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Moving To The Lion City: Your Family Guide To Relocating To Singapore
Published: 7 February 2025 · Reviewed by Ray Tay, Co-Founder & Director, VIVOS PTE. LTD. (ACRA Filing Agent FA20240323 · MOM EA Licence 24S2425)
Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for families seeking safety, opportunity, and quality of life. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a senior professional, or a corporate transferee, moving to Singapore with your family is one of the most strategically sound decisions you can make.
The city-state offers low crime, world-class healthcare, a world-renowned education system, and a business environment that ranks among the most competitive globally. If you are wondering how to move to Singapore, or more specifically, how to relocate to Singapore with children, this authoritative guide addresses every critical step from securing the right pass to enrolling your child in school and managing your cost of living.
Table Of Content
- Planning Your Move: Visas and Immigration
- Finding a Home: Housing in Singapore
- Education: Choosing the Right School
- Healthcare: Access to Quality Medical Care
- Cost of Living: Budgeting for Your New Life
- Getting Around: Transportation in Singapore
- Settling In: Community and Culture
- Family-Friendly Activities: Exploring Singapore
- Learning the Language: English and Mandarin
- Staying Connected: Internet and Communication
- Conclusion: Embracing the Singaporean Lifestyle
1. Planning Your Move: Visas and Immigration
The first step in relocating to Singapore is securing the appropriate visa. The most common options for families include:
- Employment Pass: This is for skilled professionals, managers, and executives with a job offer in Singapore. Dependents (spouse and children) can then apply for Dependant’s Passes.
- S Pass: This pass is for mid-skilled workers. Similar to the Employment Pass, dependents can apply for Dependant’s Passes.
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP): Offers greater flexibility than the EP but has stricter eligibility criteria.
- EntrePass: This is for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a registered business in Singapore.
- Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass: Singapore’s premium talent visa for top-tier global professionals earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or those with exceptional achievements in arts, sports, science, or academia. The ONE Pass is employer-independent, meaning holders can work for multiple companies simultaneously, a significant advantage for senior executives and founders.
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For family members who do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass, such as common-law partners or step-children, the LTVP offers a pathway to remain in Singapore with the primary pass holder.
Before applying, verify the latest eligibility criteria for your chosen pass type. As of 2026, the Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for financial services), with all applications assessed under the COMPASS framework.
From January 2027, this rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 for financial services). Start the process at least 3-4 months early, and work with an experienced immigration specialist to maximise approval rates.
2. Finding a Home: Housing in Singapore
Singapore offers a variety of housing options, from high-rise apartments to landed properties. If you are asking yourself, “How can I move to Singapore with my family?”, one of the most important steps is securing the right home that suits your lifestyle and budget. Consider these factors when choosing a place to live:
- Budget: Housing costs in Singapore can be significant. Determine your budget early on.
- Location: Consider proximity to work, schools, and amenities. Popular expat areas include Orchard, Holland Village, and the East Coast.
- Type of Housing: Choose between public housing (HDB flats) and private condominiums or landed properties. HDB flats are generally more affordable, but have eligibility restrictions.
- Lease Terms: Familiarize yourself with the standard lease terms and conditions.
- Foreign Buyer Restrictions: Foreigners are subject to a 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on property purchases. For most expat families, renting a private condominium is the practical default.
3. Education: Choosing the Right School
For families moving to Singapore with children, early school research is non-negotiable. Popular international schools include Singapore American School (SAS), UWCSEA, Tanglin Trust, and Stamford American International School. Waiting lists at top schools can extend to 12-18 months, so families relocating to Singapore with children are strongly advised to apply simultaneously with their visa process, not after. The Ministry of Education (MOE) maintains a full directory of registered schools.
Singapore has a world-class education system, with various options for expat children:
- International Schools: Offer a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British curriculum. These schools often have a diverse student body.
- Local Schools: Follow the Singaporean curriculum and are generally more affordable than international schools. However, admission for international students can be competitive
- Private Schools: Offer a variety of curricula and cater to different learning styles.
Research different schools thoroughly, considering factors like curriculum, location, fees, and extracurricular activities. Visit schools and talk to current parents to get a better understanding of the school environment.
