Moving to Singapore: a how-to on relocating to the Lion City

Is Singapore a good place to live?

Singapore is a good place to live, boasting one of the highest standards of living in the world. Residents benefit from a safe, clean and scenic environment, a highly efficient public transport system, and a diverse, multicultural society. The city-state is also known for its eclectic food scene, dazzling skyscrapers and thriving arts and entertainment options.

Must-know information about living in Singapore

...the Lion City offers a unique lifestyle that balances fast-paced urban energy with natural serenity.

Singapore districts

Pros and cons of living in Singapore

Singapore is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends modern innovation with deep-rooted traditions, making it an exciting place to live and work. However, like any country, it has its good and bad points. So, here are some positives and potential challenges to consider before making the big move to Singapore.

Is it hard to move to Singapore?

Moving to Singapore can be complex and varies depending on your passport, work and educational experience, family connections in the city-state, and whether you plan to find employment or study.

Another critical factor is how to transport your belongings to Singapore. The easiest way is to hire a professional overseas removals company who can provide a self-loading moving pod like the Seven Seas Worldwide MoveCube®.

Singapore visa process: everything you need to know

Getting a visa to live and work in Singapore depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in Singapore. Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and EU member states, have a visa waiver agreement with Singapore, with over 160 nations not needing a visa for short visits (up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality).

Countries that require a short-stay visa include Russia, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.

Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and EU member states, have a visa waiver agreement with Singapore...

How to move to Singapore

To move to Singapore, all residents and non-residents must first apply online for a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), which details your travel history and health status. Exceptions are those passing through the country on a connecting trip and residents crossing the border by road between Singapore and Malaysia.

Then, you must apply for a long-term visit pass to stay in Singapore longer than 90 days. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) overseas work visas and related matters. There are several types of work passes, including:

• Employment Pass (EP): for professionals, managers, executives, and specialists earning a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000* (around US$ 3,827).
• S Pass (SP): for skilled workers (e.g., associate professionals and technicians) who may not meet the EP requirements and earn at least S$3,000* (around US$2,291) per month.
• EntrePass: for entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a business in Singapore that has financial backing or involves innovative technologies.
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): for high-earning EP holders, offering greater flexibility.

Eligible relatives can apply for a family visa, such as:

• Dependent's Pass: for spouses and children of EP or SP visa holders who wish to join them in Singapore.
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): for common-law spouses, step-children or disabled children of an EP or SP visa holder.

Other options include:

• Student Pass (STP): for students studying for up to four years. Under certain conditions, students may bring family members to Singapore.
• Permanent Residency (PR): for those looking to settle in Singapore permanently. You must be either a spouse of a PR or citizen, a citizen's parent, a holder of an SP or EP visa, a student, or a foreign investor.

^{*prices accurate as of 2024}

Immigrants are

40% of Singapore's population

Source: Statista

Can I retire in Singapore?

You can retire in Singapore, but it requires careful planning. While Singapore doesn't offer a retirement visa, you can obtain permanent residency via work, family connections or significant investments. To supplement your golden years in Singapore, ensure you have enough money to combat the high cost of living. Non-residents can use the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) for tax relief on contributions towards their retirement.

Cost of living in Singapore

As the fifth wealthiest city in the world, Singapore's cost of living is high, so ensure you budget for accommodation, utilities, education, transport, entertainment, and food before moving. Housing will likely be your biggest expense, with rental prices in areas like Nassim Road, Marina Bay, and Ardmore Park being particularly steep.

On the plus side, Singapore's living standards are also high. Healthcare is universal and of excellent quality, crime rates are very low, there's long-lasting political stability, and the economy is considered one of the most competitive in the world.

Sources: citypopulation.de, singstat.gov.sg

Cheapest place to live in Singapore

The cheapest place to live in Singapore is Ang Mo Kio, according to a recent study by the online learning platform Preply. The average price of a one-bedroom condo is S$1,268* (around US$974) per month.

In contrast, less than four miles south sits Toa Payoh, the most expensive area. Rent here costs S$5,007* (around US$3845) per month, a whopping 93% of Singapore's average household income.

