Moving to Singapore checklist

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Why Singapore Keeps Attracting New Residents

Every year, thousands of professionals, students and families pack their bags and relocate to Singapore. The reasons are not hard to find. A stable economy, world-class healthcare, an education system that consistently ranks among the best globally and a geographic position that puts the rest of Asia within a short flight. It is a city where you can eat a Michelin-starred hawker meal for under S$5 and attend a world-class concert the same evening.

But for all its appeal, moving to Singapore without preparation can leave you scrambling. The bureaucracy is efficient but expects you to know the rules. Rental markets move fast. Costs can surprise you if you have not done your homework. That is exactly why a proper moving-to-Singapore checklist matters more than most people think.

I have put together this guide based on the real sequence of decisions you will face, from the months before departure right through to settling into daily life. Whether you are relocating for an employment pass, joining a partner who is already based here, or starting a postgraduate programme, this checklist covers every practical step.

Phase 1: Pre-Move Essentials (8 to 12 Weeks Before)

Securing Your Visa and Work Pass

Singapore does not allow long-term stays without the correct pass, and getting this wrong can derail your entire timeline. The type of pass you need depends on your situation:

Your employer typically handles the EP or S Pass application through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). For dependants and students, you will need to coordinate with your sponsor or institution. Start this process at least 8 weeks before your planned arrival.

If you need a visa to enter Singapore, check the requirements for your passport on our Singapore visa requirements page. Many nationalities get 30 to 90 days visa-free, but you will still need to complete the SG Arrival Card electronically before landing.

Documents to Gather Before You Leave

Singapore is a documentation-heavy country. Having these ready will save you days of frustration once you arrive:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay
• In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from MOM
• Educational certificates and transcripts (originals and notarised copies)
• Marriage certificate (if bringing a spouse)
• Birth certificates for children
• Medical records and vaccination history
• International driving permit (if you plan to drive)
• Recent passport-sized photographs (white background)

Booking Flights and First Accommodation

Book your flight as soon as your IPA is confirmed. Changi Airport is served by virtually every major airline, and prices tend to climb the closer you get to departure. One-way fares from major cities range from S$200 to S$800 depending on the route and season.

For your first week or two, do not commit to a long-term rental sight unseen. Book a serviced apartment or hotel near your workplace. This gives you breathing room to view flats in person, understand neighbourhoods and negotiate leases from a position of knowledge rather than desperation.

If you land at Changi, consider a private airport transfer (from S$50.94) rather than figuring out public transport with jet lag and heavy luggage. Your driver will have the air conditioning running and know the fastest route to your accommodation.

Phase 2: Your First 72 Hours in Singapore

Get Connected Immediately

Two things you need within hours of landing: mobile data and a transport card.

For connectivity, an eSIM package (from S$4.24) lets you activate data before you even clear immigration. No queuing at a SIM counter, no fumbling with tiny cards. You get instant access to maps, messaging and ride-hailing apps.

For transport, the EZ-Link card (S$12.00) is your key to the entire public transport network. It comes pre-loaded with S$5 in value and works on every MRT line, every bus, the LRT and even some retail stores. Top it up at any convenience store or MRT station.

Opening a Bank Account

You will need a local bank account for salary deposits, rent payments and everyday expenses. The three major banks are DBS, OCBC and UOB. All offer accounts for foreigners with an Employment Pass or S Pass.

What to bring to the branch:

• Passport
• Employment Pass or IPA letter
• Proof of address (your temporary accommodation receipt works)
• Initial deposit (usually S$1,000 to S$3,000)

DBS tends to be the most digital-friendly option, with an app that handles nearly everything. OCBC and UOB offer competitive savings rates. Most people open accounts at two banks — one for salary and daily use, one for savings.

