Though almost half of the people who relocate to this country have been expats before, many people need advice about how to move to Singapore. Expats here are usually moving to advance their career and earn the substantial average wage that comes along with the high cost of living in the Lion City. Whether this describes you, or you are moving to a new country for the first time, this guide will offer expert advice about what you need to move to Singapore.
If you are looking for a detailed guide on how to get a visa (and the bureaucracy involved), we have step-by-step explanations. Need to find accommodation or learn more about the cost of living? Our specific sections will help remind you why moving to Singapore needs preparation and teach you how to make your relocation a smooth process.
There are certain things to know when moving to Singapore that will make your integration into the city a lot simpler. Our information on culture helps you understand the languages spoken in the city-state, as well as cultural etiquette and the general benefits of moving to Singapore.
Connect with like-minded expatriates
Discover our welcoming community of expats! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new friends. Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
All you need to know about relocating your household goods and pets
Making the decision to move is a huge first step in the process of moving to Singapore. Once you do… what next? How can you move your life from one country to another?
Our Relocation section makes everything clear. At the end, you will be able to create a good To-Do list of things to organize, so that you can get off to a flying start before you even step on the airplane. For instance, we look at moving your household goods to Singapore, including how to organize shipping and storing your belongings once they arrive. There is also a tip about how to save yourself money on the furniture you import, which would usually be subject to a Goods and Services Tax.
For people who have never visited Asia before we provide a full list of vaccinations required for Singapore. This is particularly important for children under the age of 21 who are coming to the country on a long-term visit pass. Regulations have recently changed, meaning you will need to check that your children have all the appropriate shots.
If you want your cat or dog to join you in Singapore, you need to head to the end of this section of the guide. We provide full information on everything to know about moving to Singapore with pets. Things to consider before you move include if your animal will cope with the climate in Singapore, or if they will be legally allowed in your accommodation. Singapore authorities only allow up to three approved small breed dogs per private residence, for instance.
There is even a full guide on what you need to do to import your pets to the country. In fact, we cover everything apart from how to find their favorite food. You will have to figure that one out yourself.
The Guide to Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements
In this section, we cover everything you need to know about how to get a Singapore employment visa. One of the biggest stresses for expats moving to Singapore is understanding the type of visa they need to relocate. Figuring out how to then get that visa is a close second. With information scattered across the internet, having a step-by-step guide that talks you through the Singapore visa types, processes, and Singapore visa costs is vital.
This part of the InterNations Singapore guide explores both employment and S passes, as well as the EntrePass scheme. Timelines for the Singapore visa application process are covered, as well as detailed information on the Singapore visa requirements and documentation a potential employee needs to prepare. We also look in-depth at whether self-employment visas are available in Singapore (short answer: no).
One key area of interest this guide explores is how to get permanent residency in Singapore. This will affect any expats who want to settle long-term in the country, or for at least three years. You can weigh the benefits of becoming a permanent resident and see if any dependents are able to do so as well.
Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Singapore
Everything You Need to Know About Finding a New Home
If your company is not providing you with housing, or you are looking for accommodation in Singapore by yourself, this is the guide for you. Reading this section will give you the edge when competing for housing in a small island country with a population of 5.8 million people and around 2.2 million expats.
Want to know how to buy a house in Singapore as a foreigner? This is the right place to look. Buying a house is complicated at the best of times. In Singapore, you need to be aware of the restrictions in place for expats. Our experts have done all the intricate research, so you don’t have to. What’s more, the housing in Singapore section offers average house prices as well as guidance on how to organize utilities in Singapore and how to get a housing loan. Everything you need, in one place.
Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of Singapore Explained
The Singapore healthcare system is globally renowned for efficiency and quality, ranking 6th best in the world in 2019. Expats rate the hospitals and services in the country very highly and see it as one of the many bonuses of moving to the Lion City. We look at the differences between the public and private healthcare systems, including the costs involved with visiting each type and common waiting times. Day-to-day issues like how to find a doctor are also explored. Plus, there is guidance about giving birth in Singapore and the benefits that working parents are entitled to.
A key take-away is that getting insured is important. As non-residents, expats need assistance with the healthcare system and health insurance in Singapore. Read this guide for full and clear explanations of what expats need to check for in the coverage provided by their work and the types of private health insurance available.
Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Singapore
A Comprehensive Guide About Opening a Bank Account and Managing Your Taxes
A surprisingly time-consuming issue for expats is organizing banking in their new country. Figuring out the best banks in Singapore that provide non-resident bank accounts involves a lot of research. Trust us. We have gone through it.
With this guide, opening a bank account in Singapore becomes much simpler. We provide a list of documents you will need to make sure your application is accepted as well as a list of foreigner-friendly banks.
Do you also want to know how much money will end up in your account? We guide you through how much the tax is in Singapore. You should know that to be a tax resident in Singapore, you will usually need to live in the country for over 183 days in a tax year (January to December).
Connect with like-minded expatriates
Discover our welcoming community of expats! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new friends. Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