^{*prices accurate as of 2024}

Buying a house in Singapore as a foreigner

Create a budget to determine whether you can afford a mortgage. For private properties, you'll need a down payment of at least 5% of the purchase price and 20% for HDB homes.

For non-Singapore citizens, companies, limited liability partnerships, or societies, you must seek government approval to buy specific properties, such as vacant land, terrace houses and bungalows. Approval is awarded case-by-case, often requiring the applicant to be a permanent resident for at least five years. However, foreigners do not need approval to purchase properties like condominium units, flats and commercial or industrial properties.

Foreign buyers are also subject to a 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) in addition to the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD). Stamp duty must be paid in cash upfront and cannot be deferred. There are no ABSD charges for US nationals and nationals/PRs from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland who are buying their first residential property.

View as many properties as possible using popular sites like EdgeProp, PropertyGuru, and SRX Property, and ask the estate agent detailed questions. One option is to hire a property agent to help you scout for the best deals, work out what you can afford, offer insider knowledge, and deal with paperwork. Property agents typically charge a fee of around 1% for finding you a new home.

Next, get an in-principle approval from a bank to understand the maximum amount you can borrow, likely 75% of the purchase price. Singapore banks that loan to expats include Standard Chartered, Citibank, CIMB and Hong Leong Finance.

The bank will evaluate:

• Your credit history.
• Your income and employment.
• Your debt-to-income ratio.
• The down payment you can afford.
• Information on the property you wish to buy.
• Legal and compliance checks.

When you decide to make an offer, and it's accepted, both parties will sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement, formalising the terms of the sale. Then, pay the deposit and hire a conveyancing lawyer to ensure all legal requirements are met and a property inspector to assess the home's condition and value.

How to open a bank account in Singapore

To open a bank account in Singapore as an expat, visit local branches and research thoroughly online. Trusted banks include DBS, OCBC, UOB Group, and Standard Chartered.

Consider factors such as fees for international transfers, minimum balance requirements, and the availability of digital banking services. Banks like DBS and OCBC offer online and mobile banking options, making account management easier for expats.

Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of address, proof of residence and proof of right to live and work in Singapore, such as an Employment Pass or Student Pass. Some banks may allow you to open an account online, but in-person verification is usually required.

The following are examples of common Singaporean bank accounts:

Current account (often known as a savings account): for daily banking needs, including salary deposits, utility bill payments and money transfers, while earning a small amount of interest. Be mindful of fees and minimum balance requirements.

High-interest savings account: grows your savings with higher interest rates when you meet certain conditions while providing easy access to your funds.

Student account: designed to help students manage their finances. There are typically no minimum balance requirements, low or no fees, and additional perks such as higher interest rates and cashback.

Multi-currency account: ideal for frequent travellers or those dealing in multiple currencies, allowing affordable international transactions.

Investment account: for managing and growing your investments, with options tailored to different risk appetites.

Thanks to a robust economy, there are many opportunities in financial services, electronics, healthcare and IT.

How to get a job in Singapore

Before you begin your job search, it's crucial to understand the conditions of your Singapore Work Pass, which varies depending on your skills and circumstances. For instance, the Employment Pass is for professionals earning at least S$5,000* (around US$3,831) per month, while the S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers.

Next, focus on in-demand industries where your skills and education are valued. Thanks to a robust economy, there are many opportunities in financial services, electronics, healthcare and IT. Emerging opportunities include artificial intelligence, data science and biotechnology. You can find job openings on popular sites like Jobstreet, JobsCentral, and JobsDB.

Consider using a recruitment agency to enhance your chances, such as Manpower (specialising in IT, engineering, and sales) and Robert Half Singapore (finance, technology, and senior management roles), for valuable insights into your target industry.

Tailor your CV for each application, highlighting relevant skills. Ensure your application is in well-written English (the primary business language of Singapore) and include a strong cover letter emphasising your fit for the company. Familiarise yourself with typical employment conditions in Singapore, such as the standard working hours of 9 am to 6 pm and your rights regarding annual leave, public holidays and sick leave.

