Singapore Relocation Checklist for Expatriates

This comprehensive checklist will help you organize your relocation to Singapore, ensuring you don't miss any critical steps before, during, and after your move. Use this as a practical guide to track your progress and reduce the stress of international relocation.

3-6 Months Before Moving

Documentation & Legal Matters

• ☐ Ensure passport validity (at least 6 months beyond planned stay)
• ☐ Apply for appropriate work visa/pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, etc.)
• ☐ Gather and authenticate important documents:
  • ☐ Birth certificates
  • ☐ Marriage certificates
  • ☐ Academic credentials
  • ☐ Professional qualifications
  • ☐ Medical records and prescriptions
  • ☐ Vaccination records
  • ☐ Driver's license
• ☐ Arrange for notarized copies of important documents
• ☐ Research tax obligations in home country and Singapore
• ☐ Consult with tax advisor about expatriate status

Housing & Accommodation

• ☐ Research Singapore neighborhoods and housing options
• ☐ Determine housing budget
• ☐ Contact d'Habitat about co-living options
• ☐ Schedule virtual property viewings
• ☐ Arrange temporary accommodation if needed

Employment & Finance

• ☐ Finalize employment contract details
• ☐ Understand relocation package and benefits
• ☐ Research banking options in Singapore
• ☐ Notify current bank of international move
• ☐ Research currency exchange options
• ☐ Create moving budget and financial plan

Family Matters

• ☐ Research schools for children (if applicable)
• ☐ Submit international school applications
• ☐ Research childcare options
• ☐ Plan for pets (vaccination requirements, import permits)

Healthcare

• ☐ Schedule medical check-ups before departure
• ☐ Obtain necessary vaccinations
• ☐ Refill prescription medications
• ☐ Research health insurance options in Singapore
• ☐ Obtain copies of medical records

1-2 Months Before Moving

Moving Logistics

• ☐ Decide what to bring vs. what to sell/donate/store
• ☐ Get quotes from international moving companies
• ☐ Book shipping services for household goods
• ☐ Purchase travel insurance
• ☐ Book flights to Singapore

Housing

• ☐ Finalize housing arrangements
• ☐ Review and sign lease agreement
• ☐ Arrange for rental deposit transfer
• ☐ Understand utility setup requirements

Financial Preparation

• ☐ Set up method for transferring funds internationally
• ☐ Notify credit card companies of international move
• ☐ Research Singapore credit card options
• ☐ Prepare cash for initial expenses

Communication

• ☐ Research mobile phone plans in Singapore
• ☐ Check if current phone is unlocked for international use
• ☐ Research home internet options

Practical Matters

• ☐ Create inventory of items being shipped
• ☐ Take photos of valuable items before shipping
• ☐ Research Singapore's customs regulations
• ☐ Check electrical compatibility (Singapore uses 230V, Type G plugs)
• ☐ Purchase voltage converters/adapters if needed

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

Home Country Matters

• ☐ Give notice to landlord (if renting)
• ☐ Arrange for mail forwarding
• ☐ Cancel or transfer subscriptions and memberships
• ☐ Close or transfer utility accounts
• ☐ Notify government agencies of address change
• ☐ Schedule property cleaning (if needed)

Final Preparations

• ☐ Confirm flight details
• ☐ Confirm shipping arrangements and timeline
• ☐ Pack essential documents in carry-on luggage:
  • ☐ Passports
  • ☐ Visa documentation
  • ☐ Employment contract
  • ☐ Housing agreement
  • ☐ Insurance information
  • ☐ Cash and credit cards
• ☐ Prepare electronic copies of important documents
• ☐ Set up international roaming or get temporary SIM card
• ☐ Prepare medical kit for travel
• ☐ Exchange some currency for initial expenses

Goodbyes

• ☐ Plan farewell gatherings
• ☐ Create contact list of friends and family
• ☐ Set up video calling accounts for staying in touch

First Week in Singapore

Legal Requirements

• ☐ Register with Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
• ☐ Collect Employment Pass/Dependent's Pass
• ☐ Register with embassy/consulate (recommended)

Banking & Finance

• ☐ Open Singapore bank account
• ☐ Set up automatic bill payments
• ☐ Activate online/mobile banking
• ☐ Obtain local credit/debit card

Communication

• ☐ Purchase Singapore SIM card/mobile plan
• ☐ Set up home internet
• ☐ Update contact information with important parties

Housing

• ☐ Complete property inspection and document any issues
• ☐ Set up utilities (if not included):
  • ☐ Electricity
  • ☐ Water
  • ☐ Gas (if applicable)
• ☐ Arrange for additional furniture/appliances if needed
• ☐ Locate nearest grocery stores and essential services

Transportation

• ☐ Purchase EZ-Link card for public transportation
• ☐ Download transportation apps (Citymapper, Grab)
• ☐ Learn MRT/bus routes from your accommodation
• ☐ Consider transportation options to workplace

Healthcare

• ☐ Identify nearest medical facilities
• ☐ Register with local doctor/clinic
• ☐ Fill any necessary prescriptions
• ☐ Confirm health insurance coverage

First Month in Singapore

Community Integration

• ☐ Explore neighborhood amenities
• ☐ Join expatriate groups or associations
• ☐ Attend community events
• ☐ Connect with colleagues outside work

Administrative Tasks

• ☐ Register children in school (if applicable)
• ☐ Set up regular bill payment system
• ☐ Create emergency contact list
• ☐ Learn garbage disposal and recycling procedures

Professional Network

• ☐ Update LinkedIn and professional profiles
• ☐ Join professional associations
• ☐ Attend networking events
• ☐ Connect with industry peers

Lifestyle Establishment

• ☐ Find regular grocery stores and markets
• ☐ Locate essential services (dry cleaning, haircuts, etc.)
• ☐ Establish exercise routine
• ☐ Explore leisure activities and facilities

Cultural Adaptation

• ☐ Learn basic Singlish phrases
• ☐ Understand local customs and etiquette
• ☐ Try local cuisine
• ☐ Visit cultural sites and museums

3-6 Months After Moving

Financial Review

• ☐ Review budget and adjust for local cost of living
• ☐ Ensure tax compliance in home country and Singapore
• ☐ Review insurance coverage
• ☐ Consider long-term savings and investment options

Social Integration

• ☐ Expand social network
• ☐ Participate in community activities
• ☐ Explore volunteer opportunities
• ☐ Join hobby or interest groups

Professional Development

• ☐ Seek local professional development opportunities
• ☐ Understand career advancement paths in Singapore
• ☐ Build relationships with key professional contacts

Lifestyle Enhancement

• ☐ Explore Singapore beyond your neighborhood
• ☐ Plan regional travel
• ☐ Develop routines that support work-life balance
• ☐ Evaluate housing situation and consider long-term plans

Notes and Contacts

Important Singapore Contacts

• Emergency Services: 999 (Police), 995 (Ambulance/Fire)
• Singapore Embassy in Home Country: _________________
• Home Country Embassy in Singapore: _________________
• Employer HR Contact: _________________
• Relocation Agent: _________________
• Property Agent/Landlord: _________________
• d'Habitat Contact: _________________
• Insurance Provider: _________________
• Bank Contact: _________________
• Family Doctor: _________________
• Nearest Hospital: _________________
• Children's School: _________________
• Utility Companies: _________________
• Internet/Mobile Provider: _________________

Personal Notes

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

---

This relocation checklist is provided by d'Habitat Co-Living as a resource for expatriates moving to Singapore. For more information about our co-living spaces designed for international professionals, please contact us.