Moving to or from Singapore – expert insights from DSP Relocation

🕑 5 Min Read

TL;DR: Relocating to or from Singapore is complex and goes far beyond packing boxes. DSP Relocations, with 23 years of experience, offers a single point of coordination to manage logistics, visas, housing, schooling, customs, and compliance for individuals, families, and companies.

Relocation is so much more than packing boxes and booking flights. It's about moving lives, dreams, and daily routines across borders, and ensuring that things are done in a timely, proper, and compliant manner with the laws and customs of both the country you're leaving and the one you're arriving in. 

At DSP relocation, we leverage our 23 years of experience to provide a single point of coordination, ensuring seamless navigation for individuals, families, and companies relocating in and out of Singapore. We have relocated many families in and out of Singapore over the years, and we would like to share with you the key things we have learned.

LOGISTICS: 

At DSP, we know that logistics can be a huge challenge for relocating families. There are many pieces to the puzzle, and here's what you can do to be prepared: 

• Plan your timeline early: Begin preparations 6–9 months before the move to secure visas, housing, school placements, and moving dates without last-minute stress.

• Choose trusted partners: Collaborate with experienced relocation professionals, such as DSP, to manage packing, customs clearance, and the coordination of international shipments.

• Stay organized with documentation: Keep all key documents — passports, permits, insurance papers, and contracts — in one accessible folder to avoid delays and confusion during transit.

WORK PASS AND LOCAL PROPERTY MARKET NUANCES: 

In Singapore, some key areas require updated information before your relocation, which are worth knowing when you relocate.

• Employment Pass, Dependant Pass, and Student Pass requirements.

• Property rental regulations, such as tenancy agreements and deposits.

• Import restrictions for pets, plants, and certain household goods.

• Tax Considerations for Entering or Leaving Singapore.

DSP Relocations Singapore will provide advisory and guidance to navigate these critical matters of your relocation.

SOME OTHER PRACTICAL TIPS:

As there are many high-rise condominiums in Singapore, booking service elevators for move-in days needs to be managed promptly. Please plan early for pet relocation as Singapore has strict quarantine and vaccination rules. Finding the right school can be a time-consuming process. Do start the school search months before arrival to secure a spot for your children. DSP can also assist with other services, such as orientation tours, settling-in services, and home searches, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible.

SPECIAL THINGS TO KNOW AND CONSIDER WHEN MOVING IN/OUT OF SINGAPORE

Humidity: Singapore's high humidity means that certain items, such as wooden furniture, leather goods, and artwork, require special packing to prevent mold and damage.

What you can and cannot pack: It's illegal to pack restricted items such as flammable liquids, certain electronics without approval, or controlled substances. For example, aerosol sprays, liquor above duty-free limits, and pirated media are prohibited. DSP provides guidance to ensure everything complies with customs regulations.

“Over my many years in the relocation industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strain families face when trying to manage a move on their own. Balancing paperwork, logistics, work, and family responsibilities is overwhelming, and when things go wrong, the mistakes are not only stressful but costly. Relocation is a huge task, and not one I recommend taking on single-handed.

That’s one reason why I’m proud to work with DSP Relocations; we genuinely make a meaningful difference for people, and with our partnership with MyMoveAbroad, we go beyond traditional relocation to and can together with MyMoveAbroad supply a truly holistic approach. Together, we now also support families relocating to and from Singapore with guidance that goes far beyond checklists. We make sure every aspect of the move is handled by a subject matter expert, so families can focus on settling in and thriving in their new chapter. Connect with me here if you have Singapore-specific questions or if you need a quote.”

A word from Stephanie Chui – DSP Relocations Business Development Manager:

TAKING ON A HOLISTIC APPROACH IS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL LIFE ABROAD

Most people do not know to search for things like “identity shift”, “impact on family dynamics”, raising children abroad”, or “who am I as an expat”. These are just as important elements of a successful move and life abroad as having the right relocation partner.

The change and emotional impact of uprooting lives is significant, and without adequate preparation, sadly, four out of ten struggle and end up terminating their lives and careers abroad before planned. Preparation and knowledge about what this actually entails and means, and how you mitigate it, is the ultimate key to success. 

As Kia, the founding partner in MyMoveAbroad reflects: it is not in the moving boxes we see critical struggles take place – it is in the lack of preparation and awareness of the shifts for the individual and his/her family. Things like not knowing who you are as an expat family, knowing what to do if finding yourself in a situation where one is happy and one is not, being aware why you may find it hard to integrate, and that strong reactions from children is normal are just a few elements that are almost always overlooked – and as a result cause unnecessary pressure. 

Moving and living abroad is an amazing experience but you need to know what you do not know and for corporate HR teams, this extra level of support isn't just a perk, it's a lucrative business strategy. Employees who settle quickly and comfortably in their new environment are far more likely to stay engaged, productive, and loyal to their company.

3 GOLDEN RULES WHEN RELOCATING

Through its years of experience, DSP has identified three golden rules for a smoother move. 

1: Plan early. Start six to nine months ahead if possible. It gives families the time needed to handle visas, secure housing, and find schools without unnecessary stress. 

2: Be transparent. Every family has unique needs, and sharing all the details upfront helps avoid last-minute surprises. 

3: Prepare for what isn't in the boxes. Emotional readiness and cultural understanding are just as critical as paperwork and packing lists. 

The collaboration between DSP Relocations and MyMoveAbroad is founded on strong shared values: Helping individuals and families not only move but thrive! Before, during, and after you relocate.

Together, we give you: All You Need. All The Way.

On a final note, a personal experience from a DSP client: 

"I’ve moved internationally 5 times – and can hand on heart say that DSP has been amazing. The team, the packers and movers, and the personal attention have been spotless. One week ago, I finished unpacking all my moving boxes and coordinating the assembly of our things, and it was all seamless. Everything was packed beautifully, and nothing was broken or missing. Kudos DSP!"

— Kia Holm, Founder of MyMoveAbroad