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 if you have children. Most foreign professionals need an Employment Pass or S Pass sponsored by an employer, so confirm the 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: 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, then 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. Securing the job before you arrive also simplifies the visa process.
| 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 |
| 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, which is why 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. Both are normally applied for by the employer, who must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture and consider all candidates fairly first. The right pass depends mainly on your role and monthly salary.
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), as of October 2026, the Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians, and candidates need to earn at least S$5,600 a month. The S Pass is for skilled workers in the associate professional and technician category, with a qualifying salary of at least S$3,300 a month for new candidates, and it is subject to a quota.
| Pass | Aimed at | Minimum monthly salary (new candidates) | Who applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Professionals, managers, executives, technicians | S$5,600 | Employer |
| S Pass | Skilled workers (associate professionals and technicians) | S$3,300 | Employer |
Salary thresholds and eligibility rules change, so check the current rules on the MOM pages for the Employment Pass and the S Pass before you plan around them.
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. Look at the whole package, not just the salary, when you compare it with your current costs.
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
Planning your finances in advance is an essential part of relocating to Singapore for work, particularly for families. 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 trains, buses and taxis that connects the whole island. Most expats find that owning a car is not necessary, which also keeps living costs down because car ownership in Singapore can be expensive.
Understanding the transport options early helps you plan your daily routine. 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. Education is a priority for families, with a wide selection of international schools offering different curricula. Availability can be limited, so secure placements before you arrive where possible.
- 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 packing, shipping and customs clearance are scheduled around your arrival. A professional mover manages these steps for you. Used household goods can qualify for GST relief, but the rules should be checked before shipping.
CM Relocation manages relocations from pre-move planning and professional packing through shipping, customs clearance and final delivery. It also moves people to and from Singapore and on to destinations such as Australia, the United States and Canada.
- 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.
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, which an employer normally applies for on your behalf. Check the current eligibility and salary requirements on the Ministry of Manpower website before you resign or book anything.
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 covering rent, transport, healthcare, schooling and moving costs. Ask your employer which parts of the relocation package they cover before you commit to a lease.
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass?
As of October 2026, the Ministry of Manpower states that Employment Pass candidates need to earn at least S$5,600 a month. The S Pass threshold for new candidates is S$3,300 a month. These figures can change, so confirm them on the MOM website.
How early should I start relocating to Singapore for work?
Start as soon as you accept the offer. Confirm your work pass, 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 before signing 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, permits and other important papers with you rather than in the shipment, and read the rules before you pack.
Should I find a home before I arrive?
Ideally start before you arrive, especially with children, because good homes near work and schools are limited. If you cannot view in person, a serviced apartment for the first weeks gives you a base while you search for a longer lease.
Plan your move to Singapore
Once your pass is confirmed, get a written quote so you can plan shipping around your start date. Request a quote from CM Relocation and we will talk through your timeline.