Relocate to Singapore – What you must know about moving to Singapore during COVID-19 (2021)
This article was updated on 7 June 2021
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 move to Singapore during COVID-19, but aren’t very sure on how the process of moving to Singapore during a pandemic works.
Fret not, because this article will tell you how. We will be sharing what you must do before and after moving to Singapore. Read on! 
Before You Move to Singapore
Before moving to Singapore, you will need to make sure you have settled the following: valid employment visa, hired a reliable international mover and found a place to stay.
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 and/or you are looking for Singapore immigration & visa consultants, 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. If you are unable to find a permanent place to stay in Singapore, you can stay temporarily in a short-term accommodation while looking for a permanent place.
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.
Relocating during COVID-19 period? Vaccine Passport is another thing you shouldn’t ignore. Check here for more information.
Arrival in Singapore
Given the evolving global Covid-19 situation, it is crucial for you to know what travel restrictions Singapore have in place to avoid unexpected surprises. All travellers (including SCs and PRs) will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Singapore and present a valid negative test result upon arrival. Exceptions to the rule apply to lower-risk countries and regions such as Australia, Brunei, mainland China, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Macau.
You will have to serve Stay Home Notice (SHN) when you arrive in Singapore.
Detailed information for Covid-19 test requirements and SHN pertaining to the different countries is stated in the table below.
| Travel history in the past 21 days | SC/PR Familial Ties Lane (with valid approval letter for entry) | Student’s Pass Holder Lane (with valid approval letter for entry) |
|---|---|---|
| - Australia (excluding Victoria state) - Brunei Darussalam - Mainland China (excluding Guangdong province) - New Zealand | Short-term visitors coming from these countries/regions should consider applying for the Air Travel Pass instead. If approved to enter under the SC/PR Familial Ties Lane, the following health measures apply: • No pre-departure test required • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival*, with self-isolation at self-sourced accommodation or own place of residence, until test results are released to traveller | • No pre-departure test required • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival*, with self-isolation at self-sourced accommodation or own place of residence, until test results are released to traveller |
| - Australia (Victoria state) - Hong Kong Note: ATB launch deferred – new launch dates of ATB flights to be reviewed in Jun 2021. - Macao - Mainland China (Guangdong province) | • No pre-departure test required • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival* • 7-day SHN at self-sourced accommodation, including place of residence, and COVID-19 PCR test at the end of SHN period |
|
| - Fiji - Taiwan | • COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Singapore and obtain a valid negative test result • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival* • 14-day SHN at SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF), and an additional 7-day at place of residence, with COVID-19 PCR tests on Day 14 of SHN, and another test at the end of their 21-day SHN period Note: For the additional 7-day SHN stay at a place of residence, the following criteria must be met: • The traveller has not travelled to other country/region other than the above specified list in the last consecutive 21 days prior to departure for Singapore. • The traveller must remain in the place of residence at all times during the SHN period. • If sharing a place of residence with others, the traveller should stay in the room at all times, and use a dedicated toilet. The traveller should also avoid contact with other persons residing in the same place of residence who are not serving SHN. If the place of residence does not meet the criteria above to safely serve SHN, travellers can choose to serve their 7- day SHN at a self-sourced accommodation (e.g. non-SDF hotels). |
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| - Bangladesh - India - Nepal - Pakistan - Sri Lanka | Entry not allowed. All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history (including transit) to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the last 21 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. This will also apply to all those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore. |
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| All other countries/regions | • COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Singapore and obtain a valid negative test result • COVID-19 PCR test on arrival* 21-day SHN at SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF), with COVID-19 PCR tests on Day 14 of SHN, and another test at the end of their 21-day SHN period |
|
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.
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.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information needed to move to Singapore during COVID-19, click below to start your relocation journey with us!
(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.)
