An Expat’s Guide to Holland Village Singapore in 2026
Holland Village is the perfect oasis in Singapore for expats who enjoy a vibrant food scene and a neighborhood with strong European influences. Also known as Holland V, this enclave is popular among both expats and locals. It’s also conveniently located next to major train routes.
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Are you considering a move to Singapore and deciding where to settle? Don’t miss a chance to explore what Holland Village has to offer with our convenient guide.
In this guide, we will introduce Holland V, offer tips, share its history, point out dining options, and list some key marketplaces. We’ll also cover important topics like cultural opportunities, healthcare, education, and transportation.
Introducing Holland Village to Expats
Holland Village, also known as Holland V, is a popular neighborhood in Singapore. It’s loved by local residents and foreigners alike for its vibrant shopping and dining options. Expats flock to this area for convenient public transportation access and riveting entertainment.
If you would like additional information about living in Singapore or to compare Holland Village to other areas, read this article about the Best Places to Live in Singapore.
Holland Village is a crescent-shaped area of Singapore near the southern tip of the island city. It’s close to downtown and other expatriate hangouts like Tanglin.
History and Background of Holland Village
Holland Village is popular among expats for its European influence. In the 1930s, the area catered to the British forces stationed nearby. Through the next couple of decades, the proximity of the British shaped the development of the Holland V area of Singapore.
When the British withdrew from the region in the 1970s, the area also had a number of shops popular with locals. In time, the area started to draw in expatriate professionals, and the Western influence continued.
Living in Holland Village as an Expat
Living in Holland Village as an expat means enjoying familiar Western influences, from markets to dining options. However, that doesn’t mean that everything about the area will be the same. The area is also home to international cuisines from around the world.
With that in mind, it could be said that Holland Village is the best of both worlds for expats who want an adventure abroad without sacrificing some of the comforts of home.
Visas for Expats in Singapore
To obtain a visa for Singapore to live in Holland Village, you must meet the criteria for a permanent residence visa.
- Spouse of a citizen or a permanent resident of Singapore
- Minor children of citizens or permanent residents of Singapore
- Be an aged parent of a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore
- Have an employment pass
- Be a foreign investor in Singapore
- Be a student studying in Singapore
Keep in mind that male permanent residents will be required to register at 16.5 years old and be scheduled for enlistment at age 18 unless exempt.
Housing Costs in Holland Village Singapore
Housing in Holland Village is expensive compared to elsewhere in Singapore and anywhere in the world, whether you are renting or buying. Available property with land is especially rare and costly in Holland V.
In order for a foreign national to purchase any landed property in Singapore, they must have approval from the LDAU (Land Dealings Approval Unit.) In general, purchasing a condominium without land is easier and less expensive, especially for expats.
Average rental prices in the area range from around S$5 to S$10 per square foot. In US Dollars, that’s $3.87 to $7.74 per square foot. For a small, 1,000 sqft apartment, you would be paying anywhere from USD $3,870 to $7,740 on average a month.
Holland Village Tips for Expats
Expats moving to Holland Village should expect to ride public transportation or walk to most places. Areas around the city center, like Holland V, suffer from traffic congestion. However, Holland V has many supermarkets and shopping centers within the neighborhood.
Singapore is a very diverse country. Common ethnicities in Singapore include Chinese, Indian, and Malay. Singapore also has many expats from other areas of the world. Respecting elders is something that many of these cultures have in common, so make sure you know the etiquette.
Dining and Entertainment in Holland Village
Holland Village attracts both locals and expats for its lively dining and entertainment scene. Many popular eateries and venues are within walking distance, making it especially appealing for expats who value convenience and variety.
There are countless options within the area, but to narrow down some must-try places, we list below restaurants with positive reviews on Google Maps. For your convenience, we also linked to websites where available.
- Chimichanga Holland Village
- Le Bon Funk
- Devil’s Kitchen
- Takeda Garden
- Niu Dian Beef Noodles Singapore
- That Wine Place
- 88 Pocha Singapore
Don’t discount hawkers and small markets selling food in the area, either. Many of these little pop-up take-out eateries have rave reviews as well.
Besides the food scene, here are some of the entertainment options available in Holland Village! See if any of these niche places strikes your fancy. And if you want to visit other areas of Singapore for more entertainment, there’s accessible transportation.
