Moving to Europe from Singapore starts with choosing a country and the right long-stay permit, because stays beyond 90 days need more than a visitor entry. This guide compares Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, then gives a five-step checklist covering permits, housing, healthcare and shipping your belongings.
Which country should you choose when moving to Europe from Singapore?
Choose by what matters most to you. Germany suits people who want internationalised cities, strong schooling and an interconnected transport system. The Netherlands is compact, multicultural and well regarded for healthcare. Switzerland has its own permit rules, handled with cantonal authorities. The table below compares the three, and each country section follows.
| Germany | Netherlands | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main appeal | Internationalised cities (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich), schooling, infrastructure, transport | Small and easy to get around, multicultural, education and healthcare | Own permit system; check requirements by purpose and length of stay |
| Stay beyond 90 days | National visa needed for stays over three months | Residence permit needed to stay | Long-term stays fall under residence rules |
| Work routes mentioned by the authority | Opportunity Card (initially up to one year) to look for work | Highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, orientation year, start-up, self-employed | Work permits handled by cantonal authorities |
| Where to check | German Embassy Singapore | IND | State Secretariat for Migration |
What should you know before moving to Germany from Singapore?
Germany is a practical choice if you want large international cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, a well-regarded schooling system, maintained infrastructure and interconnected public transport. Anyone staying longer than three months needs a national visa, so plan your permit before you plan your shipment when moving to Europe from Singapore.
Germany is a very expat-friendly country that has many internationalised cities like Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. A few other upsides that come with moving to Germany are their world-class schooling system, well-maintained infrastructure, and interconnected transportation system.
There may be several reasons for you to move to Germany but moving to any new country requires some necessary paperwork and legal formalities. CM Relocation’s team looks after the packing, shipping and shipment paperwork. Your visa or permit is applied for separately with the German authorities.
What costs and paperwork should you plan for before moving?
Plan for air tickets, insurance, accommodation, your visa or permit if required, and what you will do in your first weeks after landing. Move costs vary with volume, distance and services, so ask for a written quote. Keep passports, permit letters and shipping documents together in your hand luggage.
- Air tickets
- Insurance
- Accommodation
- Visa or permit, if required
- Settling-in costs for your first weeks
Making sure you have a clear plan of what you need to do once you land in Germany is also a crucial factor that you have to consider and plan!
Singaporeans moving to Germany are required to apply for specific visas (i.e., with listed purposes such as for study, work, or family reunion) if they want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. To apply for a German visa, you need to know which type you need and the necessary procedures. The German Embassy Singapore visa and entry page explains the different types of visas that will apply to your situation.
Germany also offers an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), issued initially for up to one year, for people who want to look for paid work. Entry rules also include the EU Entry/Exit System, which the German embassy says has been fully effective since 10 April 2026. Check the embassy page before you travel.
Why do people choose the Netherlands when moving from Singapore?
The Netherlands is small enough to get around easily by car or public transport, has a multicultural population, and is known for good education and a highly rated healthcare system. A third-party comparison suggests living costs are lower than Singapore’s, mainly rent, but treat that as a rough guide and check your own budget when moving to Europe from Singapore.
The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live for various reasons.
Ease of navigation
As the Netherlands is a relatively small country, there is no problem getting around with either a car or public transport. It has a multicultural population and high living standards. One third-party estimate, Livingcost, puts average living costs below Singapore’s, but figures vary by city.
Good quality of education and healthcare
Good quality of education and healthcare is also one of the few reasons why people move to the Netherlands. They have high percentages of graduates with good grades. In the Commonwealth Fund’s 2021 Mirror, Mirror study of 11 high-income countries, the Netherlands ranked second for healthcare (reported by DutchReview). Healthcare costs can still be higher than in Singapore.
To live in the Netherlands you need a residence permit. The Dutch immigration service, IND, lists permits including highly skilled migrant, European Blue Card, orientation year, start-up and self-employed routes.
What should you know about moving to Switzerland from Singapore?
Switzerland’s entry and residence rules depend on your purpose and length of stay, and work permits are handled by cantonal immigration and labour market authorities. Singapore citizens planning to live and work there should confirm the permit route with the State Secretariat for Migration or the Swiss embassy before resigning, signing a lease or booking a shipment.
Moving to Switzerland from Singapore is one of the best choices you’ll ever make. Considered one of the best places to live globally with its low crime rates, great education, and healthcare system, excellent food and beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone in Switzerland.
