Moving Abroad

Visa Requirements

When moving abroad, one of the most important things to check is the visa requirements of your destination country. Each country will have varying requirements and checks to perform to acquire one, so starting the visa application process well ahead of time is crucial. Visit the Singapore government pages for country-specific information on obtaining a visa and the visa requirements here.

Other Required Documents for Moving Abroad

When moving abroad certain legal documents will always be required. You don’t want to be in a situation abroad where you realize, you forgot to renew your ID or the essential documents you need for setting up your bank details. Below is a list of the most important documents you need when moving abroad.

• Passport – Make sure your passport is valid before moving. Reach out to the Singapore consulate in your destination if any issues occur.
• Driving license – Remember to apply for an international driver’s license before moving abroad.
• Vaccines – Before moving it’s important to check the vaccination requirements beforehand. Some vaccines need to be administered months in advance or multiple injections so make sure to do this on time.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Work certificates – These are always good to have when moving for work. You never know if the country you go to wants to see proof of employment.
• Academic Records – Translating your school degrees into a universal language is beneficial. Some countries recognize different levels of education, so make sure to also look into the requirements of your destination.
• Birth certificate copy – It will be convenient to have a copy of your birth certificate, as many countries require it for citizen registration.
• Medical records – It’s crucial to bring proof of your medical records, especially if you suffer from chronic illness.

What About My Pet?

Do you have a furry friend moving with you? Then you’ll have a few extra documents to sort out before your move, but having your pet be able to travel with you will be worth it.

Make sure you check the pet import restrictions of your destination before traveling. Singapore is generally seen as a low rabies-risk country, so traveling with pets to the rest of the world is relatively easy regarding restrictions. Below you can find the usual aspects you need to look into.

• Pet passport
• Vaccinations in order
• Airline-approved crate
• Veterinarian checks
• Microchip

Things to Consider Before Moving Internationally

Another aspect of moving is what you leave behind. Before moving internationally you want to ensure your apartment, belongings, bills, and the rest are sorted out.

• Fixing your house (especially a rental): fixing up your apartment before moving is important for resell or rental purposes. Pay extra attention if you’re renting and want your deposit back.
• What to do with your vehicle?: Do you plan on shipping your car? If so, notify your mover in advance. If you aren’t taking your car look into selling it ahead of time.
• Arrange storage locations if needed: If you’re moving for a shorter period and won’t take everything with you, arranging a storage unit for your belongings is smart.

Calculate the Volume of Your Move

Estimating the volume of your move before moving abroad is the best thing you can do. This way you’ll be less likely to encounter nasty surprises with costs. Knowing how much volume you need to move will give you the best moving quote estimates. Use our volume calculator to get yourself the most accurate cost estimate.

Finding the Best International Movers in Singapore

Moving internationally is a huge project, and generally, it’s best to use the help of a moving company. Professional moving companies are seasoned in overseas moves and all the struggles that come with it. Many of them also offer packing services, furniture, and pet transport.

Research, Research, and More Research!

Before moving internationally, you want to know everything there is to know about your possible new home. Of course, for some the main interest is the best shopping areas, hiking options, and other fun aspects, but there are also logistic aspects to consider. We have listed some examples of what you should research before a move:

• Housing prices
• Medical facilities
• Living costs (e.g. utilities, food)
• Good and bad areas
• Job opportunities
• School options
• Transportation options
• Allergy friendliness of restaurants
• Cultural differences

Health Insurance Overseas

Healthcare is something you must pay attention to when moving internationally. As Singapore is known to have some of the best healthcare in the world, you’ll want to thoroughly research the options in your destinations to have an equal level of care.

• Health insurance: Many countries require local health insurance when you move. Research the different healthcare options available and see if you can acquire an international health insurance policy.
• Medications: If you are on prescription medicine, look for any restrictions. Be sure to get enough to last you for your stay abroad, or research where you can find the medicine in your target destination.
• Healthcare system: Healthcare systems vary by country and can be difficult to obtain. Some countries for example require you to sign up for your local doctor. Make sure to research this beforehand.

