So, you’re thinking about packing your life into a few suitcases and heading to the Little Red Dot. Honestly, moving to Singapore sounds like a dream when you look at the glossy photos of Marina Bay Sands or the flawless efficiency of the Changi Airport. But here’s the thing: reality hits differently when you’re actually trying to navigate the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website at 2:00 AM. It’s a city of incredible contrasts, where you can spend $5 on a world-class meal at a hawker center or $200,000 on a piece of paper that just allows you to buy a mid-range sedan.
Singapore isn't just a city; it’s a finely tuned machine. If you want to live here, you have to understand how the gears turn.
The Visa Reality Check
Most people think they can just rock up and find a job. You can't. The days of "easy" employment passes are basically over. The Singaporean government has significantly tightened the screws to ensure that the local workforce is prioritized, which means your profile needs to be pretty stellar to get that golden ticket.
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The most common route is the Employment Pass (EP). As of 2024 and heading into 2026, the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) system is the gatekeeper. It’s a points-based system. It doesn’t just look at your salary—which, by the way, usually needs to be at least $5,000 for young candidates and much higher for experienced ones—but it also looks at your qualifications, whether your employer is improving local diversity, and if your skills are in short supply.
Then there’s the ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass). This is for the heavy hitters. We’re talking about people earning at least $30,000 a month or those with "outstanding achievements" in arts, culture, or tech. It’s flexible, it’s prestigious, and it’s very hard to get. Don't even get me started on the S Pass, which is for mid-level skilled staff and is subject to strict quotas that make most SMEs sweat.
The "COE" and Why You Won't Own a Car
If you’re coming from the US or Australia, the cost of cars here will make your eyes water. Seriously. To own a car, you need a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). This is a right to vehicle ownership and use of the limited road space for 10 years.
Sometimes the COE alone costs more than $100,000. That’s before you even buy the actual car.
Most expats—and honestly, most locals—rely on the MRT. It’s clean. It’s fast. It’s almost suspiciously punctual. You can get across the entire island for a couple of bucks. If you’re moving to Singapore with visions of a convertible cruising down Orchard Road, maybe check your bank balance one more time. Or just download the Grab app. It’s the Uber of Southeast Asia and it will be your best friend.
Finding a Roof (Without Losing Your Mind)
Housing is where the sticker shock usually turns into a full-blown existential crisis. You have two main options: HDBs and Condos.
- HDB (Housing & Development Board): These are government-built flats where about 80% of Singaporeans live. They are often spacious and located in "heartland" areas with the best food. If you’re on a budget, renting a room or a whole unit in an HDB is the way to go.
- Condos: These are private apartments. They come with the "lifestyle" perks—pools, gyms, 24-hour security, and BBQ pits. They are also significantly more expensive.
Rents spiked like crazy a couple of years ago. While they’ve stabilized slightly, you’re still looking at a significant chunk of your salary going to a landlord. Areas like Tiong Bahru are cool and "hipster," but you’ll pay for the privilege. If you don't mind a commute, look at places like Pasir Ris or Jurong. The island is small; "far away" in Singapore usually means a 45-minute train ride.
The Truth About the Heat
It is hot. It is always hot. It is 31°C (88°F) with 90% humidity basically every single day of the year. You don't have seasons; you have "slightly more rain" and "slightly less rain."
You will live your life moving from one air-conditioned bubble to another. You’ll see people wearing hoodies in cinemas because the AC is set to "arctic tundra" levels. It’s a weird survival skill you’ll pick up: always carrying a light sweater even though it’s sweltering outside.
The "Kiasu" Culture and Social Etiquette
You’ll hear the word Kiasu a lot. It’s a Hokkien word that basically means "fear of losing out." It defines a lot of the local psyche—from queuing for two hours for the latest viral croissant to making sure kids are in the absolute best tuition centers.
And then there's Choping. If you go to a hawker center and see a pack of tissues on a table, do not sit there. That table is reserved. It’s an unwritten social contract. Respect the tissue pack.
Health and Education
If you’re moving with kids, the international school fees are astronomical. We’re talking $30,000 to $50,000 per year, per child. Some expats try to get their kids into local schools, which are world-class, but spots for foreigners are extremely limited and prioritized after citizens and Permanent Residents.
Healthcare is excellent. Probably some of the best in the world. But it isn't free for expats. You need a solid private insurance plan. Most employers provide this, but read the fine print. Does it cover outpatient? Does it cover dental? If not, a trip to a specialist can easily set you back several hundred dollars.
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Practical Next Steps for Your Move
Don't just wing it. Singapore is a place that rewards preparation and punishes the disorganized.
- Validate your credentials: Ensure your degree is from a recognized institution. The MOM uses third-party verification services like DataFlow or Verifile. If your degree isn't "recognized," your EP application is dead on arrival.
- Join the "Singapore Expats" groups: Not for the brunch recommendations, but for the "for lease" posts. Sometimes you can find a lease takeover that saves you a massive headache with agents.
- Download the Essential Apps: Get Singpass (once you have your visa), Grab, Citymapper, and NLB Mobile (the library system here is genuinely incredible).
- Tax Planning: Singapore has low income tax, which is great. But remember, you might still have tax obligations in your home country (especially if you’re American).
- Shipping vs. Buying: Unless your furniture is antique or sentimental, sell it. Singapore apartments are often smaller than what you’re used to, and IKEA/Taobao make furnishing a place locally much cheaper than shipping a container across the ocean.
Moving to Singapore is a massive bureaucratic hurdle followed by a lifestyle that is remarkably safe, efficient, and vibrant. It’s not for everyone—it can feel a bit "sterile" to some—but for those who want a high-functioning base in Asia, there’s nowhere else quite like it. Get your paperwork in order, prepare for the humidity, and get ready to eat the best laksa of your life.