4. Healthcare: Access to Quality Medical Care
Expats do not have access to government MediShield Life subsidies, making private health insurance essential when relocating to Singapore with family. Singapore’s Ministry of Health provides a hospital fee benchmarking tool to help compare costs across providers. The two largest private hospital groups, Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles, are consistently ranked among Asia’s best, with most international health plans offering direct-billing arrangements with both.
Singapore has an excellent healthcare system. Expats can access both public and private healthcare facilities.
- Public Healthcare: Subsidized for Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents. Expats can still access public hospitals but may face higher costs.
- Private Healthcare: Offers more personalized care and shorter waiting times. Health insurance is essential for expats.
Secure comprehensive health insurance that covers your family’s needs. Familiarize yourself with the healthcare options available and locate nearby clinics and hospitals.
5. Cost of Living: Budgeting for Your New Life
Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities, on par with Zurich and New York, but costs are highly variable based on lifestyle choices. For anyone planning to move to Singapore with a family, building a realistic budget from day one is essential. Below is an indicative monthly budget breakdown for a family of four in 2026:
- Housing: Your biggest expense.
- Transportation: Efficient public transport is available.
- Food: Dining out can be expensive, but hawker centers offer affordable and delicious local cuisine.
- Education: International school fees can be substantial.
- Healthcare: Health insurance premiums and medical expenses.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet.
6. Getting Around: Transportation in Singapore
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) manages Singapore’s transport network, its journey planner, and EZ-Link top-up services. As of 2026, the MRT network spans over 200 km across six lines, making most family-friendly neighbourhoods and international school zones easily accessible without a car.
7. Settling In: Community and Culture
Singapore is a multicultural society with a diverse population. Embrace the local culture and explore the various neighborhoods and attractions. Join expat groups and communities to connect with other newcomers and build a support network.
The Singapore Global Network (SGN), an initiative by the Singapore Economic Development Board, offers a dedicated resource hub for new arrivals. Families moving to Singapore with children will also find school-based parent networks, community centres (CCs) run by the People’s Association, and established expat clubs such as the American Club, the British Club, and the Swiss Club invaluable for building a social foundation quickly.
8. Family-Friendly Activities: Exploring Singapore
Singapore offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Gardens by the Bay: A stunning horticultural attraction with Supertrees and Cloud Forest.
- Singapore Zoo: Home to a diverse range of animals in naturalistic habitats.
- Universal Studios Singapore: A thrilling theme park with rides and attractions.
- Sentosa Island: Offers beaches, resorts, and entertainment options.
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (Botanic Gardens): Asia’s first children’s garden within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with free entry and ideal for young children.
- Science Centre Singapore: Interactive science exhibitions that make STEM engaging for school-age children, particularly useful during school-holiday periods.
9. Learning the Language: English and Mandarin
English is the primary language of business, government, and daily life in Singapore, making the transition straightforward for most expat families moving to Singapore. However, learning basic Mandarin or Malay can meaningfully enrich your experience, particularly when navigating local neighbourhoods, hawker centres, and community interactions.
10. Staying Connected: Internet and Communication
Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for internet speed and mobile connectivity, a reassuring advantage for families relocating to Singapore who need to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Upon arrival, pick up a local SIM card from providers such as Singtel, StarHub, or M1, all available at Changi Airport and major convenience stores island-wide.
Setting up a Singapore company and an Employment Pass together?
Most of our clients are foreign founders who need two things at once: a new Singapore company and an Employment Pass (EP) so they can live in Singapore and run it. The order matters. The company is incorporated first, with a resident director, and then applies for your EP as your employer.
VIVOS PTE. LTD. incorporates companies as an ACRA Registered Filing Agent (FA20240323) and handles EP applications under MOM Employment Agency Licence 24S2425. See Singapore company incorporation for foreigners and our Employment Pass application service, or read Can a company shareholder apply for an EP through their new Singapore company.
Conclusion: Embracing the Singaporean Lifestyle
Relocating to Singapore with your family can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re moving for work or establishing a Singapore family office, planning, consulting a Singapore immigration specialist, doing your research, and embracing the local culture, you can ensure a smooth transition and enjoy all that Singapore has to offer.
At VIVOS, we work with families and professionals navigating every dimension of the Singapore relocation process, from Employment Pass applications & Dependant’s Pass submissions to company incorporation, accounting, and tax structuring. Our team of licensed advisors removes the complexity from your move so you can focus on what matters most.
Check out this post on Cracking the Code: How to Get a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) – Entrepreneur Edition
Ready To Make Singapore Your New Home?
