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 Singapore to the United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom Facts:
- Population: 67.33 million (2021 estimate)
- Official Language: English (de facto), spoken by 91.1% of the population
- GDP Per Capita: $46,510 USD (2021 estimate)
- Random Fact: The famed site of Stonehenge in Wiltshire was thought to have been erected in 3100 B.C.E. – which makes it older than Egyptian pyramids!
- Currency: Pound sterling (£). As of late 2023, £1 = $1.25, €1 = £1.15, $1 CAD = $1.72, $1 AUD = $1.91
1. Moving Costs to The United Kingdom from Singapore
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from Singapore and shipping it to the largest cities in the UK:
Destination City | 20FT | 40FT |
---|---|---|
Birmingham | £1,800 - £2,100 | £2,900 - £3,200 |
Glasgow | £1,900 - £2,200 | £3,000 - £3,300 |
Liverpool | £1,700 - £2,000 | £2,800 - £3,100 |
London | £2,000 - £2,300 | £3,100 - £3,400 |
Manchester | £1,800 - £2,100 | £2,900 - £3,200 |
- All figures are in GBP;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 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 The United Kingdom from Singapore?
Let’s take a look at some airports from a range of locations in the north and south of the United Kingdom to give you an idea of move time when relocating from Singapore.
- Singapore to London Heathrow – 1 day, 10 hours – £269
- Singapore to London Gatwick – 1 day, 7 hours – £297
- Singapore to Edinburgh – 23 hours, 45 minutes – £429
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 The United Kingdom from Singapore
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.
Before your move, you’ll want to ensure all boxes are ticked so that your transition is smooth. This will involve sorting your visa, finding accommodation, and if necessary opening a bank account to allow you to rent or buy property in the United Kingdom.
It may be required in some cases to show proof of vaccinations, as well as criminal records if you are set to be working with vulnerable people. It’s also a good idea to get to grips with the customs and import regulations to ensure anything you’re bringing into the United Kingdom is permitted.
Currently, there are no COVID-19 restrictions, but this can change, so it’s prudent to check this closer to your time of travel for the most up-to-date information.
4. Visa Requirements to The United Kingdom from Singapore
Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has a points-based visa system, and the number of points needed will vary depending on whether you are visiting for travel, work or studying purposes.
The visa application needs to be planned in advance as visa appointments are notoriously hard to secure. An expedited service is available for last-minute travel, subject to the availability of the office.
You will need a valid visa to gain entry to the United Kingdom, with the only exception to this being if you are planning on staying in the United Kingdom for less than six months, but if this is the case, during this time you will not be permitted to legally work.
Here’s a sample of visa options:
- Skilled Worker visa (up to 5 years before renewal)
- Health and Care Worker visa (up to 5 years before renewal)
- Graduate visa (2 years)
- Seasonal Worker visa (varied lengths)
Some visa choices are available without job offers, while others are contingent on you having an employment contract ready in the United Kingdom. Also, some of these can help you to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom.
In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances, and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.
5. Cost of Living Differences in The United Kingdom
While this article is covering the United Kingdom as a whole, house prices will obviously 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 London is 2.1% lower than that of Singapore, with rent being around 9.3% lower.
Monthly Rental Prices in the United Kingdom:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: £930+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £726+
- 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: £1,625+
- 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: £1,225+
United Kingdom Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £4,500+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: £3,395+
Source: Numbeo
6. Tax Treaties in The United Kingdom
There is a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) in place between the United Kingdom and Singapore which is there to prevent the double taxation of income, and to also help to mitigate tax evasion.
The taxation rules in the United Kingdom will vary depending on whether or not you are classed as a resident of the United Kingdom. To be classed as a resident, you must:
- Spend 183 days or more in the United Kingdom during one tax year (April – April)
- Have a home in the United Kingdom
- Have a full-time job in the United Kingdom
If these points apply, you will be taxed on your worldwide income – this will include any United Kingdom and any other country’s income.
However, if you are classed as a non-resident, you will only be taxed on the income you earn in the United Kingdom, and your other earnings (if applicable) will not be subject to United Kingdom taxation.
