Here's some quick facts about Singapore:
Thinking of moving to Singapore? Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate Singapore Relocation Guide.
Planning a Relocation to Singapore? You're not alone! Each year, thousands of expats choose this dynamic city-state as their new home, drawn by its exceptional quality of life, world-class infrastructure, and strategic position as Asia's business hub.
Singapore consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities, offering an unparalleled blend of Eastern and Western cultures, political stability, and economic prosperity. From its pristine streets to its multicultural food scene, Singapore provides expatriates with a unique living experience that combines modern convenience with rich cultural heritage.
This ultimate relocation guide will walk you through every essential aspect of moving to Singapore, from visa requirements to settling into daily life. Whether you're planning to work, study, retire, or start a business, we'll provide you with the practical insights needed to make your transition as smooth as possible.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects of relocating to Singapore, including:
We hope this guide both inspires and informs you. Since information may vary based on individual circumstances, we strongly recommend conducting your own research alongside this guide to ensure your move to Singapore goes smoothly.
Here's some quick facts about Singapore:
Moving to Singapore takes some planning, but a little preparation goes a long way. The first step is making sure you have the right visa or work pass for your situation, as this forms the foundation of your move. Once your paperwork is sorted, you can focus on the practical side - organising shipping for your belongings, finding a place to live (short- or long-term), and setting up essentials like a bank account and healthcare arrangements.
It also helps to research different neighbourhoods ahead of time to see which ones suit your lifestyle - whether you prefer being close to the business district, near international schools, or in a quieter, family-friendly area. By handling these key details early, from flights to finances, you’ll make your move smoother and give yourself more time to settle into your new life in Singapore.
Yes, if you’re planning to immigrate to Singapore, you’ll need the right visa. Choosing the correct one is a key part of the moving process, and it’s best to start early so you have plenty of time to gather documents and meet all requirements.
The type of visa depends on your individual circumstances. For example, your options will vary depending on whether you’re moving to join family, studying in Singapore, or relocating for work with a job offer.
Some of the most common visas include the Employment Pass and Personalised Employment Pass for high-earning professionals. The S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers with lower salary thresholds, while other categories cover entrepreneurs, performing artists, and migrant workers.
Visa applications can take several weeks to process, so applying well before your intended move date is strongly recommended. Always check official Singapore government guidelines or speak with a qualified immigration adviser to ensure your application is up to date and complete.
Requirements for residing, studying, and working in Singapore through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
When relocating to Singapore, it’s essential to look beyond visas and moving logistics to fully understand daily life in this vibrant city-state. From education and healthcare to housing options and managing finances, many key factors influence how you settle in. Whether you’re moving to Singapore for work, to start a business, or to retire, these are some of the most common questions and topics people explore when planning their new life in Singapore.
While Singapore offers a safe and high-quality lifestyle that appeals to retirees, it does not have a dedicated retirement visa scheme like some other countries. Retirees generally stay on Long-Term Visit Passes if they have family ties, or through investment or wealth-based visas. Expats cannot access subsidised public healthcare and must arrange private medical coverage. Therefore, moving to Singapore to retire can be challenging without existing connections or substantial resources.
Known as one of the best places in Asia to start a business, Singapore’s pro-business policies, low corporate taxes, and strategic location make it an ideal base for entrepreneurs. The government supports new businesses with simplified company registration, grants, and incentives. Understanding local market conditions and compliance requirements is vital for success when starting a business in Singapore.
As a leading global financial hub, Singapore provides abundant job opportunities across finance, technology, healthcare, and logistics sectors. The work environment is dynamic and professional, with a strong focus on productivity and networking. For anyone moving to Singapore to work, understanding employment laws and local workplace culture helps ensure a smooth career transition.
Singapore's healthcare system ranks among the world’s best, known for its quality, efficiency, and accessibility. Both public and private healthcare services are available, supported by mandatory health insurance schemes that help keep costs affordable. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical care, making healthcare a top consideration for expatriates moving to Singapore.
Singapore offers an outstanding education system, recognised globally for academic excellence and bilingual learning. From public schools to international institutions, families relocating to Singapore have access to top-tier education tailored to a variety of needs. The government’s emphasis on STEM and holistic development ensures students are well prepared for the future.
Housing in Singapore is renowned for its high standards but can be expensive. Rental options range from modern apartments to landed properties, while buying property requires navigating strict regulations and a competitive market. Deciding whether to rent or buy largely depends on your budget and length of stay when relocating to Singapore.
Singapore ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, with high costs for accommodation, transport, and dining out. While salaries tend to reflect living costs, budgeting carefully is essential. Many expatriates manage expenses by embracing local food markets and using the efficient public transport system.
Foreigners relocating to Singapore can drive using their home country licence along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months. After this period, most will need to convert their licence by passing a theory test. Car ownership is notably expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, which imposes high costs and limits vehicle numbers, making owning a car prohibitive for many expats.
Opening a bank account in Singapore is straightforward for expats once valid residency documents are secured. Singapore offers low personal income tax rates compared to many countries, making it financially attractive. However, it’s important to consider any tax responsibilities you may still have in your home country.
Singapore’s public transport network is one of the world’s best, with extensive MRT lines, reliable buses, and convenient taxis. It’s affordable, punctual, and covers most areas, allowing many residents to live comfortably without a car. Cycling and walking are increasingly popular in residential neighbourhoods.
Singapore is celebrated for its religious diversity and harmony, with Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism widely practised. The government promotes mutual respect among faiths, and many religious festivals form an integral part of the local culture and community life.
Changi Airport (SIN) is a leading global aviation hub, providing smooth customs and immigration processes and excellent connectivity to major cities worldwide. Preparing travel documents and understanding entry requirements in advance helps ensure a hassle-free arrival when moving to Singapore.
If you’re planning to bring your pets with you when moving to Singapore, it’s usually possible, but it does require careful preparation and research. The import process can take time, as Singapore has strict rules to prevent rabies and protect its local environment.
Most people move with cats or dogs, but the requirements depend on several factors, such as the type of animal, the country you’re coming from, how long you’ve owned the pet, and the veterinary documents available. In some cases, quarantine may also be required. To ensure you have the latest information, it’s best to check directly with the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service.
Starting this process as early as possible is highly recommended to avoid delays or unexpected difficulties.
Moving personal belongings to Singapore used to mean relying on traditional removal companies or slow, costly sea freight services. Today, My Baggage offers a faster, more affordable alternative by using air freight courier services, ensuring your items reach Singapore quickly and securely.
Whether shipping luggage, boxes, golf clubs, or bikes to Singapore, My Baggage provides a reliable door-to-door international removals service with full online tracking and dedicated customer support. From a few bags to larger shipments, their service ensures your belongings are handled with care and arrive safely, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
My Baggage specialises in shipping personal belongings to Singapore, offering a great alternative to paying excess baggage fees with airlines, making it an excellent choice for your move to Singapore.
