people, Estonia feels tiny compared to Singapore’s 5.9 million. Social and professional networks may feel limited.

Healthcare: Estonia’s healthcare system is good by European standards but more basic than Singapore’s. Waiting times can be longer for non-emergency care.

EU Access: Like Portugal, Estonia offers the Schengen benefit, plus proximity to Scandinavia and easy access to the rest of Europe.

Best For: Tech professionals and entrepreneurs, those seeking EU access on the digital nomad pathway, Singaporeans who don’t mind cold climates, and those interested in the startup ecosystem.

5. United Arab Emirates: The Familiar Efficient Hub

Visa Pathways: Virtual Work Residence Visa or Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme

The UAE, particularly Dubai, may be the most familiar-feeling destination for Singaporeans. Both are highly efficient, modern, tax-friendly city-states with multicultural populations and English widely spoken.

Virtual Work Residence Visa Requirements:

• US$3,500 (S$4,700) monthly income minimum
• Must work remotely for foreign employer
• One-year duration

Dubai Virtual Working Programme:

• US$5,000 (S$6,700) monthly income requirement
• Annually renewable
• Specific to Dubai emirate

Singapore Context Analysis:

The income requirements are very accessible to working Singaporeans, particularly given that UAE positions often come with tax-free salaries. The S$4,700-6,700 thresholds are well within reach for professionals with 5-10 years experience.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Cultural Familiarity: The UAE’s efficiency, cleanliness, modern infrastructure, and shopping culture will feel remarkably familiar to Singaporeans. The transition is arguably the smoothest of all six countries.

Tax Benefits: The UAE has no personal income tax, offering significant financial advantages. However, Singaporeans must understand their tax obligations back home, as Singapore taxes on territorial basis (income earned in Singapore is taxed).

Cost of Living Paradox: While the article suggests costs might not be significantly cheaper, this requires nuance. Housing in Dubai can actually be comparable or cheaper than Singapore for similar quality. However, lifestyle costs (dining, entertainment, cars) can be higher, and there’s pressure to maintain certain standards.

Geographic Positioning: The UAE’s central location makes it ideal for exploring Europe, Africa, and Asia. It’s only 7 hours from Singapore, making visits home manageable.

Climate: Summer temperatures exceeding 45°C with high humidity rival Singapore’s heat but with less rainfall. However, everything is air-conditioned to extreme levels.

Social Environment: Like Singapore, the UAE has a large expatriate population (over 80% in Dubai), creating ready-made international communities. However, the culture is more segregated by nationality and socioeconomic status than Singapore.

Long-term Uncertainty: Unlike Singapore’s clear path to permanent residency and citizenship, the UAE generally doesn’t offer these options easily. Most expats remain on renewable visas indefinitely.

Alcohol and Social Restrictions: While more liberal than other Gulf states, the UAE still has restrictions on alcohol consumption, public behavior, and social norms that differ from Singapore’s relative openness.

Best For: Singaporeans seeking tax optimization, those wanting minimal culture shock, professionals in finance/consulting/aviation, and those who want a base for exploring three continents.

6. Thailand: The Welcoming Neighbor

Visa Pathway: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand offers perhaps the most relaxed and flexible long-term option, with the added advantage of being Singapore’s close neighbor and a familiar holiday destination for most Singaporeans.

Destination Thailand Visa Requirements:

• Valid for five years
• Must periodically exit and re-enter the country
• Approximately US$16,000 (S$21,500) in savings
• Multiple qualification pathways: remote work, freelancing, or even participating in Muay Thai training or Thai cooking courses

Singapore Context Analysis:

The S$21,500 savings requirement is the most accessible of all options presented. For working Singaporeans, this represents roughly 4-5 months of median salary and is often less than what people hold in savings accounts or CPF Ordinary Account alone.

The flexibility of qualification methods is remarkable—even taking a cooking class or Muay Thai training can qualify you, making this accessible to retirees, students, or those on career breaks.

Practical Considerations for Singaporeans:

Proximity: Thailand is only 2-3 hours from Singapore, making it the easiest option for maintaining connections back home. Weekend trips to Singapore are feasible.

Familiarity: Most Singaporeans have visited Thailand multiple times. The culture, food, and environment are familiar, reducing adjustment stress.

Cost of Living: Thailand offers perhaps the greatest cost differential. Living in Chiang Mai, you could maintain a comfortable lifestyle for 50-60% less than Singapore. Even Bangkok is 30-40% cheaper.