VIVOS simplifies your Singapore family relocation, from visa approvals to school enrolment and beyond.
Relocating to Singapore with Family: Key Facts
| Item | Detail (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass salary | Minimum S$5,600 per month (S$6,200 for financial services); rising to S$6,000 and S$6,600 from January 2027 |
| Premium option | ONE Pass for top-tier talent earning at least S$30,000 per month; employer-independent |
| Family passes | Dependant's Pass for spouse and children; Long-Term Visit Pass for common-law partners, step-children, parents and in-laws |
| Schools | Waiting lists at top international schools can run 12 to 18 months; apply alongside the visa process |
| Property note | Foreign buyers face 60 percent Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty; most expat families rent |
| Indicative budget | Approximately S$15,000 to S$22,000 per month for a family of four, including rent, education, food, transport and insurance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common visa route for families relocating to Singapore?
The Employment Pass is the primary route for skilled professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer. As of 2026 it requires a minimum qualifying salary of S$5,600 per month (S$6,200 in financial services), assessed under the COMPASS framework, and allows the spouse and children to apply for Dependant's Passes.
How long does an Employment Pass application take?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 to 8 weeks from submission. Incomplete documentation or COMPASS scoring issues can extend timelines, so families should start the overall relocation process 3 to 4 months in advance.
Can expat children attend local schools in Singapore?
Yes, subject to availability and Ministry of Education placement assessments. Local school fees for international students are substantially lower than international school fees, though the national curriculum differs from most home-country systems.
Do expats need private health insurance in Singapore?
Yes. Expats do not receive government MediShield Life subsidies, so comprehensive private health insurance is essential. Singapore's leading private hospital groups offer direct billing with most international health plans.
How much does living in Singapore cost for a family?
A family of four should budget roughly S$15,000 to S$22,000 per month covering rent, education, food, transport and insurance. Housing typically runs S$5,500 to S$9,000 monthly and international school fees range from about S$26,000 to S$58,000 per child per year.
Can parents or in-laws join the family in Singapore?
Parents and in-laws do not qualify for a Dependant's Pass, but they may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass issued at ICA's discretion, or can visit on a short-term Social Visit Pass.
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Frequently
Asked Questions
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What is the most common visa route for families moving to Singapore?
The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary route for professionals. Once approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for a Dependant’s Pass. As of January 2026, the minimum EP qualifying salary is S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for financial services), assessed under the COMPASS framework.
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How much does it cost to relocate to Singapore with a family?
Total first-year costs vary widely by lifestyle. Monthly housing typically runs S$5,500–S$9,000; international school fees range from S$26,000–S$58,000 per year per child. A family of four should budget approximately S$15,000–S$22,000 per month, inclusive of rent, education, food, transport, and insurance.
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How long does it take to obtain an Employment Pass for Singapore?
Standard processing takes approximately 3–8 weeks from the date of application submission. Incomplete documentation or COMPASS scoring issues can extend timelines. Engaging a licensed immigration agent can reduce delays and improve approval outcomes.
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Do I need a separate visa to bring my parents or in-laws to Singapore?
Parents and in-laws do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass. They may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), issued at ICA’s discretion, or may enter on a short-term Social Visit Pass. Eligibility and duration are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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What is a family office, and why consider setting one up in Singapore?
A family office is a private entity that manages the wealth, investments, and affairs of a high-net-worth family. Singapore is a preferred location due to its stable political environment, robust financial infrastructure, favorable tax regimes, and comprehensive legal framework. These factors make it an attractive hub for wealth management and succession planning.
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Is Singapore a good place to raise a family?
Yes! Singapore is known for its safety, excellent education, healthcare, and family-friendly attractions.
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What is the immigration process in Singapore?
To enter Singapore, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa, which should be applied for 1–4 weeks before travel. Submit the SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival. Immigration clearance may be done via automated lanes at checkpoints. For long-term stay or permanent residency, applications are submitted online through the ICA portal.
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What are the best areas for expats to live in Singapore?
Popular expat-friendly areas include Orchard, Holland Village, East Coast, and Sentosa.
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Can my children attend local schools in Singapore?
Yes, subject to availability and placement assessments administered by the Ministry of Education. Local school fees for international students are substantially lower than those in international schools. However, the national curriculum differs significantly from most home-country systems.
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