Singapore (SG)

Update your residential address with MOM (within 5 days)

EP holders are legally required to update their residential address with MOM within 5 days of moving to a new Singapore address. This applies when you first arrive AND whenever you move within Singapore. Update via the EP eService portal or via your employer's corporate account.

Register for Singpass (Singapore digital identity)

Singpass is Singapore's national digital identity system — the equivalent of having a combined ID card, digital signature, and access key to all government services. You need Singpass to file taxes, access HealthHub, use MyInfo, manage your EP online, and access over 2,000 government and private digital services. Register as soon as you have your FIN (from your EP card).

Stamp your tenancy agreement at IRAS

Tenancy agreements in Singapore must be stamped (stamp duty paid) via the IRAS e-Stamping portal within 14 days of signing. An unstamped tenancy agreement is not admissible as evidence in Singapore courts. Stamp duty for a 1–4 year lease: S$1.50 per S$250 of annual rent. For leases above 4 years: 0.4% of annual rent.

Collect your Employment Pass (EP) card from MOM

Once your employer submits the EP application and it is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. You must collect the physical EP card in person from the MOM Services Centre (10 Raeburn Park, Singapore 088702). The EP card contains your FIN (Foreign Identification Number) and is your primary legal identification in Singapore.

Check Student Pass, attendance, internship, and work rules

Students need valid Student Pass status, attendance/progress compliance, address updates, and permission for work, internship, or training depending on institution and course.

Register for IRAS income tax (myTax Portal)

All individuals with Singapore-source income must register with IRAS and file an income tax return if their income exceeds the filing threshold. As an EP holder, your employer submits your income information via the AIS (Auto-Inclusion Scheme) in January/February each year — you may not need to file separately if all your income is from your AIS employer. Tax filing deadline: 18 April (e-filing). Access your tax account at mytax.iras.gov.sg using Singpass.

Understand the IR21 tax clearance process before leaving Singapore

When you plan to leave Singapore permanently (or for more than 3 months), your employer must file an IR21 tax clearance with IRAS at least 1 month before your last day of work. IRAS will assess your remaining tax liability and issue a clearance notice. Your employer is legally required to withhold your final salary until IRAS grants clearance — typically 3–10 business days but can take up to 3 weeks. Plan your departure finances accordingly.

Verify your employer group health insurance coverage

Employment Pass holders are NOT covered by Singapore's public MediShield Life scheme. Your employer's group health insurance is your primary healthcare coverage. Verify on your first day: panel clinic list, hospitalisation coverage (private vs restructured hospital), annual benefit limits, whether dependants are covered, and any waiting periods or pre-existing condition exclusions.

Get a Singapore SIM card

A Singapore mobile number is needed for Singpass 2-factor authentication, bank account SMS OTPs, WhatsApp (the primary messaging app in Singapore), and everyday communication. Get a SIM within your first day or two — available at Changi Airport (on arrival) and at telco stores everywhere.

Install ScamShield app and set up anti-scam measures

Singapore has high rates of phone and online scams targeting both locals and expats. ScamShield is an official SPF app that filters scam calls and SMSes. Install it and enable it immediately. Also: be aware of common scams (government official impersonation, job scams, rental scams, investment scams).

Set up SP Group utilities account

Set up your SP Group account for electricity and water supply in your rented apartment. For condominiums, electricity may already be on the landlord's account — transfer it to your name within 3 business days of moving in. Gas: if applicable, set up a City Gas account separately. Both can be done online.

Get SimplyGo or EZ-Link card for public transport

Singapore's MRT, LRT, and bus network requires a contactless payment card or bank card with SimplyGo. Pick up an EZ-Link card at MRT station ticketing machines or 7-Eleven, or simply use your contactless Visa/Mastercard bank card (SimplyGo system). Most Singapore bank cards now work directly on MRT turnstiles.

Activate PayNow on your bank account

PayNow is Singapore's real-time interbank transfer system linked to your mobile number or NRIC/FIN. Once activated, anyone can transfer money to you instantly using just your phone number. It is the primary peer-to-peer and small business payment method in Singapore, used for rent deposits, hawker QR codes, and splitting bills.

