There are many reasons you might want to relocate to Singapore. However if your stay will exceed 90 days, you’ll need to apply for and acquire a long-stay visa. Depending on your reason for moving to Singapore, you must choose from a variety of long-stay visas. Continue reading to know how to move to Singapore for various reasons.
Reasons for relocating to Singapore and requirements
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Moving to study
If you are moving to Singapore to study in any of the Singaporean educational institutions you need to get a student pass (student visa). As a foreign student, you are eligible for permanent residency only after spending 2 years or more in Singapore and passing at least one national exam. A student visa will allow you to work without a work permit if you meet the requirements for work.
Moving to work
Singapore has strict employment and visa laws, hence, you must have a job before you can move to the country and obtain a work visa. Singapore has many work passes that you can benefit from. However, the options for getting a permanent residence for work are limited. You can move permanently to Singapore with one of the following:
- Employment Pass.
- EntrePass (Investor Program).
- S Pass.
For simplicity, contact the Ministry of Manpower office in Singapore to help you choose the right work pass.
Moving for family reunification
You can apply for a Dependent Pass (Family Visa) if you want to join family members who are already legally residing in Singapore. However, to qualify for a dependent visa, a member of your family must meet a number of requirements. In addition, they can only bring you to Singapore with a dependent pass if you are a member of their lawfully married family or a minor kid (including adopted children) under the age of 21.
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How to import belongings to Singapore
You can import your luggages to Singapore through air, land, or sea. When importing used household equipment and personal belongings, you must have a Customs In-Payment permit for the import and the payment of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
However, there are requirement that you must meet to fulfil for GST, such as:
- You are moving to Singapore from elsewhere.
- You are the owner of the imported belongings.
- The imported possessions belong to you.
- Your possessions have been in your care and usage for a minimum of three months.
Singapore prohibits the entry of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, motor cars, private planes, boats, yachts, and commercial items.
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Advantages of relocating to Singapore
1. Universal healthcare
Every Singapore resident is entitled to universal healthcare. The Ministry of Health of the Government of Singapore is in charge of providing healthcare, and Singapore’s healthcare system is routinely rated as one of the best in the world.
2. Education system
Singapore has one of the best education systems in the world, and its students constantly place first in international education rankings.
3. Work opportunities:
The job market in Singapore is booming. Since Singapore has a low unemployment rate, many foreigners choose it as their place to advance their careers.
4. Free travel
Singaporeans do not need to seek a visa in order to travel freely to 193 nations in the world.
5. Safety
Safety is one of the many areas of life where Singapore excels. Singapore won the top spot in the Safety Perceptions Index in 2022. Singaporeans generally feel safe both during the day and at night because of the low level of crime in the nation.
6. Clean environment
Singapore is one of the world’s cleanest nations and is renowned for its immaculate cleanliness. There are many green spaces since Singapore is also regarded as a leader in environmentally friendly urban construction.
7. Public transportation
Singapore’s public transportation system is in first place for efficiency and comfort, third for efficiency and environmental impact, affordability, and utilization. Each section is connected by the Mass Transit Railway (MRT), making getting around easy.
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Cons of living in Singapore
1. Cost of living
Singapore is an expensive place to live, so you should have a financial plan in place before relocating. Singapore’s grocery prices are higher than you may be accustomed to. Western food is available, but it costs twice as much as usual. The same holds true for your biggest outlay, which may be your rent.
2. Size
Singapore is a tiny nation. For a brief amount of time, you can travel across the country, but there will be a space restriction.
How To Move To Singapore: Top 3 places to relocate in Singapore
1. Sentosa
The finest neighborhood in Singapore to reside in is undoubtedly Sentosa. There are some of the most luxurious residences in the area, and there are a lot of international residents. It is ideal for those who enjoy living away from the bustle of the city in a tranquil place with a breeze from the ocean. Although you can get by with a car or tramline, the location is the furthest from central Singapore, so you will need to plan your travels. If you want to relocate to Sentosa, you will enjoy a comfortable condo or landed home while living on the lake.
2. East Coast
The East Coast offers a luxurious lifestyle in a diverse, exciting, and charming neighborhood. A blend of local and other cultures will be present, providing you with a singular experience. There are several flats in the neighborhood with lovely river or seaside views, all surrounded by Singapore’s stunning natural beauty. Jogging, cycling, swimming, kayaking, going to the beach, and picnics are just a few of the outdoor activities available in the neighborhood that are popular among East Coast residents.
3. Holland village
Holland Village will be ideal for meeting new people if you want to relocate somewhere where you can meet young expats. In addition to several cafes and shopping complexes, Holland Village offers an appealing suburban lifestyle. Although it has a reputation as an expat enclave, many Singaporeans also reside there. There are several accommodation possibilities in Holland Village, which is adjacent to some of Singapore’s top educational institutions. It is the ideal location to discover a blend of European culture in a distinctively Singaporean manner.
