Moving to Singapore guide

Moving to Singapore

Singapour / Singapur / Cingapura

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Our all-inclusive moving package covers the essentials at one affordable price. Call us on +44 (0) 121 392 1720 or complete the form and get a quote within an hour.

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A Guide to Relocating to Singapore

Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Singapore…

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Singapore

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Singapore:

  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) (photograph and personal information pages)
  • Declaration of facts form
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Singapore for you.
  • Copy of the owner of the goods’ employment pass / green card (both sides)
  • Goods and services tax relief form (GST)
  • Wine and liquor declaration form
  • Exemption permit (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Supplementary Customs declaration form

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Singapore. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Singaporean Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

Additional Removal Advice

  • A duty exemption will be given to goods if all documentation as requested above is in order.
  • Goods should be in the owner of the goods’ possession and used for more than 3 months.
  • Shipment must be imported into Singapore within 6 months of the owner of the goods’ first arrival into Singapore.
  • If shipment arrives more than 6 months after owner of the goods’ employment pass (EP) into Singapore, shipment is subject to 7% goods and services tax (GST) on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
  • Returning Singaporean residents should be away for more than 6 months to get 7% GST relief.
  • Embassy, high commission, Consulate or accredited trade organization in and owner of the goods who have been accorded diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities by the Singapore Government are eligible for duty exemption and GST relief on all goods that are for the personal or official use of the owner of the goods or organization; an exemption permit is required to cover the import of such goods but the organization and its authorized claimants have to be first registered with Customs.
  • A failure to declare all items or pay taxes due may result in prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
Helpful Downloads

Everything you need to help you plan your move.

PDF

My Move Checklist

To help you keep on track with your international removal.

PDF

Removal Inventory / Packing List:

For use if you need to provide a removal packing list or moving inventory yourself for your international removal service.

XLS

Removal Survey Cubic Calculator:

For use if you need to find out the volume of your move before making an enquiry. Remember when doing an international move, to allow a little more space for loading volume.

PDF

Easy Self Survey Tool:

For use for you to better describe the requirements of your move. This outlines all the things that a professional international removal company would need to know to physically move your goods.

PDF

International Removal Insurance Form:

If you're taking out insurance with us, download this form, complete it and email it back to your international relocation manager.

Useful Links

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in Singapore

Global Moving Services is vastly experience in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Singapore:

Bedok, Jurong West, Tampines, Woodlands, Hougang, Sengkang, Yishun. Get a quote to one of these places

Need Help?

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 121 392 1720, or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Singapore, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Global Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 121 392 1720.

Get Insurance

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to Singapore, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.

Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Singapore:

  • Certificate of compliance
  • Original commercial invoice
  • Vehicle registration certificate
  • Owner of the goods’ passport
  • Inward declaration permit
  • Customs in-payment permit
  • Temporary certificate of entitlement
  • Manufacturer’s letter confirming the date the automobile was manufactured
  • Insurance papers
  • Customs duty payment receipt

Additional Import Advice

  • Certificate of compliance from exhaust emission control standard is required for all new and used vehicles.
  • Autos and motorcycles are subject to very high duty and registration fees; importation highly discouraged.
  • Must be registered in owner of the goods’ name for continued use and not for resale.
  • Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited.
  • Vehicles more than three years old cannot be imported.
  • Boats are duty-free, but must be for the owner of the goods’ use and not for resale.
  • Dismantled vehicles are not permitted.

Relocating Your Pets to Singapore

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Singapore:

  • Import license from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)

Additional Import Advice

If ownership of an animal cannot be verified from birth to 6 months for that animal, it will be quarantined.

Note: There are many requirements regarding the importation of pets into Singapore. It is strongly advised that transferee contact agent as well as the AVA for specific information.

Restricted & Dutiable/Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Singapore. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Singapore:

  • Intoxicating liquors
  • Motor vehicles
  • Petroleum products
  • Tobacco products
Prohibited/Banned Items
Do not move any of these items to Singapore:
  • Liquors and cigarettes marked with the words “SINGAPORE DUTY NOT PAID” on the labels, cartons or packets
  • E-cigarettes
  • Weapons, gun, ammunition of any kind, cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
  • Narcotics, controlled or non-branded drugs, and psychotropic substances
  • Obscene articles, pornographic books, materials, publications on video tapes / discs and software
  • Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
  • Seditious and treasonable materials
  • Animals and birds and their by-products
  • Plants
  • Bullet-proof clothing
  • Weapons, Kris, spears and swords
  • Prerecorded cartridges and cassettes
  • Newspapers, magazines
  • Films, video tapes / discs, laser discs, CD-ROMS, and video games
  • Medicines, pharmaceuticals, and poisons
  • Telecommunications, radio communication equipment, and toy walkie-talkies
  • Firecrackers or counterfeit currencies
  • Endangered species of wildlife and their byproducts
  • Chewing gum, chewing tobacco, and imitation tobacco products
  • The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:
    • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
    • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
    • Airbags
    • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
    • Ammunition of any kind
    • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
    • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
    • Biological Samples
    • Car Batteries
    • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
    • Chainsaws
    • Cheques (Bank)
    • Christmas Crackers
    • Counterfeit Currency
    • Dangerous Goods
    • Driving Licence
    • Drugs (Including Prescription)
    • Engines
    • Excrement / Filth
    • Fire Extinguishers
    • Fish (Dead or Live)
    • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
    • Hazardous Goods
    • Human Remains (including ashes)
    • Infectious Substances
    • Knives
    • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
    • Lighters
    • Lottery Tickets
    • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
    • Oils
    • Paints
    • Passports
    • Perishable Goods (All)
    • Plants / Seeds etc
    • Printer Toner
    • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
    • Stamps
    • Tobacco
    • Water
    • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
    • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Global Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Global Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.