Open a Singapore bank account

You need a Singapore bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, utilities, and set up PayNow for instant transfers. DBS/POSB is the largest and most accessible. Open within your first 2 weeks — your employer's HR will need your Singapore bank account details for payroll.

Register for HealthHub and book your first GP consultation

HealthHub (healthhub.sg) is Singapore's centralised health portal linked via Singpass. It stores your medical records, vaccination history, appointment bookings, and prescription history. Register with Singpass and find a panel GP from your employer's insurance panel. Book your first health check-up within the first few weeks.

Register for GST if your business turnover exceeds S$1 million

Businesses (including freelancers operating through a Pte Ltd) must register for GST (Goods and Services Tax, currently 9%) if their taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million per year. GST registration allows you to charge GST to clients (and claim input GST credits on your expenses). Voluntary registration is available below the threshold.

Convert your foreign driving licence to a Singapore licence

If you hold a valid licence from an approved country (Australia, UK, USA, Germany, and many others), you can exchange it directly for a Singapore licence without a test. You must do this within 12 months of becoming a Singapore resident. Those from non-approved countries must take a full Singapore driving test.

Join expat community groups and professional networks

Singapore has a large, active expat community. Joining networks early accelerates professional connections and social integration. InterNations Singapore is the largest social expat platform; Singapore Expats forum is the go-to information resource; industry-specific chambers (British, American, Australian, French, German, Indian) offer professional networking events.

Plan departure: IR21, lease exit, pass cancellation, school, utilities, and bank

Leaving Singapore involves employer IR21 tax clearance, pass cancellation, final salary withholding, lease notice, utilities closure, school withdrawal, helper transfer/repatriation if any, bank/card cleanup, and shipping.

Get a National Library Board (NLB) membership

Singapore's National Library Board operates 28 public libraries with a huge collection of English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil books, DVDs, ebooks, and digital resources. Membership is free for EP holders. The NLB app provides access to digital loans (ebooks, audiobooks, magazines) via the Libby and Overdrive systems.

Harden bank, Singpass, PayNow, and ScamShield security

Singapore has sophisticated phishing, malware, job, parcel, bank, and government impersonation scams. Set transaction limits, app permissions, alerts, ScamShield, and emergency bank contacts before trouble.

Enrol children in an international school

Singapore has an excellent range of international schools following British, American, IB, Australian, and other curricula. As an EP holder, your children cannot enrol in Singapore government schools as local students — you must use an international school or a DSS (government-aided school with international programme). Places are competitive — apply as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months before the desired start date.

Register your business with ACRA

If you plan to operate a business in Singapore, you must register with ACRA via the Bizfile+ portal. Foreigners on EP can only register as directors/shareholders of a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) — not as sole proprietors. You must appoint a Singapore-resident director (who may be a professional director from a corporate services firm if you have no local partner). EntrePass (not EP) is required if you want to found and run a startup.

Apply for Letter of Consent (LOC) for Dependant's Pass holder to work

Dependant's Pass holders cannot work in Singapore without a Letter of Consent (LOC) issued by MOM to the employing company. The Singapore employer must apply for the LOC before the DP holder commences employment. The LOC is free and is tied to a specific employer — if the DP holder changes jobs, the new employer must apply for a new LOC.

Review employment contract, pass conditions, and COMPASS risk before starting

Employment Pass, S Pass, salary, role, employer, fixed allowances, non-competes, notice, bonuses, and pass conditions should match. EP renewals can be affected by COMPASS, salary benchmarks, employer compliance, and role changes.

Register children for childcare or childcare subsidy assessment

Singapore has a large number of childcare centres (private and government-supported MOE kindergartens). For infants and toddlers: private infant care (3 months–18 months) and childcare (N1 to K2, ages 2–6). EP holders pay full market rates — ECDA subsidies apply only to Singapore citizens and PRs. Apply early — waiting lists at popular centres can be 6–12 months.

Understand foreign domestic worker employer duties before hiring

Hiring a helper makes you an employer with duties around work permit, levy, insurance, rest days, salary, accommodation, medical care, safety, and repatriation.

Open a Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) account

The SRS is the only tax-advantaged retirement savings vehicle available to Employment Pass holders (CPF is not available to foreign nationals). Contributions of up to S$35,700/year are fully deductible from your Singapore taxable income. Open your SRS account at any of the three operator banks and make contributions before 31 December each year to reduce your tax bill.