Healthcare: Thailand’s private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej) are world-class and cater extensively to international patients. Many Singaporeans already travel to Bangkok for medical procedures. Costs are significantly lower than Singapore.

Visa Flexibility: The five-year duration and multiple qualification pathways make this exceptionally flexible. The periodic exit requirement isn’t onerous given cheap regional flights.

Retirement Haven: Thailand has long been popular with Singaporean retirees. Established communities, familiar food (including excellent local Chinese-Thai cuisine), and easy access to Singapore make integration smooth.

Language: While Thai is useful, English is widely understood in Bangkok and tourist areas. The large Chinese-speaking population also helps Singaporean Chinese speakers.

Political Stability Concerns: Thailand has experienced political turbulence and occasional coups. While daily life typically continues normally, this creates more uncertainty than Singapore’s stability.

Banking and Finance: Thailand’s banking system is modern but less sophisticated than Singapore’s. International transfers and investment options may require maintaining Singapore bank accounts.

Property Ownership: Foreigners can own condominium units (but not land), making property investment feasible. Prices are dramatically lower than Singapore.

Best For: Singaporean retirees, those seeking maximum cost savings, people wanting to maintain close ties to Singapore, digital nomads, and those interested in a more relaxed lifestyle while staying in Southeast Asia.

Comparative Analysis: Income and Savings Requirements in Singapore Context

Country	Monthly Income	Savings Required	Singapore Equivalent
Thailand	N/A (flexible)	S$21,500	~4-5 months median salary
Costa Rica (Pensionado)	S$1,350	N/A	Below typical CPF LIFE payout
Portugal (D7)	S$1,350	S$16,200	~3 months median salary
Mexico	S$5,900	S$98,000 (alternative to income)	~19 months median salary
UAE	S$4,700-6,700	N/A	~1-1.3x median salary
Costa Rica (DN)	S$4,000	N/A	~0.8x median salary
Portugal (D8)	S$5,400	S$16,200	~1.1x median salary
Estonia	S$6,600	N/A	~1.3x median salary

Critical Considerations for Singaporeans

CPF and Retirement Planning

For retirees, accessing CPF funds is crucial. Singaporeans can withdraw CPF savings at 55 (for some accounts) but CPF LIFE payouts only begin at 65. Those planning early retirement must have substantial savings outside CPF or alternative income sources.

Tax Implications

Singapore taxes on a territorial basis, meaning foreign-sourced income isn’t taxed. However, specific circumstances (like maintaining a Singapore employment while living abroad) can create tax obligations. Professional tax advice is essential.

National Service Obligations

Male Singaporeans have NS obligations until 40 (for officers) or 50 (for specialists and men). Those with unserved NS obligations or within ICT years must obtain exit permits, which can restrict long-term relocation. This significantly impacts younger Singaporean men’s mobility.

Healthcare Coverage

Singapore’s healthcare system won’t cover you overseas. MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans provide limited overseas coverage only for emergencies. Long-term expats need comprehensive international health insurance.

Property Considerations

Singaporeans maintaining property in Singapore can generate rental income that helps meet visa income requirements. However, ABSD and property cooling measures have made this more expensive. Selling Singapore property to fund overseas living requires careful financial planning.

Practical Recommendations by Life Stage

Young Professionals (25-35)

Best Options: Estonia (for tech workers), UAE (for finance/business), Portugal (D8 for remote workers) Why: Career development, networking opportunities, European/global exposure while earnings capacity is high.

Mid-Career Professionals (35-50)

Best Options: Portugal, UAE, Mexico Why: Established income makes requirements easily achievable; life stage often involves families who benefit from international education opportunities.

Pre-Retirees (50-65)

Best Options: Thailand, Portugal (D7), Costa Rica Why: Lower income requirements align with potential career slowdown; proximity to Singapore (Thailand) or European lifestyle (Portugal) appeals to this demographic.

Retirees (65+)

Best Options: Thailand, Costa Rica, Portugal (D7) Why: Minimal income requirements match retirement income; lower cost of living stretches retirement savings; healthcare quality is good; established expat communities provide social support.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Path

For Singaporeans, international relocation is more accessible than ever, with each of these six countries offering distinct advantages:

• Thailand provides the easiest, most affordable option with maximum familiarity and proximity
• Portugal offers European lifestyle and culture with reasonable costs and an eventual citizenship path
• Costa Rica appeals to nature lovers and retirees seeking tropical tranquility
• Mexico offers dramatic cost savings and cultural richness for the adventurous
• UAE provides familiar efficiency and tax benefits with minimal culture shock
• Estonia attracts tech professionals seeking Europe’s digital frontier

The “best” choice depends entirely on individual priorities: cost savings, climate preference, cultural interests, proximity to Singapore, career opportunities, healthcare quality, or long-term residency goals.