Switzerland sits outside the European Union and runs its own entry and residence rules. Requirements differ by the purpose of your stay and its length, and stays longer than 90 days fall under long-term residence rules. Work permits are handled by cantonal immigration and labour market authorities, so your employer or the local canton office is usually your first contact. Confirm the permit route before you resign, sign a lease or book a shipment. The State Secretariat for Migration publishes current entry guidance.
How do you plan moving to Europe from Singapore step by step?
Work through five steps in order: pick the country, confirm your permit, arrange housing and healthcare, book your shipment, then register on arrival. Doing the permit first matters because most other decisions, including your start date, depend on it. The numbered list below sets out what to do at each step.
- Choose your country and city. Compare work, schooling, healthcare and housing for Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
- Confirm your visa or permit. Check the embassy or immigration authority for your route and keep copies of every approval.
- Arrange housing and healthcare. Plan where you will stay on arrival and how you will be covered for medical care from day one.
- Book your shipment. Decide what to ship, sell or store, then ask for a written quote and confirm destination customs rules.
- Register and settle in. Complete any local registration your country requires after arrival and keep your shipping documents to hand.
How do you ship your belongings from Singapore to Europe?
Ask for a written quote and a survey of your belongings, decide what to ship, sell or store, and check the destination country’s rules for household goods before you book. CM Relocation arranges international moves from Singapore. Customs rules differ between Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so confirm them in writing before shipping.
Once your permit is confirmed, agree the shipping plan. A survey of your belongings lets the mover estimate volume, and a written quote shows what is included. Consider groupage shipping if you are moving a smaller load, read what FIDI accreditation means when comparing movers, and ask about moving insurance. If you need to hold furniture while your new home is ready, see our storage services. For the full range, visit our international moving services.
Ready to start planning your move to Europe?
Moving to Europe from Singapore takes planning, but the order is simple: permit first, then housing, then shipping. If you would like help with the shipping side, request a quote from CM Relocation and we will survey your belongings and explain the options.
You’re going to need to do a ton of research on the country you’ll be moving in, learn their language to some extent, adjust to their culture and norms and check up on the different visa requirements. To assimilate quickly, we strongly recommend you join social media groups that can help you connect with new people in your chosen country. Doing this requires a lot of time, but if you’re committed, you should be fine!
Moving to Europe doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you’re well-prepared and know the ins and outs of the country you’ll be moving to, you will be fine! Choose from different modes of shipment to every part of Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for moving to Europe from Singapore?
It depends on the country and how long you stay. Germany requires a national visa for stays beyond three months. The Netherlands requires a residence permit to live there, and Switzerland sets requirements by purpose and length of stay. Check each country’s embassy or immigration authority, as rules can change.
Can a Singapore citizen stay in Germany for more than 90 days?
Yes, but not on a visitor entry. The German embassy states that anyone wanting to stay longer than three months needs a national visa, and its requirements differ from a Schengen visa. Germany also offers an Opportunity Card, issued initially for up to one year, for people looking for paid work.
Which Dutch residence permits suit skilled workers?
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) lists several routes, including highly skilled migrant, European Blue Card, orientation year, start-up and self-employed permits. Which one fits depends on your job, employer and qualifications. Check the IND website, or ask your employer to confirm the permit they will sponsor, before you plan your move.
Is the Netherlands cheaper than Singapore?
One third-party comparison, Livingcost, estimates that average living costs in the Netherlands are lower than in Singapore, with rent a main difference. Figures vary by city and lifestyle, and healthcare costs can be higher in the Netherlands. Build your own budget with current rent and insurance quotes before relying on a comparison.
How good is Dutch healthcare compared with other countries?
In the Commonwealth Fund’s Mirror, Mirror 2021 study of 11 high-income countries, the Netherlands ranked second, behind Norway. The study scored access, care process, administrative efficiency, equity and outcomes. It is a dated ranking, so use it as a guide rather than a guarantee of your own experience.
Do I need ETIAS for a move to Europe?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-free visitors staying up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It is not a residence permit. When the European Commission last updated its page on 6 October 2025, ETIAS was not yet in operation, so confirm the current start date before you travel.
Who handles my visa, my mover or the embassy?
Your visa or residence permit is applied for through the embassy or the immigration authority of the country you are moving to, usually with support from your employer. Your mover handles packing, shipping and the paperwork for your shipment. Keep the two processes separate and start the permit first.
How do I ship household goods when moving to Europe from Singapore?
Request a quote and a survey from an international mover. CM Relocation arranges moves from Singapore, with packing and shipping options. Customs and import rules differ between Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so ask for written confirmation of what you can bring and which documents the destination country requires.
Our experienced moving consultants will help you with every step of your relocation move.
Connect with CM Relocation today for a smooth and hassle-free relocation and make your dream of moving come true!
