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Being a global financial center and among the best places in the world to live is enough to make Singapore one of the most populated places in the world. Moving to Singapore will bring you new exciting opportunities and experiences you will not find anywhere else.
This article will serve as a general guide on how you can move to Singapore and why Singapore makes a great place for expats to live.
Can I Move to Singapore Without a Job?
Many ways can lead to permanent residency in Singapore, so you do not necessarily need a job to move there. However, if you want to move to Singapore for employment, you need to have a job so that you can legally work and live there.
How to Move to Singapore?
You can move to Singapore for various reasons; however, for stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for and obtain a long-stay visa. Singapore issues different long-stay visas that you must choose depending on why you want to move there.
Moving to Singapore to Study
You can get a student pass (student visa) if you are moving to Singapore to study in any of the Singaporean educational institutions. As a foreign student, you can be eligible for permanent residency only after spending more than 2 years in Singapore and passing at least one national exam.
A student visa will allow you to work without a work permit—provided that you meet the conditions for work.
Moving to Singapore to Work
Singapore has a strict visa and employment law, so you must have a job before you move to the country and obtain a work visa. Singapore has several work passes that you can benefit from.
However, the options for permanent residence for work are limited. That being said, you can move permanently to Singapore with one of the following:
- Employment Pass.
- EntrePass (Investor Program).
- S Pass.
*You can contact the Ministry of Manpower office in Singapore to help you choose the right work pass.
Moving to Singapore for Family Reunification
If you have a family member that is residing legally in Singapore, and want to join them, you can apply for a Dependant Pass (Family Visa).
However, your family member must fulfill a set of conditions to be eligible for a dependent visa, and can only take you to Singapore with a Dependant Pass if you are his/her legally married spouse or child under the age of 21 (adopted children included).
How Can I Import My Belongings to Singapore?
You can import your belongings to Singapore via air, land, or sea. When importing used household articles and personal belongings, you need to obtain a Customs In-Payment permit for the import and the payment of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
However, there are certain conditions that you must meet to qualify for GST, such as the following:
- You are changing your residence from outside of Singapore.
- You are the owner of the imported belongings.
- Your belongings have been in your possession and used for a period of not less than 3 months.
Intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles, private aircraft, boats, yachts, and commercial goods are prohibited from entering Singapore.
How Can I Bring My Pets to Singapore?
Just like when importing personal belongings, you will incur Goods and Services Tax (GST) when bringing your pets to Singapore. The import of pets for permanent residence in Singapore can be done by land, sea, or air within 6 months of the owner’s first arrival in Singapore.
Before bringing your pet to Singapore, you must:
- Identify Singapore’s rabies risk category (category A, B, C, or D).
- Ensure the breed of your pet is allowed in Singapore and your intended residence.
- Vaccinate your pet for rabies and do a serology test (if applicable).
- Send your pet for general vaccination.
- Reserve quarantine space (pets from category C or D).
- Obtain a dog license and import license.
- Book an inspection for your pet five days before your pet arrives in Singapore.
- Send your pet for parasite treatments and obtain a veterinary health certificate.
- Present your pet’s import license during check-in. Pets from category A or B countries need a signed captain’s declaration form signed by the transporting airline.
Veterinary conditions can change depending on which category your pet belongs to.
Why Should I Move to Singapore?
Here are the pros and cons of living in Singapore:
| Pros | Cons |
| Universal healthcare— Singapore residents are entitled to universal healthcare. Healthcare in Singapore is provided by the Ministry of Health of the Government of Singapore, and Singapore’s healthcare system is frequently ranked among the best in the world. | Living costs— Singapore is expensive; therefore, you must have a financial plan before moving here. Groceries in Singapore cost more than what you might be used to. You will find western foods but will have to pay double the usual price. The same goes for rent, which can be your biggest expense. |
| Education system— Singapore’s education system is among the best in the world, and the students are ranked at the top in the education rankings. | Size— Singapore is a small country. You can get from one side of the country to the other for a short period of time, but you will have a space limit. |
| Work opportunities— Singapore has a thriving job market. The country has a low unemployment rate, which is why many expats opt for Singapore when looking for a place to develop professionally. | |
| Free movement— Singaporeans can move freely to 193 countries in the world without needing to obtain a visa. | |
| Safety— Singapore ranks high in many life fields, and safety is one of them. In 2022, Singapore ranked first in Safety Perceptions Index. The country has a low crime rate, and overall, citizens of Singapore feel safe during the day and night. | |
| Clean environment— Known for its impeccable cleanliness, Singapore is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Singapore is also considered a leader in green urban development, so there are plenty of green spaces. | |
| Public transport— Singapore’s public transport is ranked first in safety and environmental impact, affordability, and usage and third in efficiency and convenience. The Mass Transit Railway (MRT) connects each part, so you will not find it difficult to get around. |
Most Popular Areas in Singapore for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Singapore:
- Holland Village.
- Tiong Bahru.
- Tanjong Pagar.
- Sentosa.
- East Coast.
Holland Village
If you are looking to settle in a neighborhood where you can meet young expats, Holland Village will be perfect for making new friends. Holland Village offers an attractive suburban lifestyle, many shopping centers, and eateries. The place has a reputation as an expatriate neighborhood, but you will find many Singaporeans living there too. Holland Village is close to some of the best schools in Singapore and offers many housing options. It is the perfect place to find a mix of European culture in a uniquely Singaporean way.
Tiong Bahru
One of the oldest residential areas in Singapore, has a unique style and is rich in heritage. In Tiong Bahu, you will find a mix of old and new. The street art, unique record, bookstores, and artisan pastries make Tiong Bahru a special place to move to. One of the best things about this neighborhood is the location. Tiong Bahru is located almost in the center.
On the other hand, the cost of living can get high, and the area can be packed with tourists most of the time.
Tanjong Pagar
Individuals with high incomes love Tanjong Pagar. The neighborhood is located right in the heart of the city center, and you can get to the Central Business District (CBD) on foot. Tanjong Pagar offers many impressive housing options, including luxury condos, thanks to the latest redevelopment to keep up with the demand. Most condo blocks in Tanjong Pagar come with pools, gym facilities, and breathtaking skyline views.
Tanjong Pagar will offer a nice and laid-back lifestyle and many great indoor and outdoor activities you can enjoy during the day or night.
Sentosa
Sentosa is probably the best place to live in Singapore. The neighborhood has some of the most exclusive homes, and you will find many expats from around the world. It is perfect for people that enjoy living in a quiet area with the ocean breeze, away from the city noise. However, the area is the furthest from central Singapore, so you will need to plan your trips, although you can get by easily with a car or tramline.
If you decide to move to Sentosa, you will experience life on the water in a nice condo or a landed house.
East coast
The East Coast will offer you a luxurious lifestyle in a diverse, exciting, and charming neighborhood. You will find a mix of local and international cultures, which will give you a unique experience. The area has plenty of apartments that offer beautiful river or seafront views, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Singapore.
The neighborhood also offers many outdoor activities, with jogging, cycling, swimming, kayaking, beach days, and picnics being some of the favorite activities among residents of the East Coast.
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