Moving to Singapore – An Expat Guide to the Lion City

Singapore is a small island country in Southeast Asia, situated near the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula and featuring many islets within its water territories. The country has a population of slightly over 5 million residents, with many of them being expats.

Although the Republic is not rich in natural and mineral resources, Singapore has a thriving economy and has one of the busiest seaports. The country is an important trade center. In fact, Singapore is a member of the World Trade Organization and of the ASEAN.

Since its independence, the Republic has a stable political environment. According to the Transparency International organization, Singapore is one of the least corrupted countries in the whole world.

This guide is supposed to help you with your move to Singapore through providing some valuable information regarding the economy of the country, its people, customs and social order, the best places where expats can look for housing and last but not least, this guide provides a lot of useful advice about the entry requirements and customs clearance process.

The Economy of Singapore

Economy has reached a growth of 4.9 per cent on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter of 2014, which is similar to the achieved rate in the previous quarter.

GDP (at current market prices) estimates some $ 297 million. And the per capita GNI (at current market prices) comes at almost $54 000. (May, 2014)

The biggest contributors to the GDP are manufacturing, construction, wholesale & retail trade, transportation and storage, and finance and insurance.

Although being a small country, Singapore is a robust trade center due to its strategic location and its port. Singapore features some 5000 maritime establishments that employ more than 170 000 workers.

Main trade partners are China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. Total external trade estimates some $980 million, with the exports valued at $513 million.

Singapore is a major exporter of machinery and equipment, chemicals and chemical products, and animal and vegetable oils. The country mostly imports food, crude materials, petroleum and manufactured goods.

Singapore Price Consumer Index has a change of 1.4 % for the January-April period, compared to the same period in the year 2013. Food, health care, housing and education have become more expensive, whereas clothing and footwear, transport and communication have become cheaper.

The overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2014 rose to 2.0%, but it still remains low.

Passes and Visas

Expats must hold a valid work pass, so they can work in Singapore. All employers who hire foreigners without the proper valid work passes can be sued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Employment Pass

The Employment Pass is suitable for young professionals. The applicants will need to earn at least $3,300 monthly and possess certain qualifications. The Employment Pass application may be submitted by an employer or an appointed agent.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Contrary to the Employment Pass, which is revoked once the pass holder leaves the employer, the PEP is not bound to a particular employer and is granted on the strength of the

applicant’s merit. A PEP holder can stay in Singapore for a period of six months between jobs to access new employment opportunities.

EntrePass

The EntrePass is suitable for foreign entrepreneurs who would like to start business in Singapore.

S Pass

The S Pass allows mid-level skilled foreigners who earn at least $2,200 monthly to work in Singapore. Applications are evaluated based on factors such as salary, education, skills, job type and professional experience. Your employer must submit S Pass applications on your behalf.

Work Permit

A Work Permit is issued to unskilled workers.

The duration of a Work Permit is generally two years, based on the validity of your passport, the Banker’s/Insurance Guarantee, and your contract duration. The work permit is bound to a specific employer and occupation.

Unlike many other countries that require from foreigners to reside a certain amount of time in the country before they become eligible to apply for residency, expats in Singapore can apply for a permanent residency as soon as they receive their pass. You can learn more about how to become a permanent resident at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

Living in Singapore

Moving to Singapore, you will plunge into an environment of people who come from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, mostly Chinese, Malay, and Indian.

Generally, Singaporeans tend to value the good of the nation rather than the individual freedom. The idea of society is an essential aspect of everyday life in Singapore. Moreover, the Government regulates almost every aspect of public life. Feeding birds, failing to flush a public toilet, chewing gum, spitting on the street or jaywalking are regarded as offensive and you can face a heavy fine. All that comes as a result of the Government’s aim to provide a safe, peaceful and clean environment for their people.

English is one the official languages together with Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. It’s widely spoken and is a main language when it comes to business conduct and administration.

Singapore rents and suburbs

Singapore features a number of residential suburbs with many entertaining facilities and beautiful surroundings.

As usual, rents vary depending on the proximity to the city center and on the size of the property. A private 3-bedroom flat may cost between $2,400 and $5,600 on average per month.

To save some money, you may consider renting a government-subsidized housing (HDB) where an average rent costs round $1700 – $2400.

Condos and houses are a lot more expensive choice when it comes to accommodation. House rents start at $6400 and can easily go up to $27 000.

Some popular expat neighborhoods include the Woodlands, Bukit Timah and Newton.

Woodlands is a bit farther from the city center, but is near to the Malaysian border where residents go shopping and enjoy much lower  prices. The American School is located here and that is why this area is very popular hub for Americans. The suburb features also some great green spaces.

If you are keen on the lively and bustling city life, look for a rent near Orchard Road – a sanctuary for those who love high-end shopping and excellent dining.

Cairnhill, Mount Elizabeth and the River Valley are more upscale neighborhoods. Yishun, Pasir Ris, and Jurong West are more family-friendly neighborhoods.

Moving to Singapore: Shipping your household goods

If you are immigrating to Singapore and taking your household goods with you, it is really worth the effort to research the local rules in relation to importing household and personal belongings.

Singapore’s regulations regarding what you may bring in the country are one of the most restrictive ones you may have to deal with. You may be severely fined, or you may even face a charge of violation of import rules and go to jail.

Prohibited Goods

Here is a list of items that are prohibited under Singapore law.

• Chewing gum (except approved oral dental and medicated gum by HSA)
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (e.g. electronic cigarettes, etc.)
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Endangered species of wildlife and their products
• Firecrackers
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
• Seditious and treasonable materials

Generally, under the Goods and Services Tax Order, a person moving to Singapore may be granted a relief on his used household items and personal effects (excluding liquors, tobacco products and motor vehicles) and pets, provided that the person is changing their place of residence to Singapore and the items and the personal effects have been in their possession for a period of not less than 3 months. Additionally, the household goods and the personal effects must be imported either through air, or through sea within 6 months of your first arrival in Singapore. Furthermore, you must declare that you are not considering to dispose any of your items within 3 months from the date of the delivery.

Once your belongings arrive in Singapore via air, ship, or road, you will have to submit a “Declaration of Facts” with a local freight forwarding agent. The declaration can be filled out and completed online at the Singapore Customs website. It must be submitted together with your extract of passport particulars, employment pass, entry permit, bill of lading or air waybill.

In case you haven’t received your employment pass yet, Customs will accept a copy of your application for employment pass or a letter from your employer confirming employment.

After that, the GST relief declaration can be submitted. If everything with your papers is in order, you will be able to get your household and personal effects after you have received the GST relief permit.

Another key issue you have to research concerns the so-called “controlled items”. They can be imported only if a permit is obtained from the corresponding authority. For example, if you want to bring films, video or video games, you need a permit from the Media Development Authority. If you have some pharmaceuticals or medicines that you need to take with you, you need to contact the Health Products Regulation Group (HPRG).

Related:

Choosing International Moving Companies

Sources:
Government of Singapore
Singapore Customs
The Singapore Department of Statistics
Ministry of Manpower

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