What unites all these options is accessibility. Unlike the complex immigration systems of countries like the US, UK, or Australia, these six nations have deliberately created pathways for foreign residents, recognizing the economic and cultural value that expats bring.

For Singaporeans specifically, strong passports, relatively high incomes, and substantial savings rates mean these opportunities are within reach for many. The question isn’t whether you can relocate, but rather which destination aligns with your vision for this next chapter of life.

The world is more open than ever to Singaporean expats—the only remaining question is: where will you go?

The Last Kopi Before Lisbon

The ceiling fan at Kim Huat Coffee Shop turned lazy circles above Wei Ming’s head, doing little against the Singapore humidity that clung to everything like a second skin. He’d sat at this same marble table every Sunday morning for twelve years, ordering the same kopi-o kosong and soft-boiled eggs, reading the Straits Times while the neighborhood slowly woke up around him.

Today would be his last.

“Uncle, why your face so long?” Ah Seng wiped down the adjacent table with a practiced flick of his cloth. “Last week you say you going Portugal. Should be happy, right?”

Wei Ming managed a smile. “Happy also can be scared, cannot meh?”

Ah Seng laughed, the sound carrying across the kopitiam. “Aiyoh, at your age still scared. You think too much. My cousin go Australia twenty years already, still eating kaya toast like nothing change.”

But everything changes, Wei Ming thought. That was the whole point, wasn’t it?

He was fifty-eight. Old enough to know better, his sister had said when he first mentioned the idea. Young enough to be stupid, his drinking kakis had added, though he could hear the envy underneath their teasing. His daughter, Hui Lin, had been the only one who understood.

“Papa, you’ve been saying you want to write that novel since before I was born,” she’d told him over dinner at their Tiong Bahru flat three months ago. “When are you going to stop saying and start doing?”

“But my job—”

“Your contract ends in December. You have enough CPF, enough savings. Mama’s been gone five years now.” Hui Lin reached across the table, her hand covering his. “She would want you to go.”

Mei Ling would have. She’d been the dreamer in their marriage, collecting travel magazines, circling destinations in red marker. When we retire, she’d always say. When we have time. They’d been planning their first real holiday—two weeks in Europe, not the usual Bangkok shopping trip—when the diagnosis came. Stage four. Six months.

Wei Ming pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp. The family chat was already going.

Second Sis: Kor, you pack already? Don’t forget to bring Eu Yan Sang medicine. Portugal no Chinese doctor.

Eldest Brother: Remember to bring adaptor. Europe plug different from Singapore.

Nephew Jason: Uncle WM! Send pics of Portuguese egg tarts! Bet they not as good as our tau sar piah

Hui Lin: Papa ignore them. You have everything. I checked your luggage yesterday remember? ❤️

He smiled. They meant well, even if they didn’t understand. How could they? They hadn’t spent thirty-three years reviewing insurance claims in a windowless office, hadn’t felt the walls closing in a little more each year, hadn’t made promises to a dying woman about living, really living, before it was too late.

The D7 visa approval had come through in August. Passive income requirement: €920 per month. His CPF withdrawals and the rental from the Bedok flat he’d kept when Mei Ling’s parents passed away more than covered it. Savings requirement: €11,040. He had triple that, carefully accumulated over decades of Singaporean thriftiness.

Everything had been easier than expected. Almost suspiciously easy.

“Wei Ming?”

He looked up. Linda Tan stood beside his table, her yoga mat tucked under one arm. They’d been in the same RJC class forty years ago, lost touch, then reconnected at a CC event years later. She’d been the first person outside his family he’d told about Portugal.

“Linda. Sit, sit.” He gestured to the empty chair.

She sat, studying his face. “You’re having second thoughts.”

“No. Maybe. I don’t know.” Wei Ming rubbed his temples. “What if I’m making a mistake? I’m not young anymore. I don’t speak Portuguese. I don’t even like sardines.”

Linda laughed. “You don’t have to like sardines. And you’re not that old. My god, you’re acting like you’re going to Mars. It’s Portugal. They have the internet. You can come back if you hate it.”

“All my friends are here. My family—”

“Will visit. And you’ll make new friends. You think Singaporeans are the only friendly people in the world?” She leaned forward. “Wei Ming, you know what I see? I see someone who’s scared of being happy. Scared that if you actually try to do this thing you’ve dreamed about, you might fail. Better not to try, right? Better to stay safe in Singapore, same coffee shop, same everything, until you die.”