- Boxing Gym: UBX Holland Village has over 85 five-star Google reviews.
- Gyms: If exercise is your hobby, one of the lesser-known things about Holland Village is that it’s a haven for the best gyms. From Anytime Fitness to Virgin Active, the neighborhood is packed with clean and well-equipped gyms.
Shopping opportunities for expats in Holland Village are abundant. Holland Road Shopping Centre is a popular mall in the area. Other malls include Holland Piazza, Raffles Holland V Mall, and Jelita Mall.
There are a number of supermarkets and markets in Holland Village as well. Using Google Reviews, we’ll list the top four supermarkets. These will be among the best places to begin shopping as a new expat arrival.
- Little Farms Market, Holland Village (4.6-star rating)
- FairPrice Finest Raffles Holland V Mall (4.1-star rating)
- CS Fresh @ Holland Shopping Centre (4.1-star rating)
- FairPrice Holland Drive (4.1-star rating)
Cultural and Recreational Activities in Holland Village
Holland Village is well located near many popular festivals, parks, and museums, making it easy for expats to experience Singapore’s culture. It is also close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the area’s architecture reflects a blend of diverse cultural influences.
Every year, there are cultural events throughout Singapore through the Cultural Extravaganza, with a variety of both free and ticketed events.
Education and Healthcare in Holland Village
Education and healthcare are very accessible in Holland Village. There are a number of international preschools, kindergartens, and schools within the immediate area around Holland Village. There are also many medical centers and clinics with high reviews from their patients.
Some international schools you may be interested in from within or near Holland V include
- Holland International School & Preschool
- International Community School
- Rain Trees International Kindergarten & Preschool
For medical care, don’t forget to make sure that you have international health insurance while in Singapore. For more information about how expats can be covered in Singapore, read our article here.
Some Medical Clinics and Centers with 4-star or higher Google user ratings in Holland V include
Transportation in Holland Village
Holland Village is served by a station on Singapore’s MRT Circle Line, making it a convenient choice for expats who prefer not to own a car. Easy access to public transportation helps you avoid the congested traffic around downtown Singapore.
The area is also very walkable, with buses available for shorter distances than you would need the MRT. Having a car will also increase your living expenses, since most of the parking in the area is expensive and may not be included in rental prices.
Pros and Cons of Living in Holland Village
Holland Village is the perfect location for expats who want to have a full-fledged city adventure and feel like they can navigate a new country. The area is popular with expats as well as locals. While it’s conveniently located on the Circle Line, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.
Some of the cons of living in Holland Village:
- Holland Village, like most of Singapore, is densely populated. This will make the area feel crowded and busy to expats unfamiliar with city living.
- The area has a lot of European influence and expats, so if you’re hoping to be more immersed among local residents than other expats, this may not be the neighborhood for you.
- Parking is limited and expensive, so having a car in the area is extra expensive.
- Traffic in the area is congested, so driving anywhere takes longer than you expect for the distance.
- Wildlife attractions and lower-density areas are further north in the country. If you want to look into living further from the bustling city center, consider the Woodlands neighborhood.
- The average price for rentals is very high and can only be afforded by very generous salaries. Landed property is hard to find for rent and even more expensive.
Conclusion
Holland Village is a popular choice for expats, with a vibrant dining scene, convenient shopping, and excellent transport links that make everyday life easy and enjoyable. This neighborhood reflects the city’s appeal as a green, global city that attracts residents from around the world.
If you’re considering a move to Singapore or settling into Holland Village, Pacific Prime is here to help. Our specialists can guide you through your health insurance options and ensure you have the right coverage to support your life abroad.
Contact our team today for personalized advice and a free quote.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
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How is the nightlife in Holland Village for expats, and are there any particular spots that are a must-visit? Are there any local festivals or cultural events in Holland Village that expats should look out for?
Holland Village offers vibrant nightlife for expats, with popular spots like Wala Wala Café Bar, The White Rabbit, and Harry’s Bar providing a mix of live music, drinks, and a relaxed ambiance. For cultural experiences, expats should look out for local festivals such as the annual Singapore Heritage Festival, which often includes events in and around Holland V, celebrating the area’s rich cultural influences. Exploring the area’s street art, pop-up markets, and food fairs also provides a glimpse into Singaporean culture.
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