Moving To Singapore

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A globally known hum of multiculturalism, Singapore is an island country located in Southeast Asia. Singapore is a sovereign city-state and is known for its multiculturalism, food, and economic prosperity. The country has a diverse population and a vibrant culture, with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian traditions.

Singapore is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Zoo. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s nightlife, try local cuisine, and take a boat ride along the Singapore River. For those interested in adventure, there are plenty of activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and rock climbing. With so much to see and do, Singapore is a great destination for travelers of all ages and interests.

Your plan to move to Singapore from the USA can prove to be an exciting adventure indeed! However, you need to consider quite a few things for this international relocation to be a hassle-free one! Researching on the visa requirements, cost of living, language barriers, cultural differences, and job opportunities will not only help you be on the track but will also offer you chances to connect with the expat community in Singapore and make your relocation easy.

Moving to Singapore from USA

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Singapore

An international relocation can get easier when you take the assistance of an experienced international mover. At International Sea & Air Shipping we have years of experience in handling international relocations for our clients. We have a team of professionals who can make the entire process of moving to Singapore from the USA hassle-free.

The move to Singapore from the USA will definitely come with its own set of challenges! For a smooth transition from one country to the other you will need to consider the visa and permanent residency processes for a legal entry and stay in Singapore. The to-do list doesn’t end here. You will also need to make a detailed arrangement for the transfer of your household goods, car, and pet if you own them. Hiring an international mover will be beneficial when you are relocating internationally.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we will provide you A-to-Z bespoke moving services for your international relocation to Singapore from the USA. Our team will take care of the packing of your household goods, and choosing the right container and freight services. We will also advise you on the time it will take to transfer your belongings so that you can make the necessary arrangements in the destination country to receive your belongings.

How to move your household goods & other belongings to Singapore?

In case, you are planning to pack and move your household goods and other belongings to Singapore you can do so with sea or air freight services. However, you have to first obtain a Customs In-Payment permit for importing your belongings and make the payment of GST (Goods and Services Tax).

About Singapore

Originally a trading post of the East India Company, the Southeast Asian country of Singapore lies off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and is also known as the Lion City. It consists of 63 islands that have a tropical rainforest climate, and is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor, and from Indonesia’s Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait.

A federal semi-presidential republic, the President is considered the head of the state and the Prime Minster the head of the government.

What once was a small fishing village is now a breathtaking cosmopolitan city with high-rise buildings, landscaped gardens and an epicenter for cultural diversity. Singapore is home to descendants from China, India, the Middle East and Malaysia – most of the country’s citizens speak more than one language.

Singapore is a parliamentary republic, and is recognized as having a world-class living environment (ranked first among Asian countries for quality of life, and 11th in the world), as well as a thriving and successful free-market economy. The country’s export partners are: Hong Kong, Malaysia, US, Indonesia, China and Japan.

Customs Regulations for Singapore

  • Valid Passport
  • Residence visa
  • Residence permit
  • Copy of letter applying for Residence permit/Employee pass
  • Copy of acknowledgment card from Immigration
  • Proof of Employment (letter from employer to Director or Customs and Excise, stating customer’s designation and anticipated stay in Singapore)
  • Customs Declaration (signed, stating the customer has owned and used the goods for at least six months)
  • Detailed inventory (two legible copies)
  • Contact information (address and telephone number)

When moving to Singapore, the customer will be faced with various regulations to abide by to successfully clear Customs with a household goods shipment:

  • Customer must be present in Singapore at the time of shipment arrival for the shipment to clear Customs
  • Household goods and personal effects must arrive within six months of customer’s arrival
  • Used household goods and personal effects are duty free provided they have been used for at least six months abroad, are for the customer’s continued use for at least three months, and the customer will be residing in Singapore for more than 12 months
  • All shipments are 100 percent inspected
  • Only one air shipment and one surface shipment allowed

In Singapore, some articles may not be allowed for importation. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Narcotics and other drugs, including non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
  • Chewing gum
  • Guns (including toy replicas), weapons, ammunition and firecrackers – violation punishable by death
  • Pornographic or politically controversial materials
  • Hand-held radios or transmitters
  • Cigarette lighters shaped like pistol revolvers
  • Plants and vegetable products
  • All live and stuffed animals on the Endangered Species list
  • Counterfeit currency, toy coins and toy currency notes

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear Customs in Singapore.

These items include, but are not limited to:

  • New furniture (subject to duty – supply invoices)
  • Only one of each major electrical item allowed duty free
  • Refrigerators
  • Antiques (require detailed inventory and certificate of antiquity to be duty free)
  • Prescription drugs (require valid prescription)
  • Alcohol and tobacco:
    • Alcohol is subject to very high duty and taxes, must have exact number of bottles and type of alcohol documented
    • Load by container doors for easy access
  • Books and magazines (examined randomly)
  • Video tapes, laser discs, cassettes and films are discouraged (subject to censorship and screening charges if imported)
    • Provide a list of video film titles
    • Videos that are exempt from censorship are children’s cartoon videos in original packing and personal recordings of family events
  • Certain types of stuffed birds, animals and agricultural products (require import license)
  • Certain weapons require permission from authorities:
    • Swords
    • Knives
    • Spear guns
    • Blow pipes
    • Bows and arrows

