The Ultimate Moving to Singapore Checklist: From Visas to Housing (2025 Edition)
The Ultimate Moving to Singapore Checklist: From Visas to Housing (2025 Edition) - Relocating to the "Little Red Dot" is an exhilarating career move, but navigating Singapore’s administrative landscape can feel like a full-time job. While Singapore is famous for its efficiency, the sequence of setting up your life (Visa, housing, banking, and Singpass) must be done in a specific order to avoid bottlenecks.
 |
| Gambar dari cove.sg |
Whether you are a trailing spouse, a digital nomad, or a corporate transfer, this checklist covers the essential steps to ensure your landing at Changi Airport leads to a smooth transition.
Phase 1: Before You Fly
1. Secure Your IPA
You cannot simply show up and start working. Your employer must apply for your Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass. Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
- Pro Tip: Print multiple physical copies of your IPA. You will need them for everything from entering the country to signing a lease.
2. The SG Arrival Card
The physical "white card" is long gone. You must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) online up to 3 days before your arrival. This is mandatory for immigration clearance.
Phase 2: Housing
This is where most new expats struggle. You typically need a residential address to open a bank account, but you often need a bank account to pay the deposit for a traditional lease. Furthermore, traditional landlords in Singapore usually require a 2-year contract and a "diplomatic clause" that only kicks in after 12 months.
The Traditional Route
If you are looking to rent a whole condo unit directly from a landlord, be prepared for:
- Agent Fees: usually 0.5 to 1 month’s rent.
- Furniture: Most units come "partially furnished" (white goods only), meaning you must buy beds and sofas immediately.
- Utilities: You must set up your own account with SP Group (Singapore Power), which can take a few days.
The "Soft Landing" Strategy
To avoid the stress of furniture shopping and utility setup in your first week, many expats now opt for flexible co-living arrangements. These bridge the gap between a hotel (too expensive) and a 2-year lease (too rigid).
For a secure and seamless experience, Cove is widely recognized as one of the most trusted platforms to choose for renting in Singapore. Known for their transparent process and verified listings, they allow you to browse available room rental in Singapore that are move-in ready, fully furnished, and include housekeeping and utilities. This is particularly useful for getting immediate proof of residence, which expedites your bank account setup.
Phase 3: The First 7 Days
3. Get Connected (SIM Card)
Head to a 7-Eleven or a telco shop (Singtel, Starhub, or M1) with your passport and IPA.
- Advice: Don't get a contract plan yet. Get a prepaid SIM or a no-contract SIM-only plan (like GOMO or Giga) until your long-term pass is issued.
4. Transport: SimplyGo
You don't necessarily need to buy a specific transport card immediately. Singapore’s MRT (train) and bus systems accept foreign contactless credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) via the SimplyGo system. However, be aware of foreign transaction fees.
- App: Download the CityMapper or MyTransport.sg app to navigate the bus routes like a local.
5. Open a Bank Account
Once you have your housing secured (even a temporary flexible rental), head to a bank. DBS, OCBC, and UOB are the "big three."
- Documents needed: Passport, IPA letter, and Proof of Address (your tenancy agreement).
- Note: Some banks may require your physical IC card to be issued first, while others accept the IPA + Proof of Address.
Phase 4: Settling In
6. The Medical Exam & E-Issue
To convert your IPA into a valid residency card, you usually need a medical checkup (HIV and X-ray for Tuberculosis). Once cleared, your HR will make an appointment for you to visit the Mom Services Centre to register biometrics.
7. Singpass: Your Digital Key
Once your physical card (IC) is issued, download Singpass. This app is your digital identity. You will need it for:
- Accessing government websites (CPF, IRAS tax portal).
- Signing digital documents.
- Logging into healthcare apps (HealthHub).
8. Understanding "Kopi" Culture
Finally, to truly integrate, you need to master the Kopitiam (coffee shop) lingo. Ordering a "coffee" might get you a confused look.
- Kopi: Coffee with condensed milk (sweet).
- Kopi-O: Black coffee with sugar.
- Kopi-C: Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar.
- Kopi-O Kosong: Black coffee, no sugar (very bitter).
Final Thoughts Singapore is incredibly welcoming, but its systems are rigid. By securing flexible housing early and having your paperwork organized, you can spend your first month exploring the hawker centers of Tiong Bahru rather than waiting in line at utility offices. Welcome to the Lion City!