Relocating to Singapore for work usually runs in a fixed order: secure the work pass, agree your relocation package, find a home, ship your belongings and arrange schools. Most foreign professionals need an Employment Pass or S Pass, and the minimum salaries rise from 1 January 2027. Confirm your pass before you book movers or sign a lease.
CM Relocation is an international mover in Singapore. This guide covers the practical side of relocating to Singapore for work: work passes and the 2027 salary changes, family passes, budgeting, housing, transport, healthcare, schools and shipping your belongings.
What should you arrange before relocating to Singapore for work?
Before relocating to Singapore for work, arrange your work pass first. After that, sort out your housing search, school places and shipping dates. The pass decides your arrival date, and everything else is easier to book once you know it. If you have a family, check that your salary also qualifies them for a pass.
| Task | When to start | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm your work pass with your employer | As soon as you accept the offer | Sets your arrival date and your right to work |
| Check family passes | At the offer stage | Your salary decides whether your spouse and children can get a Dependant’s Pass |
| Agree your relocation package | Before you resign or sign | Shows what the employer pays for: shipping, housing, schooling, insurance |
| Start the property search | Early, especially with children | Good homes near work and schools are limited |
| Apply for school places | As early as possible | International school availability can be limited |
| Book your shipment | After the pass and start date are known | Gives time for packing, shipping and customs clearance |
Most of these tasks depend on each other, so the order matters more than the speed.
Which work pass do you need when relocating to Singapore for work?
Most foreign professionals relocating to Singapore for work need an Employment Pass or an S Pass, and the employer applies for it. The right pass depends mainly on your role and fixed monthly salary. The minimum salary rises with age, is higher in financial services, and goes up again from 1 January 2027.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets the rules. The Employment Pass is for professionals, managers, executives and specialists. The S Pass is for skilled staff in associate professional and technician roles, and each company can only hold a limited number: 10% of its workforce in services and 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process.
Before applying, employers usually have to advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days under the Fair Consideration Framework, although some roles are exempt.
How are work pass salaries changing in 2027?
From 1 January 2027, the Employment Pass minimum rises from S$5,600 to S$6,000 a month, and the S Pass minimum from S$3,300 to S$3,600. Higher figures apply to older candidates and to financial services. Existing pass holders move onto the new figures when they renew a pass that expires from 1 January 2028.
If you are relocating to Singapore for work in the next year, these are the minimum fixed monthly salaries published by the Ministry of Manpower (checked October 2026):
| Pass and sector | Today: new applications before 1 Jan 2027 | From 1 Jan 2027 (renewals: passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (all sectors except financial services) | S$5,600, rising with age to S$10,700 at 45+ | S$6,000, rising with age to S$11,500 at 45+ |
| Employment Pass (financial services) | S$6,200, rising with age to S$11,800 at 45+ | S$6,600, rising with age to S$12,700 at 45+ |
| S Pass (all sectors except financial services) | S$3,300, rising with age to S$4,800 at 45+ | S$3,600, rising with age to S$5,100 at 45+ |
| S Pass (financial services) | S$3,800, rising with age to S$5,650 at 45+ | S$4,000, rising with age to S$5,650 at 45+ |
The starting figure applies to candidates aged 23 or below. MOM publishes the exact figure for every age in between.
Meeting the salary is only the first stage for an Employment Pass. Candidates must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS, MOM’s points-based framework. COMPASS looks at salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and the employer’s support for local hiring. Some candidates are exempt, including those on a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
Your employer handles the application. Treat the figures above as a guide only, and always check the latest rules on the MOM pages for the Employment Pass and the S Pass before you plan around them.
For very senior or high-earning talent, the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass needs a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or outstanding achievements in fields such as the arts, sport or research. A new AI and Tech track opens on 28 January 2027.
Can your family join you in Singapore?
Yes, if you earn enough. Employment Pass and S Pass holders can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. You need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, based on your own salary and not household income. Family members who do not qualify may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
If you are relocating to Singapore for work with a partner or children, check these points with your employer:
- Whether they will apply for the Dependant’s Pass with your work pass or later.
- That your fixed monthly salary, not allowances, meets S$6,000.
- Which family members are covered, and which need a different pass.
The full rules are on MOM’s Dependant’s Pass eligibility page. Our guide to moving to Singapore with children covers the family side of the move.
How expensive is Singapore when relocating for work?
For most people relocating to Singapore for work, the cost of living is high, mainly because of housing, schooling and lifestyle spending. Rents vary widely by area and property type, so build a full budget before you accept an offer. Compare the whole package with your current costs, not just the salary.
Plan for these items, and ask your employer which are covered:
- Rent, deposit and utilities
- Transport, groceries and everyday spending
- Healthcare and health insurance
- International school fees, if you have children
- Moving costs and insurance for your belongings during the shipment
Our guide to renting in Singapore covers the rental side in more detail.
Where should you live in Singapore?
Choose a home by working backwards from your commute, your children’s school and the type of property you want. Expats can choose from condominiums, landed properties and serviced apartments. Start the search early, because the right home near work and schools can take time to find.
