Moving your house to Singapore? As a US citizen, you will want to learn about immigration, and moving costs, and prepare your checklist for a smooth transition. Find it all here.
Depending on how much furniture you’re moving the costs will fluctuate. In the table below we break down the costs:
Furniture Volume | Estimated Cost |
Few boxes | $7,200 |
1-Bedroom worth | $12,000 – $18,000 |
2-Bedroom house | $18,000 – $22,000 |
3+ Bedroom house | $24,000+ |
These are estimated prices, they can change according to your origin and destination, volume, seasonality or extra services.
There are a few services you can opt for and hire from moving companies. Usually, these are the basic ones offered:
😲 Where to get free boxes for moving to Singapore?
Try in supermarkets, local shops, and other retail stores. You can also find free boxes in recycling centers or near construction areas. Free boxes can come with defects, check them twice for possible rips, excessive weakness, or other damages.
Some other additional services can be offered as well:
Keep in mind hiring extra services will increase the moving costs. You will save time, but if you’re under a budget, you may want to consider doing some things yourself.
Look at the following movers and find the best moving company for your relocation to Singapore:
As an American citizen, you will need a visa to work and live in Singapore. Work permits are available for skilled and professional migrants, valid for up to 2 years.
The most popular work permits are:
The requirements may differ according to your field skills or situation. However, some of them general are:
The process to follow changes according to your permit. The usual process is as follows:
For the EntrePass permit, you will have to apply yourself online.
If you’re coming back, you must understand your residency status first. You can move freely if you still hold a residency permit or citizenship. However, if your permit has expired, you must see your returning resident options.
Moving dogs, cats, or other pets such as birds, is allowed and can enter Singapore. If you plan on coming with your pet, you will have to follow these steps:
For more detailed information, check out this flowchart with all the steps to import your dog or cat to Singapore.
Singapore offers a Dependant’s Pass for partners and children for those holding an Employment Pass or S Pass. The partners must be legally married and the children (legally adopted included) must be 21 years old.
A Long-Term Visit Pass is also available for parents, domestic partners, or disabled children of those holding the Employment Pass or S Pass.
Not sure where to start? This checklist will help you with what to know and do before leaving:
While there’s no mandatory health insurance coverage, having private health insurance is highly recommended to have peace of mind.
If you’re open to discovering a new culture and embracing a fast-paced life, Singapore can be your place. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the adventure!
Metric | Singapore | US |
Eggs | 3.35 $ | 3.73 $ |
Restaurant Meal | 44 $ | 35 $ |
Cappuccino | 4.79 $ | 5 $ |
Single transport ticket | 1.48 $ | 2.50 $ |
Basic utilities | 150 $ | 205.61 $ |
Source: Numbeo
Living costs are almost 10% higher than in the US, however, it can be manageable with proper budgeting and planning. Salaries are also high and usually offer benefits to compensate for it.
If you’re still balancing what are the best and worst things about moving to this country, this pros and cons list may be useful:
The lifestyle here could be described as modern, multicultural, and vibrant. Besides hard work and efficiency, technology and innovation are a strong focus in their culture.
Singapore combines its influence from Western and Eastern cultures, reflected in its cuisine, people, and much more. The country is a multicultural center – 74% Chinese, 13% Malays, 9% Indians, and 3% of other ethnicities.
Its streets are clean and safe, the public transport is very efficient and you will find many green spaces to promote sustainability and good quality of life.
As an American moving to Singapore, the cultural differences can be challenging. Relying on an expat community and meeting people through online groups can be a good way to start—for example, American Expats in Singapore on Facebook.