Moving to Singapore

Thinking about relocating to the Lion City? Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for expats worldwide — and for good reason. This guide covers everything you need to know, from work passes and housing to healthcare, banking, and daily life, so you can plan your move with confidence.

Whether you're a professional transferring with your company, an entrepreneur eyeing Southeast Asia, or a family looking for a safe and well-connected base in the region, this guide walks you through every practical step of moving to Singapore in 2026.

Singapore at a Glance

Why Move to Singapore in 2026

Global financial hub: Singapore is a top destination for finance, tech, and logistics professionals, with a thriving startup ecosystem and the regional headquarters of hundreds of multinational companies.
Extremely safe: One of the lowest crime rates in the world — you can walk alone at night virtually anywhere without worry.
Tax-friendly: No capital gains tax, and personal income tax rates are progressive and relatively low (top marginal rate of 24%).
World-class infrastructure: Impeccably clean streets, reliable public transport, and one of the fastest internet networks in Asia.
English-speaking environment: English is the primary language of government, business, and education, making day-to-day life straightforward for most Western expats.
Gateway to Asia: Singapore's location makes it an ideal base for travelling across Southeast Asia, with direct flights to dozens of regional destinations in under four hours.
Multicultural society: A rich blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures means incredible food, diverse festivals, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Moving Costs to Singapore

Shipping your belongings to Singapore is relatively straightforward thanks to the country's major port status. Costs vary depending on origin and shipment volume.

Component Costs Explained

Shipping/Freight: SGD 1,500–7,000 depending on sea vs air freight and volume. Sea freight is the norm; air freight is used only for urgent or high-value items.
Insurance: Typically 2–3% of the declared shipment value.
Customs Clearance: SGD 200–500. Singapore customs is efficient, and most personal household goods are duty-free under the Transfer of Residence scheme.
Packing Materials: SGD 150–400 for professional packing services.
Storage (if needed): SGD 100–300 per month for a small unit.
Administrative/Handling Fees: SGD 100–250 for documentation and local delivery.

Visa & Residency Requirements

Singapore has a well-structured work pass system managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The pass you need depends on your salary, qualifications, and the type of work you'll be doing.

For Citizens of ASEAN and Most Countries

All foreign nationals need a valid work pass to be employed in Singapore. There is no visa-free work arrangement. Tourist entry (usually 30 days) does not permit employment.

Main Work Pass Categories

1. Employment Pass (EP)

For: Professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 5,600/month (SGD 6,200 for financial services).
Requirements: Recognised degree or strong professional qualifications, a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer, and passing the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based criteria.
Processing time: Typically 3–8 weeks.
Duration: Up to 2 years initially, renewable for up to 3 years at a time.
Key details: EP holders can bring eligible family members on Dependant's Passes. After holding an EP for a qualifying period, you may apply for Permanent Residency (PR).

2. S Pass

For: Mid-skilled technical staff and supervisors earning at least SGD 3,300/month.
Requirements: A degree or diploma (minimum 1 year of full-time study), relevant work experience, and a job offer. Employer is subject to a quota (S Pass holders cannot exceed 10–18% of the company's workforce depending on sector).
Processing time: 3–8 weeks.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable.
Key details: S Pass holders are also eligible for Dependant's Passes if they meet the minimum salary threshold of SGD 6,000/month.

3. Work Permit

For: Semi-skilled or unskilled workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or services sectors.
Requirements: Varies by sector; generally requires a job offer from an employer with available foreign worker quota and levy obligations.
Processing time: 1–7 weeks.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable.
Key details: Work Permit holders cannot bring dependants to Singapore. Employers must provide medical insurance and adequate housing.

4. Dependant's Pass (DP)

For: Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of EP or S Pass holders earning at least SGD 6,000/month.
Requirements: Proof of relationship and the sponsor's qualifying salary.
Processing time: 3–8 weeks.
Duration: Tied to the validity of the main work pass.
Key details: DP holders can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore.

