Relocation To Singapore

All you need to know when relocating to a different country

Before relocating to Singapore it is worth doing some research. Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British colony. This was distinct from its earlier probable use as a port in ancient times during the dominance of Srivijaya, and later, Melaka in the region.

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore is situated in Southeast Asia. Singapore gained independence as the Republic of Singapore on the 9th August 1965.

Singapore is made up of 63 islands including the main Singapore Island or Pulau Ujong in Malay. It has a population of almost 5.5 million people; over 2 million people are foreign-born. The four official languages are —English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

The country has a stable market economy with many well-known companies having established regional headquarters in the city-state. It is home to a large percentage of high earning individuals who are able to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.

Expats moving to Singapore with children will be happy to know that the city is crime-free, clean, safe and offers excellent educational facilities. One of the few disadvantages is that the government’s control of information through restrictions on broadcast and print make keeping in touch with world news difficult.

Visa requirements

Anyone moving to Singapore who wishes to work or study will need either an Employment Pass or a Study Pass, these can only be issued after you have found employment or been accepted at an educational institute. If you want to work in Singapore your employer will need to apply for your Employment Pass (EP). After sending the prospective employer copies of documents such as degree certificates, passport and letters of reference, the employer will be able to send an “In-Principal Approval” letter which is needed to enter the country. After arrival in Singapore, the applicant can collect their Singapore work permit in person at an employment services centre.

Visa and work permit requirements may change at short notice; it is advisable to contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

Currency

The Singapore Dollar (SGD), divided into 100 cents

Time difference

Singapore is 7 hours ahead of London and does not observe Daylight Saving Time

Useful facts

  • Capital city Singapore
  • Official Language: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil
  • Unit of measure: Metric
  • Electricity supply: 230 volts, 50Hz
  • USA flag: Singapura
  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance and Fire: 995
  • Non-emergency Ambulance: 1777
  • Police Hotline: 1800 225 0000
  • Traffic Police: 6547 0000

Travel connections

Airports

TRAIN STATIONS

MAIN ROADS

MAJOR CITIES

Relocating to Singapore City

LSS Relocation have built up a wealth of knowledge on locations around the World. To find out more please visit our information page To find out more please visit our information page.

Travel when relocating to Singapore

Travelling around Singapore is generally stress free. However, for such a small place travelling on foot may not be the best option. The heat, humidity and flash rain storms may make travelling by either bus and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines more preferable. Owning a car in Singapore isn’t really necessary. Public transport is extensive, efficient and affordable and most expats choose to use this rather than drive

Property prices

In 1973, the Singapore Government imposed restrictions on foreign ownership of all private residential property, with the Residential Property Act governing all property ownership. On 19 July 2005 the act was amended to allow foreigners to purchase apartments in non-condominium developments of less than 6 levels without the need to obtain prior approval. As a general guide you will find property prices are influenced by location and demand. Your choice of location will be influenced by your place of work. Local agents will be the best place to start. The process of buying any type of property or land in Singapore is strictly regulated. The services of certain professionals are required for the process. The local estate agent should be able to give an estimation of all fees and the property charges the buyer will be responsible for when they become the owner. There are estate agents who have branches in the UK & Singapore.

Typical property prices

Price per square meter in city centre 21,900.00 S$

Price per square meter outside city centre 12,300.00 S$

To research property prices in Singapore there are some useful sites.

Education

Expat children can attend public and private schools, however, the availability of places will be very limited, and with good schools having very long waiting lists. Preference will always be given to Singapore citizens. The Singapore public and private schools are very competitive, with struggling children often dismissed. Corporal punishment is legal and employed in public and private schools; many people moving to Singapore will find this unacceptable. UK Expats will often send their children to International Schools, which teach in English and follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. To research schools in Singapore there are some useful sites.

Guidelines on schools in
Singapore

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Restaurants when relocating to Singapore

Relocation Companies

Location Strategy Solutions (LSS) was established in 1986. The Company has grown through innovation and excellent customer service provision and now includes many major international companies among its clients.

LSS is very much engaged with and involved in the world of national and international relocation with memberships and council involvement within the ARP, EuRA to name but a few. Through LSS’s long history within the relocation arena, deep rooted partnerships have been established across the globe allowing LSS to deliver to their corporate clients the right service for their particular needs, whether requiring seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions or delivery in a single location.

We understand the need to combine a professional service with the personal touch, so important when dealing with the inherent stress of relocation and the particular requirements of each individual and family. Through maintaining our independence we can treat your employees as human beings and not a number in a database.

Relocating to Singapore | Relocation Companies | Staff Relocation Singapore LSS Relocation UK +44 20 3950 0550. Americas +1 312 999 0057. Asia +81 345 888429

Locations

When relocating your company or staff to a new country it is advisable to research the destination. Through our work with our relocation clients LSS Relocation, has gathered together a wealth of relocation, accommodate, cultural and other local information about countries and cities around the World. Below you will find links with information about relocating to some of those places. Of course, our relocation services are not limited to these countries.