Being a global financial center and among the best places in the world to live is enough to make Singapore one of the most populated places in the world. Moving to Singapore will bring you new exciting opportunities and experiences you will not find anywhere else.
This article will serve as a general guide on how you can move to Singapore and why Singapore makes a great place for expats to live.
1. Can I Move to Singapore Without a Job?
Many ways can lead to permanent residency in Singapore, so you do not necessarily need a job to move there. However, if you want to move to Singapore for employment, you need to have a job so that you can legally work and live there.
2. How to Move to Singapore?
You can move to Singapore for various reasons; however, for stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for and obtain a long-stay visa. Singapore issues different long-stay visas that you must choose depending on why you want to move there.
Moving to Singapore to Study
You can get a student pass (student visa) if you are moving to Singapore to study in any of the Singaporean educational institutions. As a foreign student, you can be eligible for permanent residency only after spending more than 2 years in Singapore and passing at least one national exam.
A student visa will allow you to work without a work permit—provided that you meet the conditions for work.
Moving to Singapore to Work
Singapore has a strict visa and employment law, so you must have a job before you move to the country and obtain a work visa. Singapore has several work passes that you can benefit from.
However, the options for permanent residence for work are limited. That being said, you can move permanently to Singapore with one of the following:
– Employment Pass.
– EntrePass (Investor Program).
– S Pass.
*You can contact the Ministry of Manpower office in Singapore to help you choose the right work pass.
Moving to Singapore for Family Reunification
If you have a family member that is residing legally in Singapore, and want to join them, you can apply for a Dependant Pass (Family Visa).
However, your family member must fulfill a set of conditions to be eligible for a dependent visa, and can only take you to Singapore with a Dependant Pass if you are his/her legally married spouse or child under the age of 21 (adopted children included).
3. How Can I Import My Belongings to Singapore?
You can import your belongings to Singapore via air, land, or sea. When importing used household articles and personal belongings, you need to obtain a Customs In-Payment permit for the import and the payment of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
However, there are certain conditions that you must meet to qualify for GST, such as the following:
– You are changing your residence from outside of Singapore.
– You are the owner of the imported belongings.
– Your belongings have been in your possession and used for a period of not less than 3 months.
Intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles, private aircraft, boats, yachts, and commercial goods are prohibited from entering Singapore.