Moving to Singapore? Your Complete Relocation Checklist

Visa applications, housing, banking, schools, taxes, and settling in — everything you need to move to Singapore without the headaches.

📥 Get the Free Relocation Checklist + PDF

Relocating to Singapore is exciting, but the details trip people up:

• Applying for the wrong visa type and wasting 4-8 weeks
• Signing a 2-year lease in a building that floods every monsoon
• Missing the international school application window and paying for last-minute placement
• Paying more than you need to on rent or relocation services

This checklist catches every critical step so your move goes smoothly.

📜 Main Pass Types (2026)

• Employment Pass (EP): Min S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for finance). Requires COMPASS points (40+). For professionals, managers, executives. Duration 2-3 years.
• S Pass: Min S$3,300/month. For mid-skilled workers. Quota and levy apply. Duration 2 years.
• Dependent Pass (DP): For EP/S Pass holders earning S$6,000+. Spouse + children under 21. Can work with LOC.
• LTVP: For common-law spouse, parents, or step-children of EP holders. No work rights by default.
• ONE Pass: For top-tier talent earning S$30,000+/month. 5-year pass, multiple employers allowed.

💡 COMPASS Points (EP Applications Since Sep 2023)

• 4 criteria: Salary, Qualifications, Diversity, Support for Local Employment. Each scores 0-20 points.
• Bonus: Skills Bonus (up to +20) for roles in shortage, Strategic Economic Priorities (up to +10).
• Pass mark: 40 points out of 100 (excluding bonus).
• Processing: 3-8 weeks. In-principle approval valid 6 months.

🏠 Rental Options (Monthly, 2026)

• Condo (2BR): S$3,500-6,000. Pool, gym, security. Most expat-friendly. 12+ month lease.
• HDB flat (2BR): S$2,000-3,500. Cheaper but older, no facilities. Min 6-month lease for foreigners.
• Serviced apartment: S$5,000-10,000/month. Fully furnished, utilities included. Short-term OK. Good bridge option.
• Landed house: S$6,000-20,000+. Good Class Bungalow area. Very limited for foreigners.

💡 Renting Checklist

• Use PropertyGuru or 99.co for listings. Engage a licensed agent (1 month commission typical).
• Sign TA (Tenancy Agreement) with stamp duty (S$4-500). Check: diplomatic clause, maintenance clause, early termination.
• Inventory list with photos/video of ALL existing damage. Disputes at move-out are common.
• Budget: 2 months deposit + 1 month advance + agent fee = ~3 months upfront.
• Check flood history (PUB flood map), MRT distance (800m walk max), and construction nearby.

🏦 Opening a Bank Account

• Major banks: DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citi, HSBC, Standard Chartered.
• You need: Passport, EP/IPA, proof of address (tenancy agreement works), SingPass (for digital banks).
• Digital banks: MariBank, GXS, Trust Bank — open via app with EP. Faster but limited features.
• Multi-currency accounts: DBS My Account, OCBC Frank, Citi Global Wallet — useful for salary in SGD and expenses in home currency.

📈 Tax Basics for New Arrivals

• Singapore taxes on income accrued in or remitted to Singapore. Offshore income not taxed until remitted.
• Personal income tax: 0-24% (progressive). First S$20K exempt. Effective rate on S$120K = ~4.3%.
• No capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no GST on financial services.
• File taxes via IRAS myTax Portal. Deadline: 18 April. Need SingPass.

🎓 Options for Expat Families

• International schools (most common): S$25,000-50,000/year. Curriculum: IB, UK, US, Australian. Waitlists for popular schools — apply 6-12 months before move.
• MOE schools (local): S$5,000-12,000/year for foreigners. Only for DP/LTVP holders. Intake via MOE Placement Service. Singapore curriculum.
• Preschool: S$1,000-2,400/month. International (EtonHouse, Pat’s) vs local (My First Skool). Subsidised for Singaporeans only.

💡 Key Deadlines

• International school applications: typically Sep-Feb for Aug intake. Late applications incur S$2-500 late fees.
• MOE school applications: rolling but limited places. Submit within 1 month of receiving DP.
• AEIS test (for MOE schools): Feb and Sep each year. Required for non-Singapore curriculum students.

• Shipping timeline: Book 4-6 weeks before move. Sea freight 3-5 weeks, air freight 1-2 weeks.
• Customs: Used personal effects duty-free if owned for 6+ months. New goods = 9% GST + duty. Complete customs declaration online.
• Pets: Import licence + microchip + rabies vaccination + blood test. 10-30 day quarantine at S$20/night. Plan 6 months ahead.
• Cars: Import or buy used. Driving licence conversion: take BTT test first. LTA inspection required.
• Moving companies: Get 3 quotes. Santa Fe, Asian Tigers, Crown. Check insurance coverage for high-value items.

• Employment contract: Should specify probation (3-6 months), notice period (1-3 months), bonus (AWS + variable), and EP sponsorship terms.
• EP renewal: Usually 2-3 years. Your employer initiates renewal 3 months before expiry. If EP is not renewed, you must leave within 30 days (or get Short Term Visit Pass).
• Change of employer: New EP application required. You can start work only after new EP is approved. No automatic transfer.
• MOM regulations: 11-hour rest between shifts, 14 days sick leave, 60 days hospitalisation leave (after 3 months), 7-14 days annual leave pro-rated.
• CPF: Only Singaporeans/PRs contribute. Employers contribute to your account if you become PR. Foreigners: employer pays into your salary instead.

• Public healthcare: Subsidised for citizens/PR. Foreigners pay unsubsidised rates but can still access.
• Private hospitals: Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles, Farrer Park. High standard, English-speaking doctors.
• Health insurance: foreigners aren’t covered by MediShield Life. Expats often have employer group cover or buy international health insurance. Check the policy details and speak to a licensed adviser.
• Clinics: S$30-80 per visit. Polyclinics (public) cheaper but longer wait. GP clinics everywhere.
• Emergency: Dial 995. Public hospital A&E: S$120-250 for foreigners. Private hospital A&E: S$200-500.

• SIM card: Singtel, StarHub, M1. Prepaid or postpaid (need EP + passport). Monthly plans S$20-60 for 20-100GB.
• Transport: Get EZ-Link or SimplyGo card for MRT/bus. Grab/Gojek for peak times.
• Utilities: SP Services for electricity + gas + water. Need EP + bank account. Monthly S$150-250 for 3-room condo.
• IC & Address: Update ICA with your residential address within 14 days of moving. Register with MOM for EP card (within 5 days of arrival).
• Community clubs: Join your local CC for activities, classes, and meeting neighbours. Cheap and friendly.

📄 Download the Full Relocation Checklist as PDF

A printable 9-section checklist: work passes, housing, updating your details, tax, schools, pets, shipping, healthcare, and space for your notes.