Switch to a cheaper electricity retailer on the Open Electricity Market

The Open Electricity Market (OEM) lets all Singapore consumers choose their electricity retailer for potentially lower rates than SP Group's regulated tariff. Available to all households and businesses. Retailers include Geneco, iSwitch, Senoko Energy, Sembcorp, and others — compare at openelectricitymarket.sg.

Do tenancy due diligence before paying deposit

Verify the landlord or agent, check CEA registration, confirm the unit can legally be rented to you, read diplomatic/break clauses, inventory, minor repair clauses, stamp duty, aircon servicing, and handover evidence.

Apply for Dependant's Pass for spouse and/or children

If you earn S$6,000+/month (EP holder), you are eligible to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to Singapore on a Dependant's Pass (DP). Your employer or HR applies on your behalf via the EP eService portal. Apply as soon as your EP is approved — DP processing takes approximately 3 weeks.

Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)

Singapore Permanent Residency gives you the right to live and work in Singapore indefinitely, purchase resale HDB flats, and enrol children in government schools. Apply after at least 2 years on an Employment Pass. Applications are assessed holistically — there is no points system published by ICA. Typical approval rate: approximately 25–45%. Processing: 4–6 months.

Plan Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant Pass renewal timeline

Work and dependant passes depend on employer sponsorship, salary, quota/levy rules where applicable, family salary thresholds, passport validity, and compliance history. Renewals should not be left to the last month.

Review and set up personal insurance (life, critical illness, personal accident)

Your employer group health insurance covers medical costs but not death, disability, or income protection. As an EP holder with no CPF safety net, you should arrange personal insurance: term life (if you have dependants), critical illness, and personal accident cover. Compare on CompareFIRST (MAS-run portal) before engaging an adviser.

Review private health insurance exclusions and hospital access

Most foreigners are not covered by MediShield Life. Employer group insurance may have low limits, exclusions, co-payments, or no dependants. Private hospitals are expensive and public subsidies are limited for foreigners.

Learn practical Singlish, Mandarin/Malay/Tamil basics, and workplace norms

English is the working language, but local terms, Singlish, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Hokkien phrases, hawker etiquette, and workplace hierarchy make daily life smoother.

Save Singapore legal aid, employment, tenancy, and consumer dispute channels

Before a dispute happens, save the right channels: MOM for employment and work-pass issues, TADM/ECT for salary disputes, CASE for consumer complaints, CEA for property agents, Small Claims Tribunals, and legal clinics for basic advice.

Import your pet into Singapore (SFA import permit)

Importing a pet into Singapore requires an import permit from SFA (at least 14 days before arrival), current vaccinations (rabies required at least 30 days before travel), ISO microchip, and a health certificate from a government-endorsed vet in your country of origin. Quarantine requirements depend on your country of origin (10–30 days). All paperwork must be in order before your pet boards the plane.

Check pet licensing, condo rules, and quarantine/import conditions together

Pet import approval is only part of the puzzle. Dogs may need licensing, approved breeds, vaccinations, import quarantine rules, condo approval, and landlord consent.

Do an annual review of tax, pass, CPF, insurance, and housing costs

Singapore thresholds and costs can shift: income tax, property cooling measures, CPF rates after PR, school fees, rent renewal, insurance limits, pass salary criteria, and business GST obligations.

Decide whether a car is rational after COE, ERP, parking, and insurance

Singapore car ownership is expensive because of COE, ARF, road tax, ERP, parking, insurance, and depreciation. Many expats are better served by MRT, buses, taxis, ride-hailing, car-sharing, and occasional rental.

Learn Singapore demerit points, ERP, parking, and traffic-camera rules

Singapore uses strict enforcement for speeding, red lights, mobile phone use, bus lanes, parking, ERP, drink driving, and vehicle modifications. Foreign licence conversion is only one part of driving legally.

Map realistic safety net options as a foreigner

Foreign workers and dependants generally cannot rely on the same public assistance as citizens. Emergency help may come from employer insurance, savings, home-country consulate, charities, religious/community groups, or private insurance.