5. EntrePass

For: Foreign entrepreneurs wanting to start and operate a business in Singapore.
Requirements: The business must be venture-backed or possess recognised intellectual property, and meet criteria around funding, incubator support, or key partnerships.
Processing time: Up to 8 weeks.
Duration: 1 year initially, renewable based on business milestones.

Registering with Authorities

Singapore does not have a registration system like Germany's Anmeldung, but there are key steps to complete after arriving.

Post-Arrival Steps

Collect your work pass card. Visit the MOM Services Centre with your passport and IPA (In-Principle Approval) letter to have your thumbprint and photo taken. Your card is mailed within 4 working days.
Register your thumbprints. This is done at the same MOM appointment and is required for all work pass holders aged 15 and above.
Open a bank account. You'll need your passport, work pass, and proof of address (a tenancy agreement or utility bill works). See the Banking section below.
Apply for a SingPass. SingPass is Singapore's national digital identity, required for accessing government services, tax filing (IRAS), CPF, and healthcare portals. Apply online once you have your FIN (Foreign Identification Number).
Register with your embassy. Many embassies encourage citizens to register their presence in Singapore for consular assistance.

Required Documents for Your Move

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Work pass IPA letter
Employment contract
Tenancy agreement (if already signed)
Educational certificates and transcripts
Marriage/birth certificates (for dependants)
Vaccination records (recommended for children enrolling in school)

Finding Housing in Singapore

Singapore's housing market is unique. Around 80% of residents live in HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats — public housing built by the government. The remaining 20% live in private housing, which includes condominiums, landed properties (terraced, semi-detached, and bungalows), and executive condominiums (ECs).

As an expat, you will most likely rent a condominium (condo) or, if eligible, an HDB flat. Condos come with facilities like pools, gyms, and security — a major draw for expats. HDB flats are significantly cheaper but may have restrictions on rental eligibility depending on your pass type.

Average Rents by Area (2026)

Key Housing Terms

HDB: Government-built public housing. Available in 2-room, 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room/executive configurations. Unfurnished by default.
Condominium (Condo): Private residential development with shared facilities. Furnished and unfurnished options widely available.
Landed Property: Houses with land — terraced, semi-detached, or bungalow. Significantly more expensive and often located in outer districts.
Stamp Duty: A government tax on tenancy agreements, calculated as 0.4% of the total rent for leases up to 4 years. Paid by the tenant.
Security Deposit: Typically 2 months' rent for a 2-year lease, returned at the end of the tenancy minus any deductions.

How to Find Housing

Online Platforms:

PropertyGuru: Singapore's largest property portal — the go-to for listings.
99.co: Modern interface with detailed filtering and map-based search.
Carousell: Popular classifieds app where some rooms and flats are listed directly by landlords.

Local Resources:

Licensed property agents (expected for most private rentals; agent commission is typically 1 month's rent for a 2-year lease)
Facebook expat groups (e.g., "Expats in Singapore") often share direct listings

Tips for Foreigners Finding Housing

Start your search 4–6 weeks before arrival. The market moves fast, and good units are taken within days.
Budget for the full cost: First month's rent + 2 months' security deposit + stamp duty + agent commission can add up to 4–5 months' rent upfront.
Negotiate. Landlords are often open to a lower monthly rent if you commit to a 2-year lease.
Inspect in person. Photos can be misleading. Visit the unit, check water pressure, test air-conditioning, and look for mould or pests.
Check proximity to MRT. Living within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station dramatically improves your quality of life and commute.

Warning: Rental Scams

Never transfer money before viewing a unit in person or through a verified agent.
Be wary of prices far below market rate — if it seems too good to be true, it is.
Always verify the landlord's ownership through the property agent or request the property title.
Avoid paying deposits in cash without a proper tenancy agreement signed by both parties.

Healthcare & Insurance

Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but it operates on a largely user-pays model. There is no universal free healthcare. Instead, Singapore uses a combination of mandatory savings (Medisave), catastrophic insurance (MediShield Life), and optional private insurance to cover medical costs.

