Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Singapore

Last updated: October 2025

Ever dreamed of relocating to a clean, green, and ultra-modern city with world-class infrastructure, top-tier healthcare, and a strong economy? Singapore isn’t just a travel hotspot — it’s a prime destination for expats looking to live, work, and thrive. But moving abroad comes with challenges, and Singapore has its own unique quirks and regulations.

At Palmers Relocations, we’ve helped countless expats make the move smooth and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know before relocating to Singapore in 2025 — from the practicalities of daily life to expert tips on moving your household safely.

Why Singapore Appeals to Expats

1. Multicultural, English-Friendly Environment
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences mix seamlessly — visible in the architecture, festivals, and, of course, food. English is widely spoken and an official language, making it easier for expats to communicate and settle in.

2. Safe, Clean, and Highly Livable
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Strict laws, efficient law enforcement, and a culture that values cleanliness make it a secure environment for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

3. Healthcare Excellence
Singapore’s healthcare system ranks among the best globally. While expats aren’t eligible for all government subsidies, private health insurance ensures access to world-class hospitals and clinics. Short waiting times and high standards of care make healthcare a major draw for expats.

4. Competitive Economy and Job Market
Singapore is a hub for finance, technology, logistics, and multinational companies. With over 50% of the workforce made up of expats, there are opportunities across industries — though securing the right role may require flexibility and networking.

5. Education Options for Families
International schools are plentiful, offering British, American, IB, and local curricula. Singapore also recognises foreign qualifications, making it an attractive option for higher education or children’s schooling.

What Makes Moving to Singapore Unique

While Singapore offers incredible advantages, it also presents unique logistical challenges for newcomers — especially for international relocations:

Housing & Rentals

Accommodation is expensive due to limited land. Most expats live in private condos or landed properties.
HDB flats are reserved for citizens and PRs, so renting through private landlords is necessary.
Rental agreements typically require proof of immigration status and upfront deposits.

Utilities & Daily Living

Singapore Power is the sole provider for electricity, gas, and water.
Public transport is highly efficient, and car ownership is regulated through the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which can cost upwards of SGD 30,000.

Cultural Nuances

Work culture values punctuality and hierarchy, although multinational companies are increasingly flexible.
Local colloquial language, Singlish, combines English with Hokkien, Malay, and Tamil — a cultural quirk that makes daily life colorful and memorable.

Food & Lifestyle

Food is central to Singaporean culture. From hawker centres to fine dining, variety is endless.
Expats can enjoy a healthy, outdoor lifestyle thanks to plentiful parks, cycling paths, and waterfront areas.

Palmers Relocations Insider Tips for Singapore Moves

Packing for a Tropical Climate – Humidity can affect electronics, furniture, and documents. Use moisture-resistant packing materials and label boxes clearly.
Customs & Import Rules – Certain household items may require permits or restrictions. Palmers’ team guides you through paperwork, customs clearance, and delivery.
Warranty Matters – Transit Warranty cover is vital for international moves. Palmers helps you determine coverage based on your belongings and destination.
Storage Solutions – Whether temporary storage in Australia or in Singapore, using climate-controlled facilities protects valuable items from heat and humidity.

Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist for Singapore (2025)

Relocating to Singapore involves careful planning. From visas and documentation to packing and transport, here’s your comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth move.

1. Research Your Visa Requirements

Before booking your flight, check which visa you need. Singapore has several visa types depending on your purpose:

Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals earning a minimum fixed salary, usually in managerial, executive, or specialised roles.
S Pass – For mid-level skilled staff.
EntrePass – For entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
Dependant Pass – For spouses and children of EP or S Pass holders.
Permanent Residency (PR) – For long-term relocation plans, but applications are selective.

Tip: Palmers can help you align your move timeline with visa approval and customs requirements, avoiding unnecessary delays.

2. Prepare Essential Documentation

Singapore has strict import and residency rules. Organising your paperwork early saves headaches:

Passport with valid visa
Employment or business documentation
Housing or rental agreements
Medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination certificates
School or university transcripts for children
Inventory list of household goods (Palmers can create this for you during your move)

3. Plan Your Housing in Advance

Decide between private condominiums or landed properties, as HDB flats are generally unavailable to expats.
Budget for security deposits and agent fees.
Consider proximity to work, school, and public transport.

Palmers Tip: Knowing your destination layout early helps plan logistics for moving bulky items and ensures smooth delivery.

4. Organise International Shipping

Sea freight is cost-effective for large volumes but takes longer (2–6 weeks).
Air freight is faster but more expensive, ideal for essential items or small shipments.
Customs clearance: Some items, like electronics, alcohol, or plants, may require permits. Palmers handles paperwork to prevent delays or fines.

Pro Tip: Pack electronics and valuables in carry-on luggage if possible; sea shipments are climate-controlled but humidity can affect some items.

5. Prepare Your Household for Tropical Climate

Singapore is hot and humid year-round, so proper packing is key:

Use moisture-resistant packing materials for electronics, documents, and wooden furniture.
Clearly label boxes for easy unpacking.
Consider climate-controlled storage if items arrive before you’re ready.

6. Health & Insurance Preparations

Private health insurance is essential for expats, as public subsidies are limited.
Bring prescriptions, glasses, and basic medications.
Palmers can coordinate insurance coverage for goods in transit, protecting against damage, loss, or humidity.

7. Schooling & Education Planning

Singapore offers international schools with IB, British, and American curricula.
Research schools early — waiting lists can be long.
For higher education, check recognition of foreign qualifications.

Palmers Insight: Early planning ensures your family’s schooling aligns with your relocation timeline, avoiding last-minute stress.

8. Plan Your Finances

Open a local bank account once you arrive.
Transfer funds via secure, cost-effective providers (like OFX or SendFX) to avoid high fees.
Budget for COE, deposits, and initial living expenses.

9. Moving Day Logistics

Book Palmers early: We coordinate pick-up, shipping, customs, and delivery.
Keep valuables, documents, and essentials in hand luggage.
Confirm delivery dates, accessibility, and elevator/stair requirements in advance.

10. Settling In

Register for utilities, internet, and phone services.
Learn about public transport, local laws, and cultural norms.
Explore neighbourhoods, markets, and community groups to ease the transition.

This checklist ensures your move to Singapore is well-planned, smooth, and stress-free. By combining local knowledge with expert international relocation support, Palmers Relocations helps you arrive ready to live, work, and thrive in Singapore.