Completing Your Work Pass Formalities

Within a few days of arrival, your employer will schedule your visit to the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to complete biometric registration and collect your physical card. Bring your passport, IPA letter and a recent photograph. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Phase 3: Finding Your Permanent Home (Week 1 to 4)

Understanding Singapore's Housing Landscape

Housing will be your biggest monthly expense. The market moves quickly, and understanding the options before you start viewing saves both time and money.

A few hard-learned tips from people who have done this before:

• Always view a flat in person before signing anything. Photos can be misleading, especially regarding natural light and noise levels.
• Check the proximity to MRT stations. Being within a 10-minute walk makes a meaningful difference to your daily commute and resale appeal.
• The standard deposit is two months' rent for a two-year lease, one month for a one-year lease.
• Use PropertyGuru or 99.co for listings. Licensed agents charge one month's rent as commission.
• Negotiate the "diplomatic clause" into your lease — this allows you to break the lease with notice if you are transferred out of Singapore.

Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring

Singapore is compact, but each area has a distinct personality. Spend a weekend exploring before you commit:

A hop-on hop-off bus tour (from S$49.92) is one of the smartest things you can do in your first week. It gives you a visual overview of the entire island's layout — where the CBD sits relative to Sentosa, how the East Coast connects to the heartlands, and which areas feel right for your lifestyle.

Phase 4: Setting Up Your Life (Week 2 to 6)

Healthcare Registration

Singapore has one of the world's best healthcare systems, but it is structured differently from what most expats are used to. Here is what you need to know:

• Polyclinics are the subsidised primary care option. Register at your nearest polyclinic for affordable GP visits (S$50 to S$80 for non-residents).
• Private GPs are more expensive (S$80 to S$150 per visit) but offer shorter wait times and more flexible hours.
• Hospital emergency departments are strictly for emergencies. An ER visit can cost S$500 or more.
• Check whether your employer provides medical insurance. Most EP holders get coverage, but review what is actually included.

If you have children, register them with a paediatrician early. Good paediatric clinics book up weeks in advance.

Learning to Eat Like a Local

This is where Singapore truly shines, and where smart new residents save hundreds of dollars a month. The hawker centre is not a tourist novelty — it is the backbone of daily life. More than 110 hawker centres across the island serve meals from S$3 to S$6, and the quality rivals many restaurants.

Your essential hawker centre vocabulary:

• Chicken rice — Singapore's unofficial national dish. Poached or roasted, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock.
• Laksa — Rich coconut curry noodle soup with prawns, fishcake and a spicy kick.
• Char kway teow — Stir-fried flat noodles with egg, Chinese sausage, cockles and dark soy sauce.
• Roti prata — Flaky Indian flatbread served with curry for dipping. A breakfast staple.
• Kopi — Local coffee brewed with a cloth sock filter. Order "kopi-o" for black, "kopi-c" for with evaporated milk.

A Food Discovery Pass (from S$48.47) is a structured way to taste your way through the island's culinary highlights without wandering aimlessly. It points you to the stalls that locals actually queue for.

Understanding the Cost of Living

Singapore is expensive, but it is also a place where you have genuine control over your spending. The gap between a S$3 hawker meal and a S$50 restaurant dinner illustrates this perfectly. Here is a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

The biggest lever is rent. Choosing an HDB flat over a condo can save S$1,000 to S$2,000 per month with very little sacrifice in quality of life — especially if you are near an MRT station.

Phase 5: Understanding Daily Life in Singapore

Navigating Public Transport

Singapore's MRT network is one of the most efficient urban rail systems in the world. Six colour-coded lines criss-cross the island, and trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. Average fare for a typical commute is S$1.50 to S$2.50.

Buses fill the gaps between MRT stations and cover nearly every residential street. Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time arrival information and route planning. Google Maps also works well for multi-modal journey planning.

A word about taxis and ride-hailing: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing platform. Fares are reasonable for short trips (S$8 to S$15 for most city journeys) but can surge during peak hours and rain. If you are budget-conscious, stick to MRT and buses for daily commuting and save Grab for convenience moments.

