Moving to Singapore from the United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from the United States to Singapore, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Singapore Facts:

Population: 5.454 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English and widely spoken
GDP Per Capita: $72,794 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: Singapore is counted as one of the smallest countries in the world, at just 682 square kilometres – The United States of America is around 15,000 times that size!
Currency: Singapore Dollar (S$). As of late 2023, $1 = S$1.33, £1 = S$1.70, €1 = S$1.46, $1 CAD = S$1.00, $1 AUD = S$0.89

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Singapore from the United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from different ports in the US, and shipping it to Singapore:

Origin Port	20FT	40FT
Charleston	$1,200 - $1,600	$2,000 - $2,600
Houston	$1,100 - $1,500	$1,900 - $2,400
Long Beach	$1,000 - $1,300	$1,800 - $2,200
Los Angeles	$950 - $1,200	$1,750 - $2,150
Miami	$1,100 - $1,400	$1,900 - $2,300
New York	$1,200 - $1,600	$2,000 - $2,600
Oakland	$1,000 - $1,300	$1,800 - $2,200
Savannah	$1,100 - $1,500	$1,900 - $2,400
Seattle	$1,050 - $1,350	$1,800 - $2,250
Virginia (Norfolk)	$1,200 - $1,600	$2,000 - $2,600

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since this article was last updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Singapore from America?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to Singapore.

New York to Singapore – 28 hours, 50 minutes – $1,130
Los Angeles to Singapore – 20 hours – $1,100
Minneapolis to Singapore – 37 hours, 50 minutes – $1,600
Dallas to Singapore – 30 hours, 55 minutes – $1,000

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Singapore from the United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

While an individual is entitled to a 90-day stay without a visa application, for those wishing to live and work in Singapore, an immigration visa is required, also known as a valid pass (work visa). This should be obtained before work starts in the country.

Healthcare in Singapore is ranked highly in terms of care and treatment availability, with services being subsidised or free for Singaporean citizens or those with permanent residency, but for most, a private healthcare plan will be required to receive care.

If you need to bring in medication from the US for your time in Singapore, you will likely need to apply for approval to do so before travelling. It’s important to check this with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) before you travel to avoid any negative experiences.

Currently, there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but this can change at short notice, so it’s best to check this at your time of travel to ensure you are following the most up-to-date information.

4. Visa Requirements to Singapore from the United States

Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Singapore if you wish to live and work in the country. For tourism purposes, and trips of 90 days or less, you can have visa-less entry.

There are many visas available for those wishing to work in Singapore, ranging from:

Singapore Employment Pass (EP) – for individuals seeking a job in Singapore in a professional industry
Singapore S-Pass – suitable for those in mid-level positions (making a minimum of $3,000 per month)
Singapore Dependent Pass – suitable for children and spouses of employment pass holders
Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) – suitable for those wanting to start or operate a business in Singapore, with the company having ‘innovative technologies’ or with venture capital backing
Singapore Investor – this is suitable for individuals wishing to invest in Singapore in order to become a permanent resident

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Singapore

While this article is covering Singapore as a whole, house prices will vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 15.4% higher than that of Singapore, with rent being around 21.5% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in Singapore:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: S$4,000+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: S$2,900+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: S$7,600+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: S$5,200+

Singapore Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: S$27,000+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: S$16,300+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Singapore

There is currently no tax treaty in place between Singapore and the United States, which means there is no active prevention against double taxation of income.

You will still need to complete a US Expat Tax form with the U.S. government each year, with the only exception being for income not meeting certain thresholds. At the moment, this is $13,850 for a single citizen and $27,700 for a married couple filing their return together, but these figures can be subject to change.

The current income tax rates in Singapore range from 0% to 22% depending on your earning status for residents and between 15% to 22% for non-residents.

The taxation process can be confusing, so it’s best to enlist the help of a Singaporean tax professional to advise you on what is exactly needed when it comes to filing your taxes in Singapore and in America.

7. Working Rules in Singapore

Singapore employment law states that working hours cannot exceed 8 hours a day, or 44 hours a week. A lunch break of one hour is required, and if you work more than 44 hours a week you will receive overtime pay which is usually 1.5 times your standard payment.

You can have one ‘rest day’ per week, which will be unpaid. Your annual leave will be calculated based on the time you have spent at the company in continuous service, starting at 7 days of annual leave and rising in line with the years of service.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Singapore

Singapore’s health system is ranked 6th in the world by the World Health Organization. This provides high-quality care, leading to a high standard of living, giving a long life expectancy.

The three main healthcare providers in Singapore are:

Medisave
Medisheild
Medifund

Public healthcare is provided to Singaporean residents and those with permanent residence permits (PRs). Expats will need to take out private health insurance to access healthcare, or else pay for their services on a case-by-case basis.

Some employers may provide healthcare packages as part of their remuneration schemes, but the majority of expats will take out private insurance to suit their individual needs. It’s a good idea to have this set up before you enter the country to provide you with cover in the event of any accidents requiring medical attention.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Singapore

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Singapore with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

While the process is detailed, here are the key points:

Your pet must complete a mandatory 10- or 30-day quarantine before entry
Your pet must have a microchip fitted
Your pet must have two rabies vaccines and evidence of a rabies titer test
Your pet must have a distemper vaccine for a dog, and an FVRCP vaccine for cats
Additional parasite treatments may also be required
A health certificate from an accredited veterinarian will be required, with USDA endorsement

You will need an import permit for your pet, and you must reserve a spot for your pet to quarantine at the point of application. These places can fill quickly, and can be booked six months in advance.

It can be a stressful experience ensuring that all guidelines have been met and adhered to, so for ease of movement for both you and your pet, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a pet relocation specialist to take some of the guesswork out of the process, ensuring you have everything sorted when the time comes to travel.

10. Similar Cities

Singapore can be compared with Malaysia, a neighbouring country in Southeast Asia. Both countries have diverse economies, with export-driven logistics, in manufacturing and natural resources.

Their climates are similar, both being categorised as tropical locations, with high temperatures, including high humidity and high rainfall totals, owing to their position to the equator. Thunderstorms are common, mostly in the afternoons and evenings, where flooding can happen quickly as a result of the high and intense rainfall totals.

Malaysia and Singapore are both famed for their natural beauty, with plenty of outdoor activities available for tourists and natives alike.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Singapore from the United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the States to Singapore, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Singapore	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Singapore
Singapore offers a stable and prosperous economy, providing ample opportunities for career growth.	The cost of living in Singapore is relatively high, particularly in terms of housing and private education.
Singapore boasts a clean and efficient public transportation system, modern infrastructure, and a diverse cultural scene.	The country has strict laws and regulations, and penalties for certain offenses can be severe. Expatriates should be aware of and adhere to local laws and customs.
Singapore provides a high standard of living, with top-notch healthcare, education, and a safe environment.	The limited space in Singapore may result in a competitive housing market, and expatriates should be prepared for the densely populated urban environment.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.