The words stung because they were true.

“Mei Ling told me something, near the end,” he said quietly. “She said the saddest thing wasn’t dying. It was realizing she’d been so busy being sensible that she forgot to be alive.”

Linda nodded. “So don’t make the same mistake.”

After she left, Wei Ming sat alone with his cooling coffee. Around him, the kopitiam filled with the Sunday morning regulars. The elderly couple who always shared one plate of carrot cake. The young family whose toddler scattered Cheerios across the floor. The construction workers still in their dusty boots, too tired to care about anything except strong kopi and cigarettes.

This was home. This had always been home.

But maybe, he thought, home could be more than one place.

His phone buzzed. A message from Hui Lin: Flight is at 11pm tonight. I’m picking you up at 5pm. No backing out!!

Wei Ming smiled and typed back: Cannot back out already. Sold my backup air-con.

Three dots appeared, then: PAPA! You did not!

Kidding lah. See you at 5.

He flagged down Ah Seng for his bill. “Uncle, this one on the house,” the old man said. “Bon voyage. Come back and tell us stories, okay?”

“Deal.”

Wei Ming walked out into the morning heat, past the provision shop where he’d bought Hui Lin’s school supplies, past the playground where she’d learned to cycle, past the wet market where Mei Ling had negotiated over fish prices with the ferocity of a courtroom lawyer. Every corner held a memory, every street a piece of his history.

But maybe that was okay. Maybe he could carry those memories with him, add new ones, build something larger than the small, careful life he’d constructed.

At home, his suitcases sat by the door like patient sentries. Inside one, wrapped carefully in bubble wrap, was his laptop. On it, a Word document titled “Untitled Novel – Draft 1” with exactly 347 words written over the past six years.

In Lisbon, he told himself, he’d write more. In Lisbon, with the Atlantic wind and the yellow trams and the saudade that he’d read about but never felt, he’d find the words that had eluded him here.

Or maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe he’d hate Portugal, hate being alone, hate the cold winters and the incomprehensible language and the food that wasn’t zi char or chicken rice. Maybe he’d come running back to Singapore with his tail between his legs, and everyone would say they knew it all along.

But at least he’d know.

At least he’d have tried.

At 5:15 pm, Hui Lin’s horn beeped downstairs. Wei Ming took one last look around the flat—the flat where he’d raised his daughter, loved his wife, lived his safe and sensible life. Then he picked up his suitcases, locked the door, and walked toward whatever came next.

On the drive to Changi Airport, Hui Lin chatted nervously about her new job, her boyfriend, the weather forecast in Lisbon. Wei Ming only half-listened. He was thinking about Mei Ling, about that last conversation in the hospital room.

“Promise me something,” she’d whispered, her hand cool in his.

“Anything.”

“Promise me you’ll be brave.”

He’d promised, even though he’d had no idea what she meant. But maybe he understood now. Being brave wasn’t about grand gestures or dramatic changes. It was about choosing possibility over certainty, about stepping toward fear instead of away from it, about saying yes to life even when your hands were shaking.

At the departure gate, Hui Lin hugged him tight. “I’m proud of you, Papa.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“You’re going. That’s everything.”

After she left, Wei Ming found a seat facing the windows. Outside, a plane lifted into the purple evening sky, its lights blinking against the clouds. In eight hours, he’d be on a similar plane, flying toward a life he couldn’t quite imagine.

His phone buzzed one more time. The family chat.

Second Sis: Safe flight, kor. We love you.

Eldest Brother: Don’t forget to video call every week.

Nephew Jason: Uncle WM going to be a famous writer! I’m calling it now!

Hui Lin: Love you, Papa. Mama would be so happy. ❤️❤️❤️

Wei Ming typed back: Love you all. Will send pictures of Portuguese egg tarts. And yes, Jason, I’ll dedicate my first book to you.

He closed his eyes and let himself imagine it: a small apartment in Alfama with washing hanging between buildings, morning coffee in a sunny square, the scratch of pen on paper as words finally, finally came. Friends from everywhere. Languages mixing. Life happening in unexpected ways.

Maybe it would work out.

Maybe it wouldn’t.

But for the first time in longer than he could remember, Wei Ming felt something stirring in his chest that wasn’t anxiety or duty or quiet resignation.

It felt like hope.

It felt like being alive.

And when they called his boarding group, he stood up, adjusted his backpack, and walked toward the gate without looking back.

The world was waiting.

And so was he.