Location shapes daily life more than the property itself. Many expats prefer areas with convenient access to public transport and a family-friendly setting. If you arrive before your shipment, a serviced apartment can give you a base while you search.
When you view homes, check the access arrangements for movers, such as lift sizes and loading areas. They affect delivery day.
How do you get around Singapore?
Singapore has an efficient, reliable public transport network of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, buses and taxis that covers the whole island. Most expats find they do not need a car. That also keeps living costs down, because car ownership in Singapore can be expensive.
When you choose a home, test the commute at the time you will actually travel, not on a weekend.
What about healthcare and schools?
Singapore has public and private healthcare, and many employers include health insurance in relocation packages. Families can choose from a wide range of international schools offering different curricula. Places can be limited, so secure them before you arrive where possible, and check what health cover applies from day one.
- Ask your employer exactly what health cover applies and from which date.
- Shortlist schools by curriculum, location and fees.
- Apply early, then confirm start dates against your arrival.
Our guide to the best international schools in Singapore is a good starting point if you are relocating to Singapore for work with children.
How do you ship your belongings when relocating to Singapore for work?
Book an international mover once your pass and start date are confirmed, so that packing, shipping and customs clearance fit around your arrival. A professional mover manages these steps for you. Used household goods can qualify for GST relief, but check the rules before shipping.
CM Relocation manages relocations from pre-move planning and professional packing through shipping, customs clearance and final delivery. It also moves people from Singapore to destinations such as Australia, the United States and Canada. See our moving to Singapore service for details.
- Confirm the pass, start date and what your employer pays for.
- Get a written quote and check what is included.
- Declare your goods and follow the rules for importing household goods into Singapore.
- Arrange insurance for the shipment.
- Schedule delivery around your arrival and access to your building.
How do expats settle into life in Singapore?
Expats settle quickly because Singapore is multicultural, English is widely used and there are established expat communities. Food, events and community activities give you plenty of ways to meet people. Learning local customs and routines early makes the first months more comfortable.
Give yourself a few weeks to get your bank account, mobile plan and transport routine in place before judging how the move is going. The first month is mostly admin, and it gets easier. Our first 30 days in Singapore guide walks through it.
Frequently asked questions
Do expats need a work visa when relocating to Singapore for work?
Yes. Most expats relocating to Singapore for work need a valid work pass, such as an Employment Pass or S Pass. Your employer normally applies for it on your behalf. Check the current eligibility and salary requirements on the Ministry of Manpower website before you resign, sign a lease or book a mover.
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass?
Today the Employment Pass minimum is S$5,600 a month, or S$6,200 in financial services, rising with age. From 1 January 2027, new applications need at least S$6,000, or S$6,600 in financial services. Older candidates need more, up to S$11,500 at 45+. Confirm the figure for your age on the MOM website.
What is the minimum salary for an S Pass?
Today the S Pass minimum is S$3,300 a month, or S$3,800 in financial services, rising with age up to S$4,800. From 1 January 2027, new applications need at least S$3,600, or S$4,000 in financial services, rising with age up to S$5,100. Your employer can check eligibility with MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool.
Do the 2027 salaries apply if I already hold a pass?
Not straight away. The Ministry of Manpower says the higher qualifying salaries apply to new applications from 1 January 2027. Renewals move onto them for passes expiring from 1 January 2028. If your pass expires before then, the current figures apply when you renew. Your employer should confirm this before renewal.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Usually, yes. Employment Pass and S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. Family members who do not qualify may be able to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass instead.
Is Singapore expensive for expats?
Singapore has a high cost of living, particularly for housing and education. Costs vary by area and lifestyle, so build a budget that covers rent, transport, healthcare, schooling and moving costs. Ask your employer which parts of the relocation package they cover before you commit to a lease.
How early should I start relocating to Singapore for work?
Start as soon as you accept the offer. Confirm your work pass, family passes, relocation package and start date first. Then begin the property search, school applications and shipping quotes. Families with children should start earlier, because international school places and suitable homes can be limited.
Do I need a car in Singapore?
Most expats find a car unnecessary because the MRT, buses and taxis cover the island efficiently, and car ownership in Singapore can be expensive. Choose a home with convenient public transport links, and test your commute at rush hour before you sign a lease.
Can a mover help with relocating to Singapore for work?
Yes. For anyone relocating to Singapore for work, an experienced international mover handles packing, shipping, customs clearance and delivery, and can advise on timing around your arrival. CM Relocation tailors its services to each move, so you can focus on settling into your new role while the logistics are managed.
What documents do I need when shipping to Singapore?
Customs documents depend on your situation, for example your pass type and how the goods travel. Your mover confirms the exact list before shipping. Keep passports, work pass letters and other important papers with you rather than in the shipment, and read the import rules before you pack.
Plan your move to Singapore
If you are relocating to Singapore for work, get a written quote once your pass is confirmed, so you can plan shipping around your start date. Request a quote from CM Relocation and we will talk through your timeline.