Workplace Culture and Expectations

Singapore's work culture is professional, efficient and hierarchical. A few things that catch newcomers off guard:

• Punctuality is taken seriously. Arriving even five minutes late to a meeting is noticed.
• Business cards are still exchanged at first meetings. Present and receive them with both hands.
• Email communication tends to be formal. Use "Dear" and proper salutations until your colleagues indicate otherwise.
• Lunch is typically taken at 12:00 to 1:00 PM and is often eaten at nearby hawker centres or food courts. Joining your colleagues is an excellent way to build relationships.
• Working hours are officially 9 to 6, but many industries expect longer hours. Understand the culture of your specific company before assuming.

Rules You Actually Need to Know

Singapore is famous for its rules, and while the reputation is slightly exaggerated, there are genuine regulations that newcomers should be aware of:

The practical reality is that most of these rules simply encourage considerate behaviour. Keep your surroundings clean, respect designated smoking zones and you will never have an issue.

Phase 6: Making Singapore Feel Like Home

Learn the History of Your New Home

Understanding Singapore's story transforms it from a place you live to a place you belong. This is a nation that went from a colonial trading post to a global financial centre in a single generation. That context changes how you see every hawker centre, every HDB block and every policy decision.

The About Mr. Lee tour (from S$66.17) takes you through the personal story of Lee Kuan Yew, the man who shaped modern Singapore. It is four hours of walking through the places that formed him, guided by someone who brings those stories to life with detail you will not find in any textbook.

The Changi Chapel and Museum (from S$8.00) offers a powerful look at Singapore's World War II experience. The personal stories of prisoners of war and civilians interned at Changi are deeply moving and help you understand the resilience that underpins Singapore's national character.

Explore Your Neighbourhoods on Foot

Every neighbourhood in Singapore has layers waiting to be discovered. The Instawalk Bugis, Waterloo and Kampong Glam tour (from S$45.32) is guided by local nano influencers who know the hidden corners, the best photo spots and the cultural stories that give each lane its meaning.

These walking experiences are genuinely valuable for new residents. You do not just see a neighbourhood — you start to understand why a particular shophouse matters, what the street art is referencing and which kopitiam has been serving the same recipe for three generations.

Weekend Activities That Build Your Life Here

Once the logistics are sorted, the real adventure begins. Singapore packs a remarkable amount of variety into 733 square kilometres. Here are experiences that help new residents connect with their new home:

For nature lovers: Start your weekend with Breakfast in the Wild (from S$31.03) at Singapore Zoo, where you eat a planet-friendly buffet alongside orangutans and macaws. It is unlike any breakfast you have had before and sets the tone for a day exploring Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

For craft culture: The Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour (from S$47.12) introduces you to Singapore's craft spirits scene. Local botanicals like pandan and kaffir lime go into small-batch gins, and you taste the results in a relaxed setting. It is a great way to meet people with shared interests.

For weekend getaways: Batam Fast Ferry (from S$43.77) puts you on an Indonesian island in under an hour. Batam offers affordable spas, seafood restaurants and golf courses — a complete change of scenery without the need for a flight.

For families: Canopy Park at Jewel Changi (from S$6.85) is an elevated garden with discovery slides, foggy bowls and walking trails. At just S$6.85, it is one of the most affordable family-friendly attractions on the island.

The Complete Moving to Singapore Checklist

Here is your master checklist, organised by timeline. Print this, bookmark it and tick items off as you go:

Taxes, CPF and Financial Planning

Understanding Your Tax Obligations

Singapore's tax system is territorial and progressive. You pay income tax only on income earned in Singapore. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no tax on overseas income that is not remitted. For most employees, your employer handles monthly contributions, and you file your annual tax return between March and April via the IRAS e-Filing portal.

