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Moving to the UK from Singapore
Everything from Costs and Visas to Life in the UK
Moving to the UK from Singapore is relatively easy despite the long distance. The United Kingdom has much to offer: its rich and diverse culture, historical landmarks, multifaceted culinary scene, and unique nature.
What can you find here?
Cost of Moving to the UK from Singapore
The cost of moving from Singapore to the UK is between S$ 3.269 and S$ 8.337.
Below you can find the average sea freight costs for moving from Singapore to the UK
| Size of Apartment | Cost of Moving |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 3.269 – 3.613 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 5.027 – 5.559 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 7.542 – 8.337 |
*These prices are estimates from September 2024. The prices vary depending on the season, weight, and shipment route.
International Moving Companies to the UK
A move from Singapore to England is big, with just the flight taking 14 hours. For international moves like moving to the UK from Singapore, we recommend using a professional moving company to help you safely and efficiently get all your belongings to your new home.
Find below the best international moving companies to the UK
- Moovaz
- Reddot Movers
2 ratings as "Friendly"
- Wee Care Mobility
Before choosing your moving company and requesting any quotes you need to know the volume of your move. Only by being aware of the volume of your move will you get the most accurate cost estimates, because the more items you move and the more they weigh, the more expensive it will be.
Request Moving Quotes
The easiest way to find the best deals when moving is to request multiple quotes from different companies. This way you won’t need to spend as much time doing research. Fill in our quote form; you can receive up to 5 quotes from different movers. Then all that’s left to do is choose the best deal!
UK Visa for Singaporeans
Singaporean citizens may stay in the UK without a visa for a duration of 6 months. If you are moving or planning a longer stay, you must apply for a visa. In the UK there are different visa options for Singapore citizens. Find more information on all the visas and how to apply for a UK visa.
- Short-term (up to 6 months
- Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years)
- Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years)
- Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years)
- Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months
- Marriage visitor visa
- Permitted paid engagement visa
- Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months
Work and Education in the UK
To be eligible for work in the UK you will need to find a company willing to sponsor your work visa. This might be a hard process, but you can find a list of some companies known to sponsor visas on the UK Government website. To find companies it’s best to look for yourself or get introductions from reputable recruitment agencies in the UK. Below are example sites you can search:
For more information on the work and student visas and immigration rules please see the UK Government site.
UK Education System vs. Singapore
The education system in the UK is structured slightly differently than in Singapore. The education system in the UK, like in Singapore, especially when it comes to universities consistently ranks in the top 20 percent of the world. Education in the UK is known for its emphasis on critical and creative thinking, high-quality curriculum, and standards.
Below you can see a comparison of the course levels of the UK vs. Singapore education:
| Singapore School Grade | UK Course Level |
| Kindergarten | Primary Year 1 |
| Primary Year 1-5 | Primary Year 2-6 |
| Primary Year 6 | Secondary Year 7 |
| Secondary 1-2 | Secondary 8-9 |
| Secondary 3-4 | IGCSE |
| Junior College 1 | AS Level |
| Junior College 2 | A Level |
*Source Wolsey Hall Oxford
Living in the UK vs. Singapore
Life in Singapore is much different from life in the UK. The UK is heavily dominated by Western culture, although there have been increasingly more multicultural influences through immigration, while Singapore is still heavily dominated by Asian culture.
Regarding work-life balance, the UK has more freedom to take holidays depending on the industry. The climate in the UK is much colder than in Singapore, but the cost of living is generally lower and healthcare is free for all. Both countries are considered safe, but the UK has higher crime rates than Singapore.
Keep reading to find more differences between life in Singapore vs. the UK.
Cost of Living in the UK
The cost of living in the UK is approximately the same as in Singapore. There is only a 1,2% difference, meaning that the lifestyle you can afford in Singapore will be the same as in the UK. However, you might need to start cooking more at home, since restaurant prices in the UK are 56% higher than in Singapore.
| Product | Cost in Singapore | Cost in the UK |
| Beer (0,5L) | S$ 10,00 | S$ 11,16 |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6,37 | S$ 6,39 |
| Water (0,33L) | S$ 1,49 | S$ 2,46 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$12,62 | S$ 12,47 |
| Bottle of Wine | S$ 35,00 | S$ 17,17 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | S$ 120,00 | S$ 343,35 |
| 1 BD Apartment in the Center | S$ 3.643,64 | S$ 3.682,42 |
*The prices are estimates from September 2024, they can vary based on economic conditions. Source: Numbeo
Health Insurance in the UK
The United Kingdom offers free public healthcare to all its residents through the National Health Services (NHS). This includes everything from hospital visits, physicians, and mental health care. Once you register as a citizen in the UK you will be placed automatically under the NHS. In the UK once you are in the system you must register with your local GP for access to the doctor’s office.
Some people in the UK opt for private healthcare through private health insurance. Though the public system is free and accessible to all, it can be crowded and hard to find times, whereas private healthcare assistance is more readily available.
Taxes in the UK
The taxes in the UK are at a similar level as in Singapore. The highest income tax rate is 45%, which is the same as in Singapore. The UK also has a tax treaty with Singapore, for the avoidance of double taxation.
Income Tax Rates in the UK:
| Income | Tax Rate |
| Up to S$ 21,397 | 0% |
| S$ 21,399 to S$ 85,550 | 20% |
| S$ 85,551 to S$ 212,916 | 40% |
| Over S$ 212,916 | 45% |
Best Places to Live in the UK
- London – London is the capital of the UK and one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It offers many entertainment opportunities from renowned museums to theatres and culinary opportunities. London has an excellent public transportation system but is also known for being crowded and having a high cost of living.
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh is a historically rich city in Scotland filled with medieval architecture and access to the beautiful Scottish countryside and nature. Scottish weather can be unpredictable and colder than in other cities. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace of life, this might be the city for you.
- Manchester – Manchester is known as one of the best cities for young professionals, with its vibrant nightlife and cultural venues. The city is significantly more affordable than London but still offers a metropolitan lifestyle. It’s also home to the Manchester United and Manchester City football teams.
- Bristol – If you’re looking for a creative hub, Bristol is the place for you. The home of Banksy, known for its art scene, and many parks, this city is a great option for creatives and entrepreneurs.
- Cambridge – Cambridge is well known for its famous university, and education opportunities. It’s said to be the UK’s tech hub. The city offers beautiful architecture and a small-town feel where everything is easily accessible by bike. Cambridge is a great option if you’re looking for a calmer place to live.