Customers moving to Singapore may import automobiles, but they are subject to high duty and registration fees, and therefore importation is not advised. A vehicle may be imported into Singapore if:

  • Vehicle must be registered in your (the owner’s) name for continued use, and not for re-sale
  • Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited
  • Vehicles cannot be imported if they are more than three years old
  • Dismantled vehicles are not permitted

The customer will need the following documents:

  • Certificate of Compliance from Exhaust Emission Control Standard (required for all vehicles)
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Insurance papers
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate
  • Passport
  • Inward Declaration Permit
  • Customs duty payment receipt
  • Temporary Certificate of Entitlement
  • Manufacturers letter confirming date the auto was manufactured

When importing a pet to Singapore, the requirements/documents needed are as follows:

  • Health and Vaccination Certificate required (must show proof vaccination was administered between 30 – 180 days prior to travel)
  • Animal must be at least for months old upon entry into Singapore
  • Import Permit required at least 14 days before importation
  • One month quarantine required
  • No more than three dogs permitted per household
  • Destination Agent should have the following information:
    • Breed, name, age, weight, sex and color of each animal
    • Owner’s name and delivery address
    • Flight schedule and Air Waybill number

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International Sea & Air Shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Singapore; What do you need to do?

Moving to Singapore from the USA can be a complex process, but here are some key things to consider: visa requirements, cost of living, job opportunities, culture shock, and language barriers. Singapore has a vibrant expat community, but it’s important to research and prepare thoroughly before making the move.

In fact, 30% of Singapore’s population is made up of foreigners! The island country offers 3rd highest per capita income opportunity, as well. Moving to Singapore from the USA can come with excellent perks in daily life including low tax rates, good education system and a wide range of recreational activities!

Visa for moving to Singapore from the USA

In order to move to Singapore from the USA you will need to obtain proper visas to justify your entry in this Southeast Asian country and reside there. There are three types of visas that Singapore offers –

Work Visa

When you have planned to move to Singapore from the USA you need to secure a job before relocating there. Under the three visa programs you can move to Singapore and work there –

  • Employment Pass
  • Entre-Pass which is also called the Investor Program
  • S Pass.

Study Visa

Students can enter Singapore with this visa and study and live there. After two years they can even apply for permanent residency in Singapore and they have to pass at least one national exam.

Family Reunification Visa

You can apply for a Dependent Pass known as the family reunification visa if any of your family members are Singapore citizens or living there legally. To obtain this visa there are a set of eligibility criteria that you will learn on the Government website in detail.

Top reasons to move to Singapore from the USA

Singapore is a powerful island nation and is a melting pot of various international cultures. Moving to Singapore from the USA Comes with excellent perks. Some of these are –

Excellent quality of life

Singapore offers a high standard of living, with modern infrastructure, a clean and safe environment, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Strong economy

Singapore has a thriving economy with a diverse range of industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare, offering job opportunities for professionals.

Tax benefits

Singapore has a low tax rate, with no taxes on foreign income, making it an attractive destination for expats.

Education

Singapore has a highly regarded education system, with top-ranked universities and a wide range of educational institutions.

Excellent healthcare system

Residents of Singapore have access to world-class medical facilities and services. The healthcare system of this country ranks among one of the best in the whole world.

Cultural diversity

Singapore is a multicultural society with a rich cultural heritage of its own.

Best places to live and settle down in Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city-state with a high quality of life. Though the best places to live in Singapore depend on personal preferences, but popular areas include the following:

  • Central Region
  • Marina Bay
  • The East Coast

When you relocate to Singapore from the USA, choose among these places to live and settle down in this country, you get a whole lot of facilities. These areas are known to offer easy access to amenities, public transportation, and a diverse range of housing options. Additionally, Singapore is known for its safety, cleanliness, and cultural diversity, making it an attractive destination for expats and locals alike.

Great service, great price!

“We moved from Boston to Singapore in September 2016, and used International Sea and Air to ship 32 boxes of books, clothes, toys, and other household items (no furniture). The process was very smooth from start to finish. We first obtained a quote from Ami who also explained the process. The minimum amount to ship was 150 cu ft, and our boxes did not end up using the full space quota. We paid a deposit, then booked a pickup, and self-packed. We were given contact info for various staff – billing, logistics, and a move coordinator, Jeanine, who kept us updated throughout the move. At the pickup, each box was numbered as two staff loaded then into a truck, and we received a copy of the inventory. The boxes took about 7.5 weeks to arrive, and we were contacted by the partner company at the Singapore side, who helped us clear customs and provided the necessary forms. Delivery was punctual and the partner company staff were courteous and helpful. Everything arrived in great shape other than one box which had a hole in the side but the contents were ok. We used standard U haul boxes for all the items. These worked well for books, but I would recommend stronger boxes for contents that aren’t packed tightly as several boxes had corners that were dinged. The price from International Sea and Air’s side was exactly as quoted at the start, without hidden charges. However, we did have to pay additional customs fees and delivery charges on the Singapore side, which we had expected. Overall, very professional service with great communication throughout, and competitive pricing. I highly recommend International Sea and Air!”
– David Huang