As a foreigner on an Employment Pass, you will be taxed as a non-resident for your first two years unless you can demonstrate that you intend to stay. Non-resident tax is a flat 15% or the resident progressive rate, whichever gives a higher amount. Once you achieve tax residency (183 days or more in a calendar year), you move to the progressive scale, which ranges from 0% on the first S$20,000 to 22% on income above S$320,000. Most mid-career professionals fall in the 7% to 15% bracket, which is significantly lower than comparable cities like London, New York or Sydney.

CPF Contributions

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is Singapore's compulsory social security system. If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident, both you and your employer contribute a percentage of your salary. For Employment Pass holders who are not PRs, CPF contributions are not mandatory, though some employers offer voluntary schemes. If you later obtain PR status, CPF kicks in from the first month, with graduated rates in your first two years.

CPF is divided into three accounts: Ordinary Account (housing, education, investments), Special Account (retirement), and Medisave (healthcare). Understanding this system early matters because it affects your take-home pay once you become a PR and influences decisions about property and retirement planning.

Insurance You Actually Need

Your employer's medical insurance is a starting point, but most expats find it insufficient for comprehensive coverage. Consider these layers:

• Hospitalisation insurance — covers ward stays, surgery and specialist treatment. Check whether your employer's plan covers private hospitals or only restructured (government) ones.
• Outpatient coverage — GP visits, dental, optical. Often not included in employer plans; budget S$50 to S$100 per month for a standalone policy.
• Personal accident insurance — particularly important if you cycle, play sports, or commute on two wheels.
• Home contents insurance — protects your belongings in your rental. Costs S$150 to S$300 per year.

Compare policies on platforms like MoneySmart or SingSaver, which aggregate quotes from major insurers. Do this within your first month while you are still settling the other logistics.

Children, Schools and Family Life

If you are relocating with children, the schooling decision is one of the most consequential and time-sensitive ones you will make. Singapore offers three main tracks:

• Local government schools — highly competitive, world-class curriculum, very affordable (S$750/month for foreigners at primary level). Limited places for international students, and registration priority goes to citizens and PRs.
• International schools — IB, British, American, Australian, French, German, Japanese, Korean and other national curricula. Tuition ranges from S$20,000 to S$50,000 per year. Apply at least 6 months ahead, as popular schools like UWC, SAS, Tanglin Trust and Canadian International maintain waiting lists.
• Private schools — a middle ground, often offering modified local or hybrid curricula at S$10,000 to S$25,000 per year. Less competitive admissions but quality varies significantly.

For younger children, preschool and enrichment options are abundant. PAP Community Foundation and NTUC My First Skool offer subsidised childcare for PRs and citizens. International preschools cater to the expat community with bilingual immersion programmes and flexible schedules.

Family-friendly neighbourhoods with good school proximity include Bukit Timah (near several international schools), Pasir Ris (spacious HDB flats and parks), and the East Coast (mix of expat and local communities with beach access).

Building Your Social Network

One of the most underestimated challenges of relocation is social isolation. Singapore is a transient city — people come and go — but it also has an extraordinarily active community scene if you know where to look:

• Meetup.com — hundreds of active groups covering everything from hiking to photography to startup networking. The Singapore Hiking Group alone has over 40,000 members.
• Sports clubs — hash running, touch rugby, dragon boat, tennis and swimming clubs welcome newcomers. The Singapore Cricket Club and the Tanglin Club are traditional expat institutions, though membership fees are substantial.
• Religious communities — churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are active social hubs with newcomer programmes.
• National groups — the British Association of Singapore, the American Association of Singapore, the Australian and New Zealand Association and dozens of others organise regular social events.
• Volunteer work — organisations like Willing Hearts, Food Bank Singapore and numerous animal shelters welcome volunteers and are excellent places to meet residents who care about the community.
• Coworking spaces — if you work remotely or are between offices, spaces like WeWork, The Great Room and JustCo are social environments as much as workspaces.

