Relocate to Singapore During COVID-19 - What You Must Know

Name: Moovaz
Brand: Moovaz

Relocate to Singapore – What you must know about moving to Singapore during COVID-19

Posted Tuesday November 17th, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a stop to the normal routines of everyday life around the world. However, moving isn’t always something that can wait. Perhaps you’re planning to relocate to Singapore during COVID-19, but aren’t very sure on how the expatriation process to Singapore during a pandemic works.

Fret not, because this article will tell you how. We will be sharing what you must note before moving to Singapore, and what you must do upon arrival in the country. Read on!

Before You Relocate to Singapore

If you want to live and work in Singapore, you must first obtain a valid employment pass or permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). For more information concerning employment passes, do check out our article on immigration and visa tips for Singapore.

Once you’ve obtained your work visa, it is now time to plan the logistics of your move. We highly recommend that you find a reliable international mover and book your packing day early. This is because there may be slight delays in the relocation process, due to COVID-19 regulations and health measurements. The relocation process is a sentimental one. You will want to ensure that you have the right international relocation service provider to embark on this precious journey with you!

You should also begin the hunt for an apartment in Singapore, so that you’ll immediately have a place to live once you arrive. Most expatriates rent co-living spaces or condominium units. It will be good for you to check with your apartment or condominium estates management if there are activity restrictions due to COVID-19. This can help you avoid delays or additional packing charges.

Moreover, you will need to factor in transit time and potential delays in your relocation to Singapore. This is because business operations may be affected by COVID-19 regulations. Be patient if you experience delayed responses from various parties or vendors that you engage in your move to Singapore. Do also prepare documents for clearance (especially for goods and personnel entering the country) due to COVID-19 screenings or regulations imposed by Singapore.

Arrival in Singapore

If you’re moving to Singapore from the Philippines, Indonesia and India, you will have to present a valid negative COVID-19 test result before entering Singapore. Otherwise, you will be made to take a COVID-19 Swab Test, at your own expense, upon arrival, or during your Stay-Home-Notice (SHN).

You will have to serve SHN when you arrive in Singapore. SHN information pertaining to the different countries is stated in this table.

Travel history in the last 14 days in countries/places	Residents (Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents)	Long-Term Pass holders/In-Principle Approval (IPA) holders (with valid approval letter for entry)	Short-term Visitors
- Australia (excluding Victoria state) - Brunei Darussalam - Macao SAR - Mainland China - New Zealand - Republic of Korea - Taiwan - Vietnam	Allowed Entry: - Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at own accommodation - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable)	Allowed Entry: - SHN at own accommodation - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable)	Not allowed entry, unless with valid approval letter for entry: - SHN at own accommodation - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable)
All other countries/places	Allowed entry: - SHN at SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF) - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable)	Allowed entry: - SHN at SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF) - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable)	Not allowed entry, unless with valid approval letter for entry: - SHN at SDF - COVID-19 test before end of SHN (chargeable

For smoother clearance at the customs, present the following documents to the immigration officer:

Passport/Travel Document that is valid for at least six months
SG Arrival Card acknowledgement email
Approval Letter of Entry from the relevant authority (if applicable)
SafeTravel Pass / Periodic Commuting Arrangement Pass / Air Travel Pass (if applicable)
Long-Term pass (In-Principle Approval) letter (if applicable)
Valid Singapore visa (if applicable)

Stay-Home-Notice (SHN)

SHNs refer to quarantining in an assigned place. This means that you will be allowed to leave your room regardless. However, food and other necessities will be delivered right to your doorstep.

As of 1 September 2020, SHN applies to all Long-Term Pass holders who travel to Singapore during Covid-19.

If you breach your SHN, you may be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. First-time offenders can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to six months or both.

SHN Exceptions

There are, however, exceptions to Stay-Home-Notices if you relocate to Singapore during COVID-19 from the following countries (As of 1 September 2020).

Those arriving from Brunei and New Zealand will not have to serve SHN. However, they will have to undergo a Covid-19 test upon arrival.
Those from Australia (except Victoria), Macau, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia who stayed in these countries in the last 14 days prior to entry to SG have to serve a 7-day SHN in their own homes. (As of 1 Sep 2020).

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information needed to relocate to Singapore during COVID-19, you can start preparing for your move here!

Want to get the latest global mobility news concerning the pandemic? Check out our COVID-19 Global Mobility updates.

(Note: Information has been compiled from the following official websites: International Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Health (MOH) and The Finder.)

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