How Singapore's Healthcare System Works

Medisave: A mandatory savings account within your CPF (Central Provident Fund) — Singapore's social security system. A portion of your salary is automatically contributed and can be used for hospital bills, approved outpatient treatments, and MediShield Life premiums. Note: only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents have CPF/Medisave accounts. Work pass holders do not.
MediShield Life: A basic catastrophic health insurance plan for all Singapore Citizens and PRs. Covers large hospital bills and selected expensive outpatient treatments like dialysis and chemotherapy. Premiums are paid from Medisave.
Employer-provided medical insurance: Most employers provide group medical insurance for work pass holders. This typically covers outpatient GP and specialist visits, hospitalisation, and sometimes dental. Check your employment contract carefully — coverage varies widely.

Public vs Private Healthcare

Out-of-Pocket Costs (Private, Uninsured)

GP consultation: SGD 30–60
Specialist consultation: SGD 150–350
Dental cleaning: SGD 80–150
Emergency room visit: SGD 120–200 (before treatment)
Hospital stay (per day, single room private): SGD 500–1,200

Top Insurance Providers

Great Eastern: One of the largest insurers in Singapore; strong hospital and surgical plans.
AIA: Comprehensive expat-friendly plans with international coverage options.
Prudential Singapore: Popular for integrated shield plans that top up MediShield Life.
NTUC Income: Affordable plans widely used by locals and expats on a budget.

Banking & Finance

Opening a Bank Account

When: As soon as you have your work pass card and proof of address.
Required documents: Passport, work pass (EP/S Pass/Work Permit), proof of address (tenancy agreement or utility bill), and sometimes a referral letter from your employer.
Top banks for expats:
DBS (Development Bank of Singapore): Singapore's largest bank. Excellent digital banking app (DBS Digibank), wide ATM network, and strong international transfer support.
OCBC (Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation): Known for good customer service and competitive savings rates. OCBC Digital app is user-friendly.
UOB (United Overseas Bank): Strong regional presence across Southeast Asia; good for expats who travel frequently within ASEAN.

Getting a Credit Card

Singapore banks typically require 3–6 months of salary crediting history before issuing an unsecured credit card. Some banks offer secured credit cards (backed by a fixed deposit) immediately. Alternatively, your employer's HR team may be able to facilitate an introduction to their banking partner.

Tax Identification

Tax Reference Number (NRIC/FIN): Your FIN is assigned automatically when your work pass is approved. It serves as your tax ID.
IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore): You will file taxes annually by 15 April for the previous year's income. Singapore taxes on a preceding-year basis, and there is no capital gains tax.
CPF (Central Provident Fund): A mandatory social security savings scheme for Citizens and PRs, covering retirement, healthcare (Medisave), and housing. Work pass holders (EP, S Pass, Work Permit) do not contribute to CPF. Only Citizens and PRs have CPF accounts, with employer contributions of up to 17% and employee contributions of up to 20%.

Payment Culture

Cash: Still widely used at hawker centres, wet markets, and small shops, though acceptance of digital payments is growing rapidly.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in malls, restaurants, and supermarkets. Amex is less widely accepted.
Contactless/mobile payments: PayWave (contactless Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and GrabPay are extremely common.
PayNow: Singapore's instant bank transfer system — linked to your mobile number or FIN. Widely used for peer-to-peer payments and increasingly accepted by small businesses.
NETS: A local debit payment system found at most retail terminals, though Visa/Mastercard debit cards are now equally usable.

Cost of Living in Singapore

Singapore consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world, driven largely by housing and car ownership costs. However, day-to-day expenses like food and public transport can be remarkably affordable if you live like a local.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Housing:

1-bedroom condo (central): SGD 3,000–4,500/month
3-bedroom condo (suburban): SGD 3,500–5,500/month
HDB 3-room flat: SGD 1,800–2,800/month
Utilities (electricity, water, gas): SGD 100–200 (higher if you run air-conditioning frequently)
Internet (1Gbps fibre): SGD 40–70/month

Groceries & Food:

Hawker centre meal: SGD 3–6
Mid-range restaurant meal: SGD 20–40 per person
Fine dining: SGD 150+ per person
Weekly groceries (1 person, cooking at home): SGD 80–120

