Step-by-step checklist for moving to Singapore from the US or Europe: visas, housing, and settling in

Moving to Singapore from the US or Europe in 2026 demands careful planning. This checklist for moving to Singapore from the US or Europe covers all critical steps: from visas and immigration paperwork to finding housing, managing taxes, and adapting to local culture. Singapore is a global financial and tech hub with strict regulations, so every detail matters. Use this list in Foco to organize tasks by category (visa, housing, healthcare) and set realistic deadlines based on processing times (e.g., an Employment Pass can take up to 8 weeks).

What you need to know before you start

Singapore has intense rainy seasons (November-January) and year-round humid heat. Immigration and housing processes often take time, so start at least 3-4 months in advance. The local currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), and English is the official language, though Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are widely spoken. In Foco, create a project called 'Move to Singapore' and use tags like #Visa, #Housing, or #Healthcare to filter tasks. Sync your calendar to track appointments with the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) or property viewings.

For recurring tasks (like renewing your employment pass or paying quarterly taxes), use Foco’s recurrence feature. If you receive emails with deadlines (e.g., ICA appointment confirmations), forward them to your u-xxxx@in.heyfoco.com address to automatically convert them into tasks with the email attached as a note.

• Check eligibility for your visa (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant’s Pass) based on your job offer in Singapore and complete the online form on the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) portal
• Have your employer in Singapore apply for your Employment Pass or S Pass through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) portal
• Prepare visa documents: passport valid for at least 6 months, passport-sized photos, employment certificate, apostilled and translated academic degrees (if required), and job offer letter
• Schedule an appointment at the ICA to register fingerprints and biometric photo (mandatory for all long-term visas)
• Search for housing on portals like PropertyGuru, 99.co, or SRX, prioritizing areas near your workplace (e.g., Raffles Place for the financial district or Tampines for families)
• Contact local real estate agents to arrange property viewings (leases in Singapore are typically 1-2 years with a 1-2 month security deposit)
• Sign the lease agreement and pay the stamp duty to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) within 14 days of signing
• Register your Singapore address with the ICA to receive your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) card within 7 days of moving
• Open a bank account in Singapore (DBS, OCBC, or UOB) with your passport, Employment Pass, and proof of address (utility bill or lease agreement)
• Purchase international or local health insurance (e.g., AIA, Prudential, or Great Eastern) covering hospitalization and repatriation (required for some visas)
• Register with the public healthcare system (SingHealth or National Healthcare Group) and obtain your MediSave card if applicable
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the IRAS to file taxes (residents are taxed on global income; non-residents only on Singapore-sourced income)
• Transfer funds to Singapore from your US or European bank (use services like Wise or Revolut to minimize fees; check transfer limits in your home country)
• Buy a local SIM card (Singtel, StarHub, or M1) or set up an eSIM data plan for immediate connectivity upon arrival (public WiFi is limited)
• Register for a public transport card (EZ-Link) to use the MRT and buses (download the TransitLink app for top-ups and route planning)
• Enroll your children in international schools (e.g., Singapore American School or United World College) or local schools (requires admission tests and dependant visa)
• Attend cultural orientation sessions (offered by chambers of commerce like AmCham or EuroCham) to understand local norms (e.g., fines for chewing gum or not flushing toilets)
• Update your address with financial institutions, insurers, and subscriptions (banks, Netflix, Amazon) to avoid delivery or payment issues
• Check the validity of your driver’s license and, if planning to drive, apply for an international permit or convert it to a Singaporean license (only for long-term residents)