Networking is crucial. To expand your connections, attend industry events or join professional social groups on Meetup and Facebook.

Finally, the job market in Singapore is very competitive, so be persistent! With the right approach, you can secure a position that fits your qualifications and career goals.

^{*prices accurate as of 2024}

Singapore education system

Education in Singapore is compulsory for children between the ages of seven and sixteen. Programs nurture the whole child to foster lifelong learning and prepare them for 21st-century life. The curriculum emphasises academic and holistic development, integrating community activities, leadership study, and values-based programmes. The Ministry of Education (MOE) manages curriculums, teacher training, and funding.

You can find and apply to local schools through the official MOE website.

Required enrolment documents include:

• Child's birth certificate.
• Child's passport.
• Immigration documents (e.g., Dependant's Pass, Student's Pass, Long Term Visit Pass).
  Parents' passports.
• Parents' employment documents (e.g., Employment Pass, Work Permit).
• Child's immunisation records.
• Offer email from MOE (for specific situations).

The education system in Singapore is as follows:

Kindergarten (ages 3-6): optional, consisting of Nursery, Kindergarten 1 (K1), and Kindergarten 2 (K2) to help children develop social, language, and cognitive skills via language learning, number recognition, music, games and outdoor play.

Primary school (ages 7-12): focuses on developing literacy, numeracy, and character development. Core subjects include English, mathematics, languages, art, music, and physical education.

Secondary school (ages 12-16): there are different streams, such as Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical), to match students' academic progress and interests as they work towards their GCE O-Level, N-Level, or Integrated Programme.

Taxis and private hire vehicles are all metered and air-conditioned, and over 15,000 cars are available throughout Singapore. Fares start at roughly S$3.90 (around US$2.99), though surcharges apply during peak hours, late nights, and airport trips. Ride-hailing services operate extensively in the city, offering convenient alternatives to taxis with app-based bookings.

For a more leisurely exploration, trishaws (bicycle-powered rickshaws) provide a nostalgic mode of transport, especially in areas like Chinatown and Little India. Additionally, Singapore's ferry services offer routes to nearby islands and destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia. The city's extensive network of cycling paths, currently over 440 km (273 miles) with plans for many more additions, is an eco-friendly way to get around.

Most foreigners in Singapore don't travel by car due to the significant expenses. In addition to the cost of the vehicle, you'll need to obtain a 10-year Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is currently a huge S$145,000 (around US$111,115), plus an Additional Registration Fee (ARF) and pay Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Fun and surprising facts about Singapore

1. Alongside Monaco and the Vatican City, Singapore is one of only three surviving city-states worldwide. Former city-states that have since incorporated into neighbouring countries include Venice, Athens and Tenochtitlan.
2. In 2000, Singapore established a Speaker's Corner in Hong Lim Park, similar to London's Hyde Park. Citizens can freely express their views on almost any topic, provided they follow certain rules.
3. Singapore has banned the sale, import, and manufacture of chewing gum since 1992 to maintain the city's cleanliness. The ban was introduced after stuck gum caused MRT train doors to malfunction, leading to disruptions.
4. The National Orchid Garden in Singapore is home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. It also houses the world's largest display of tropical orchids, attracting botany enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.
5. Sentosa Island, now a popular tourist destination, was once named Pulau Blakang Mati, which translates to "Island of Death from Behind" in Malay due to its reputation for pirate attacks and deadly malaria outbreaks.
6. You can purchase a luxury car from a vending machine! A 15-story building by Autobahn Motors functions as a giant vending machine, dispensing high-end vehicles like Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Ferraris with just the push of a button.
7. The world's first nocturnal zoo, the Night Safari, lets visitors experience the unique behaviour of over 900 animals after dark via walking trails, guided tours, and tram rides. Enjoy a unique journey through lush, open enclosures that mimic the animals' natural habitats.
8. As the fourth wealthiest city in the world, Singapore boasts the highest percentage of millionaires per capita, with nearly one in six households having over US$1 million in disposable wealth.
9. The city-state is home to one of the world's largest floating stadiums, The Float @ Marina Bay. It's hosted numerous high-profile events, including the National Day Parade and boasts a stunning backdrop of the iconic Marina Bay skyline.
10. Singapore has a "no durian" rule on all public transport. The exotic fruit's smell is so intense it was banned in 1984, leading to amusing scenarios of people trying to sneak it in! Despite the ban, durian remains a beloved treat.

