Most relocation stress is sequencing. Bank needs a local number, the number needs your pass, the school needs the address. Here is the order that unblocks the rest, and the documents to keep from your tenancy for all of it.
| Item | What you need | Where | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singpass | FIN, passport, local or overseas mobile | Singpass app or website | Same day to a few days |
| Mobile SIM | Passport and pass | Any telco store or prepaid counter | Same day |
| Bank account | Passport, pass, stamped TA or utility bill | Bank branch or app with Singpass | Same day to 1 week |
| Address update | New address, TA copy | MOM (employer portal) or ICA | Within the required window; do it in week 1 |
| Driving licence | Foreign licence, pass, Basic Theory Test pass | Traffic Police, Ubi | 2 to 6 weeks including the test |
| Health insurance | Employer plan details or private quote | Employer HR or insurer | Before you need it; work pass holders are not on national schemes |
| School places | Passport, birth cert, past reports, vaccinations | Direct with each school | Weeks to months; waitlists common |
| Domestic helper | MOM eligibility, EOP course, insurance, bond, agency | MOM-licensed agency or direct | 4 to 8 weeks typical |
| Public transport | Contactless bank card or EZ-Link card | Any MRT station | Same day |
| Tax file | Employer files your income; you file annually | IRAS with Singpass | First filing the following March to April |
Requirements and timelines are general guidance only, not guaranteed, and change often. Always confirm with the agency or provider before acting.
For KTA relocation clients: we send this checklist as a shared document before arrival, with the school shortlist and unit shortlist side by side, so the school run is part of the search and not an afterthought.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a car? | Usually no. MRT, buses, and ride-hail cover most of the island. Cars are expensive to own because of COE. Many expats go car-free for the first year, then decide. |
| Is tap water safe? | Yes, it is drinkable straight from the tap island-wide. |
| What about the heat? | Aircon in bedrooms at night, ceiling fans by day, and cross-ventilation when the unit allows it. Quarterly aircon servicing is on you as the tenant; see the aircon guide. |
| Can I sublet a room? | Almost never without written landlord consent, and there are legal occupancy caps. Ask before you advertise anything. |
| Where do I get help with the tenancy? | Your agent, first. For disputes, the Small Claims Tribunals handle most tenancy deposit cases. See the moving-out guide. |
These open in a new tab on the provider's or agency's own website. Links checked September 2026. Plans, fees, and rules change, so always confirm on the official page.
Yes. Once your Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant's Pass, or other long-term pass is issued and you have a FIN, you can register for Singpass. It unlocks most government services, faster SP and telco sign-ups, and many bank processes. Do it in the first week.
Typically your passport, your work pass or in-principle approval letter, and proof of local address such as the stamped tenancy agreement or a utility bill. Some banks let you apply online with Singpass and Myinfo. Requirements vary by bank and change over time, so check the bank's current list.
Foreigners who become residents (work pass holders, PRs) are generally required to convert to a Singapore licence within a set period after arrival, usually by passing the Basic Theory Test and applying at the Traffic Police. Tourists and short-term visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence with an International Driving Permit for a limited period. Check the Singapore Police Force Traffic Police page for the current rules.
Work pass holders update their residential address with MOM (through their employer's EP Online account or the relevant portal) within the required window after moving. Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass holders update with ICA or MOM as applicable. Citizens and PRs update via ICA. Do this within the first two weeks; the window is short.
Through a MOM-licensed employment agency, or a direct hire. The employer needs to meet MOM's eligibility rules, complete the Employers' Orientation Programme if hiring for the first time, buy medical and personal accident insurance, post a security bond, and pay the monthly levy. Timelines of 4 to 8 weeks are common. Details change, so confirm on the MOM website.
Most of the well-known ones, and waitlists can run months for popular year groups. Start applications before you arrive if you can, have your child's school reports and passport ready, and ask about the timeline for the specific year group. Keith Tan Associates can point you to schools near a shortlist of units, but school admission is entirely between the family and the school.
Division Director, ERA Realty Network. CEA R003793E. 25 years in Singapore property, leading Keith Tan Associates (KTA) within HexaGroup. Keith and his team handle leasing, expat relocation, TOP handovers, and resale across Singapore's prime districts, and every KTA tenant gets this setup guide as part of the move-in service.
Tenants: tell me your budget, district, and move-in date and I will shortlist units that fit. Landlords: get a free rental assessment and a tenant-ready handover checklist for your unit.
General information only. Not financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional. Provider fees, deposits, and timelines are estimates only, not guaranteed, and may change. Always confirm with the provider.