Moving Guide

No - foreign-registered vehicles cannot be permanently imported into Singapore for personal use. You must purchase a locally registered car, which involves: (1) a Certificate of Entitlement (COE, currently S$80,000–100,000+ for Category B cars), (2) the car's purchase price, (3) Additional Registration Fee (ARF, 100%+ of Open Market Value), and (4) annual road tax and insurance. Total cost for a mid-range Toyota: S$150,000–200,000. The vast majority of expats rely on MRT, buses, and Grab instead.

Singapore operates a risk-based tiered system. All pets need: an NParks AVS import licence (apply online 4–6 weeks before travel), microchip, current vaccinations, and a health certificate from a licensed vet within 7 days of travel. USA-origin dogs and cats (from 2025) qualify for Schedule II - meaning 10-day home quarantine rather than facility quarantine. Banned breeds (Pit Bull, Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa) cannot enter Singapore. Allow 2–3 months lead time for pet import planning.

Get a local SIM card at Changi Airport (Singtel, StarHub, or M1 counters in the arrival hall) - your phone number is needed to activate online banking and most apps. Then: collect your EP card from MOM (if not mailed to you), find short-term accommodation (serviced apartment or Airbnb while searching for long-term), and open a bank account at DBS (most EP-holder-friendly; online application available). Register your FIN at ICA within 30 days. Activate SingPass (Singapore's digital identity) as soon as your FIN is active.

Personal effects (clothing, furniture, books, personal electronics) imported by a genuine relocating resident are generally duty-free, subject to Singapore Customs' conditions. You must apply for Customs In-Non-Payment (INP) approval via a licensed freight forwarder or relocation company. Professional relocation companies (Crown, Santa Fe, Graebel) handle this routinely. New goods purchased abroad specifically for relocation may face GST; alcohol and tobacco have specific duty allowances.

DBS is the most EP-holder-friendly bank with online account opening available without visiting a branch. Bring: passport, EP card (or IPA letter if EP not yet issued), and proof of Singapore address (tenancy agreement OR your telco confirmation letter works). OCBC and UOB require in-branch visits. Account is typically ready same-day to within 5 business days. Once open, link to your local SIM for OTP authentication - this is required for most banking transactions.