How to move to Singapore

For over 25 years, we've been shipping belongings to hundreds of countries. From Jurong in the west to Changi in the east, we'll safely ship furniture, kitchen appliances, sporting goods, boxes, bags, and more to Singapore. Our expert team, free packing supplies, local knowledge, complimentary storage, and multilingual customer service set us apart from other overseas removal companies.

What is the MoveCube®?

You can ship all your household possessions inside our secure moving pod, the MoveCube®. It acts as your own dedicated container, which we bring to your door for you to fill with sofas, kitchen appliances, bicycles, sports gear, instruments, boxes and more!

You can ship all your household possessions inside our secure moving pod, the MoveCube®. It acts as your own dedicated container, which we bring to your door for you to fill with sofas, kitchen appliances, bicycles, sports gear, instruments, boxes and more!

Each MoveCube® comes with a complimentary Starter Pack. Inside, you'll find a marker pen, a box cutter, a roll of parcel tape, and a tape dispenser to secure your belongings into boxes. Plus, three plastic floor sheets to help estimate what fits inside a Large, Medium, or Small MoveCube®.

You can order several MoveCubes®, but please note that they may arrive on separate days. Get your new and exciting life in Singapore started today with an instant, free quote for a transparent cost breakdown of the entire overseas shipping process.

Another benefit of choosing our international removal service is that we take care of the customs process in Singapore for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making plans.

• Like all countries, Singapore restricts the import of certain items to protect its people and environment. Reference our Prohibited Goods page while packing to avoid delays or fines.
• Complete all your online documents and ensure your inventory (a detailed packing list of all items you're shipping to Singapore) matches what's in the MoveCube(s)®.
• Upload clear, colour scans of the shipment owner's passport picture and signature pages.
• If you're shipping plant life, wood or any animal by-product and their derivatives, ensure they are not endangered as classified by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Non-Singapore citizens can import personal belongings without paying Goods and Services Tax (GST). Provisions include being resident overseas for at least six months before moving to Singapore, importing goods within six months of arrival, and possessing one of the following documents:

• Employment Pass (EP)
• In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from the Ministry of Manpower showing your application status or job offer.

Singaporean citizens and permanent residents are eligible for GST relief provided the items are for personal use, and they have lived overseas for six months (with proof of employment outside of Singapore).

If you have any removal or customs questions, our multilingual customer service team is happy to help.

Extra resources to help with your move to Singapore

...before making a life-changing decision, it's essential to weigh all the pros and cons of living in Singapore.

Moving to Singapore checklist

Simplify your big move to Singapore with our handy checklist:

• Plan ahead by asking friends, family, and fellow expats for advice: before making a life-changing decision, it's essential to weigh all the pros and cons of living in Singapore.
• Research all applicable visa and residency options: learn about the various entry methods and the visa application process. Then, select your best option for acceptance.
• Run the numbers: check your bank balances to see if you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Singapore for a few months before landing a job and home.
• Choose a neighbourhood and decide to buy or rent: pick a district that suits your family's needs and consider renting first to give yourself time to acclimate.
• Set up new accounts for your bills and savings: open a Singaporean bank account and transfer money from your home country.
• Secure a job: learn about employment etiquette, job-searching methods, application tips and employee benefits in Singapore.
• Organise schooling: enrol your kids in local schools or register to teach them for home.
• Learn about the Singapore healthcare system: decide whether to go private or take advantage of Singapore's publicly-funded, state-run healthcare services.
• Learn how to get around: discover Singapore's efficient, varied, modern and integrated public transport systems.
• Discover Singapore's storied past and culture: gain a better understanding of the Garden City by learning about its formation, customs, and present-day multicultural influences.
• Book an overseas removal company: research the best overseas removals experts to safely ship your household belongings to Singapore.