In all cases, it’s best to speak to a tax specialist to be fully clued up on your rights and any necessary steps to complete when it comes to your income while in the United Kingdom.
7. Working Rules in The United Kingdom
There are a number of permits and visas required for Singaporean citizens to enable them to work in the United Kingdom legally. According to Gov.uk, these can range from:
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Skilled Worker visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa
- Overseas Domestic Worker visa
- Secondment Worker visa
- Service Supplier visa
- United Kingdom Expansion Worker visa
- Representative of an Overseas Business visa
Depending on the exact type, these visas can cover you if you have a job offer for a role in the United Kingdom, or if you need to work in the United Kingdom for your overseas employer.
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 The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom benefits from the NHS – the National Health Service, which is publically funded – which offers free healthcare. This means that UK residents are granted free healthcare from hospital visits as well as mental health and physician aid.
This means that anyone in the United Kingdom can receive free healthcare – although it’s important to note that while emergency treatment will be available to anyone, anything further to that, such as specialised services or other treatments if you are a non-resident, will likely incur a fee.
It’s a good idea to get clued up on the ins and outs of the United Kingdom’s healthcare before visiting so you know what to do in a medical emergency, and to always visit with medical insurance in place to ensure you’re covered in the event of any accidents or injuries during your stay.
9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in The United Kingdom
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 the United Kingdom with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.
The Gov.uk website says that it’s permissible to bring a dog, cat or ferret from Singapore – which is named as a ‘part 2’ listed country – into the United Kingdom.
To do so legally, you’ll need to ensure that:
- Your pet is vaccinated against rabies
- Your pet is microchipped
- Your pet has a Great Britain health certificate to deem it healthy to fly
There will be certain restrictions imposed by the airlines as to how your pet will travel, but they will likely be cargo unless they are an assistance dog or if you are travelling via a chartered private plane.
Failure to follow these steps may place your pet in quarantine upon arrival to the United Kingdom, or even sent back to your starting country. For full information, it’s best to check the Gov.uk website for up-to-date information.
10. Similar Cities
We can compare Singapore with the United Kingdom’s capital, London, as both are global financial centres with a metropolitan focus.
Both locations are culturally diverse, and are known as key players in international business, trade and commerce dealings. English is widely spoken in both locations, and Singapore and London have iconic buildings and architecture including landmarks and attractions for tourists and residents alike.
11. Pros and Cons of Moving to The United Kingdom from Singapore
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 Singapore to the United Kingdom, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.
Advantages of Moving from Singapore to the United Kingdom | Disadvantages of Moving from Singapore to the United Kingdom |
---|---|
The United Kingdom offers a rich historical and cultural experience, with iconic landmarks, museums, and a diverse arts scene. | The cost of living in the United Kingdom, particularly in major cities like London, can be relatively high, impacting housing affordability and everyday expenses. |
The U.K. provides access to world-renowned educational institutions, cultural events, and a variety of career opportunities. | Weather in the United Kingdom can be unpredictable, with rain and cool temperatures, and adjusting to a different climate may be necessary for expatriates. |
The United Kingdom is strategically located for travel within Europe, providing opportunities to explore neighboring countries. | Expatriates may need to adapt to the local work culture, and navigating the immigration process and residency requirements may require careful planning. Additionally, uncertainties related to Brexit may impact certain aspects of life and work. |
Whatever you decide, it’s important that you understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore – United Kingdom for all the information you need.
Other Useful Guides to the UK
- 2024 Sea Freight Container Shipping Rates To & From the United Kingdom
- 36 Best International Removals Companies In The UK
- How To Easily Find The Best UK Removal Companies Near Me
- 19 Best Freight Forwarding Companies In The UK By City
- 10 Best Money Transfer Companies in the UK
- Moving to the United Kingdom? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- 13 Best Places To Live In The United Kingdom
- 21 Secrets About Living In the UK To Know Before Moving
- Moving to The United Kingdom from South Africa
- How Much Does It Cost to Move House In The UK
- How Much Do UK Home Removal Companies Cost
- How Much Does A Man & Van Cost In The UK?