Transportation:

MRT/bus monthly pass: SGD 100–150
Taxi/Grab (10km ride): SGD 10–18
Petrol: SGD 2.50–3.00 per litre
Car ownership: Extremely expensive — see below

Car Ownership (The COE System): Singapore deliberately discourages car ownership through the COE (Certificate of Entitlement) system. To buy any car, you must first bid for a COE, which grants you the right to own a vehicle for 10 years. COE prices fluctuate based on demand and can range from SGD 40,000 to over SGD 120,000. Combined with Additional Registration Fee (ARF) and excise duty, a modest sedan can easily cost SGD 150,000–200,000 or more. Most expats rely on public transport and Grab (ride-hailing) instead.

Comparison with Other Cities

vs London: Rent is comparable; food is cheaper (especially hawker meals); transport is cheaper; car ownership is vastly more expensive.
vs New York: Rent is slightly cheaper; groceries are more expensive; dining out can be cheaper; no tipping culture.
vs Dubai: Rent is higher; food costs are similar; no income tax in Dubai vs Singapore's progressive tax.

Language & Culture Tips

Do You Need to Speak Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil?

No. English is the primary working language in Singapore and is spoken fluently by the vast majority of the population. Government documents, contracts, signs, and menus are all in English. You will have zero language barriers in professional and daily life.

That said, you'll hear Singlish — a creole language blending English with Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil, and other influences. It's a unique and expressive way of speaking. Common Singlish terms include:

Lah / Lor / Leh: Sentence-final particles that add emphasis or soften statements. "Can lah" means "yes, that's fine."
Kiasu: Hokkien for "afraid to lose out." Describes the competitive, don't-miss-out attitude common in Singapore culture.
Makan: Malay for "eat." "Let's go makan" means "let's go eat."
Shiok: Expression of pleasure or satisfaction, often about food. "This laksa is shiok!"
Ang moh: Hokkien term literally meaning "red hair," used to refer to Caucasians.

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Respect for Rules and Cleanliness:

Singapore is famously strict. Littering, chewing gum (importing and selling is illegal), jaywalking, and smoking in prohibited areas carry fines. Flushing laws, while rarely enforced today, reflect the city's commitment to public order.
Queueing is taken very seriously. Always queue, even if it seems informal.

Multicultural Sensitivity:

Singapore's population is roughly 74% Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indian, and 3.5% other ethnicities. Respect for all cultures and religions is paramount.
Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and mosques.
Use your right hand when giving or receiving items, especially food.

Food Culture:

Sharing dishes family-style is the norm, especially at Chinese and Indian restaurants.
Hawker centres are the heart of Singaporean social life. "Chope" (reserve) your seat by placing a packet of tissue paper on the table — it's a beloved local custom.
Halal dietary requirements are widely accommodated. Look for the "Halal" certification logo at food stalls.

Tipping:

There is no tipping culture in Singapore. A 10% service charge is included at most restaurants. Rounding up a Grab fare is appreciated but not expected.

Social Integration

Join expat groups on Facebook and Meetup — communities like "Expats in Singapore," "Singapore Expats," and various nationality-specific groups host regular events.
Sports clubs (cricket, rugby, sailing, dragon boat) are popular ways to meet both locals and expats.
Volunteer organisations and community groups offer another avenue for building connections.
Neighbourhood hawker centres and coffee shops (kopitiams) are excellent places to strike up conversations with locals.

Where to Find Tools and Resources

ReloAdvisor Tools:

Volume calculator
Video survey
Moving cost calculator

Official Singapore Resources:

Ministry of Manpower (MOM): mom.gov.sg
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS): iras.gov.sg
Housing & Development Board (HDB): hdb.gov.sg
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): ica.gov.sg
CPF Board: cpf.gov.sg

Expat Communities:

ExpatSingapore.com: expatsingapore.com
InterNations Singapore: internations.org/singapore-expats
Reddit r/singapore: reddit.com/r/singapore

Related Guides:

Moving to Hong Kong
Moving to Australia
Moving to Malaysia