Financial Advice for Moving Abroad

Moving abroad means you will have a new currency to deal with. When you are first moving, it’s always good to have some cash in case of an emergency. In addition to simply converting your money to a new currency, moving to a new country comes with other financial aspects to consider, such as:

• Setting up a bank account (if necessary)
• Research tax regulations in your destination
• Figure out if you still need to pay taxes in your home country

Make Your Travel Arrangements

One of the biggest parts about your move is getting to your location. Booking your flights at least 3 months in advance can save you a big buck. The shorter the booking time the higher the prices get, and let’s be honest, moving is expensive enough as is.

Coinciding your arrival perfectly with the arrival of your belongings and getting your accommodation can be a challenging task. It might be wise to book a temporary stay in a hotel or an Airbnb upon your arrival. This way, waiting for your keys and furniture to arrive will be much less stressful.

The best way to find affordable flights is by using Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Mail Redirection and More

When moving internationally from Singapore, you must notify parties about your new address. This is generally advised to do before your move or within a month of your move.

• Mail redirection: Notify the Singpost services about your relocation. This way you will still receive all your posts to a forwarded address. Have a look at the Singpost redirection signup here.
• Residential address: You need to update your residential address within 28 of moving. You can find more information and update your residential address here.
• Phone plan: Upgrade your phone plan to an international one, or resign it. Some countries require a local number when setting up bank accounts.
• Utility bills: Resigning your utility contracts is the wisest choice, especially if they don’t provide services in your destination. Otherwise, notify them in advance and move the services, as you can’t order utilities for 2 places at once.
• Bank account: See if your bank card works well in your destination country, or if you need to leave the bank to open a new one.

Preparing to Move out

Before you can start your move abroad you’ll need to prepare your house and items for moving. You’ll want to go through your belongings, sell or donate the ones you won’t pack, and clean the entire property. Below we have listed things you should consider when preparing for your move. Follow this list to ensure nothing is forgotten because a stressful mind can be forgetful.

• Boxes: Find double-walled boxes for shipping your items and clothing.
• Supplies: Look for packing items such as furniture pads, bubble wrap, and foam.
• Packing: Pack your items properly and securely. Remember to disassemble larger items.
• Label your items: Label all the boxes and items well, especially if they are fragile.
• Gather valuables: Gather all your valuables in one place. It’s best to carry them with you if possible, to minimize the risk of losing them.
• Clean the house: Do a final cleaning of your place once all the packing is done and the boxes are gone.
• Cancel subscriptions: Cancel any subscriptions you have in your country such as your phone bill, electricity, and more.
• Sell or donate excess items: When moving, to avoid storage costs it’s best to sell or donate the old clothes you won’t keep. Try popular resell sites like Poshmark, Depop, or Vestiare Collective.

Moving Abroad Permanently

Finally, if you’re moving abroad permanently or for longer, you must notify a few more people. Ensure you don’t forget to do this before your move, or you might receive double taxation or other unwanted bills.

• Loan providers: If you move countries and have a loan, your loan providers must be notified of any changes in address or country.
• Insurance companies: Your insurance company has to know if you move abroad since your insurance must be adjusted or canceled.
• Tax agencies: The tax authorities must know about you moving abroad so they can tax you properly. Some countries have tax treaties with each other, which require both countries to be notified where your income comes from and where you reside.

Moving Checklist for Moving Abroad

Before you can leave and start your life at your new home, make sure you do a final check on the day last days before moving.

• Be in contact with your movers
• Make sure everything is packed and labeled
• Make an inventory of what you’ve packed to ensure everything arrives
• Confirm your flight details (and your pets if applicable)
• Check that the house is clean and you’ve packed everything
• Withdraw cash and exchange it to the right currency. It’s always good to have some for emergencies
• Pack all your valuables in your hand luggage if possible, it’s the safest way to transport them

Now that you’ve read the entire article, we hope you feel like a moving professional and ready for your international move. As long as you’re well prepared and organized, moving internationally can be as exciting as it sounds!