The trick is to say yes to the first three invitations you receive, even if you are tired from moving logistics. Early social connections compound quickly and make the difference between feeling like a resident and feeling like a long-term tourist.

Language is rarely a barrier. English is the working language of government, business, education and daily life. You will quickly pick up Singlish — the local creole that mixes English with Malay, Hokkien, Tamil and Cantonese expressions. Learning a few phrases ("lah" for emphasis, "can" as an all-purpose affirmative, "shiok" for delicious or satisfying) earns genuine appreciation from locals and signals that you are invested in understanding the culture rather than just occupying space in it.

For a deeper immersion into Singaporean culture through its food heritage, a Chicken Rice Diaries experience (from S$188.22) takes you behind the scenes of Singapore's most iconic dish. You will visit the markets where ingredients are sourced, watch the preparation process and understand why a plate of chicken rice is far more complex than it appears.

Weather, Wardrobe and Daily Rhythms

Singapore sits one degree north of the equator. It is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius and humidity rarely dropping below 70%. There are no seasons in the traditional sense, only slightly wetter months (November to January during the northeast monsoon) and slightly drier ones.

What this means for your daily life:

• Your wardrobe shifts to lightweight, breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are your friends. Bring one light jacket for aggressively air-conditioned offices and cinemas.
• Carry a compact umbrella every day. Afternoon thunderstorms appear without much warning and disappear just as quickly.
• Hydrate constantly. Drink more water than you think you need, especially during your first month of acclimatisation.
• Exercise in the early morning or after sunset. Running or cycling at noon is genuinely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Parks like East Coast Park, MacRitchie Reservoir and the Southern Ridges are best enjoyed before 8 AM or after 5 PM.
• Many locals and expats shift their outdoor activities to weekday evenings and weekend mornings. Saturday morning at a park connector or reservoir trail is a social event as much as exercise.

The upside of the climate is that you never need winter clothing, heating bills do not exist, and outdoor dining is possible every evening of the year. Once you adjust — usually within three to four weeks — the warmth becomes the background of a deeply outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Common Mistakes New Residents Make

Having helped countless travellers plan their Singapore experiences, we see patterns in what trips people up during relocation:

• Signing a lease without viewing the flat in person. Photos never show the real noise level from a nearby expressway or the lack of afternoon sunlight.
• Underestimating initial costs. Between deposits, agent fees, furniture and setup, budget S$5,000 to S$10,000 beyond your first month's rent.
• Ignoring public transport. Owning a car in Singapore costs upwards of S$100,000 for a basic model (including the Certificate of Entitlement). The MRT is faster for most journeys anyway.
• Not exploring beyond the CBD. Some of Singapore's best food, most interesting architecture and friendliest communities are in the heartlands — places like Toa Payoh, Clementi and Bedok.
• Trying to replicate your home country's lifestyle. Singapore rewards those who lean into what makes it unique. Eat at hawker centres. Take the MRT. Walk through wet markets on Saturday mornings.

Getting a Head Start on Your Singapore Life

If you are still in the planning stage and have a trip to Singapore coming up — whether for a job interview, a house-hunting visit or a look-see — use that time wisely. You can preview what daily life feels like by exploring the city the way residents do, not just as a tourist.

If you are travelling to Singapore for any purpose and need a temporary travel document, you can arrange a flight reservation through HolidaySG for visa application purposes.

Exploring Singapore with HolidaySG

Moving to a new country is one of life's great adventures. Singapore rewards preparation, curiosity and a willingness to try things that are unfamiliar. The checklist above covers the practical side. But the real settling-in happens when you start exploring — when you find your favourite hawker stall, discover a quiet corner of a park you did not know existed, or take a ferry to a nearby island on a whim.

HolidaySG helps you discover Singapore through curated experiences — from cultural walking tours and wildlife encounters to weekend ferry trips and craft distillery visits. E-tickets are emailed after our team confirms your booking, so you can plan with confidence.

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