Prior to arriving in Singapore I had physically been in Asia for a total of four days (a quick stopover in Japan on my way from Sydney to New York a year earlier).  I had no idea what to expect and my only resources were a few blogs and websites that were around back then. 

 

Recently (probably as a result of being at home all day due to COVID lockdown) I have been more actively participating in a number of expat-focused Facebook groups and forums and I found that many people who were relocating to Singapore (or had recently arrived) were regularly asking the same questions over and over. 

 

What is worse is that I see countless examples of people answering as if they are an authority but provide unverifiable information based on hearsay that is often misleading or just simply wrong.  This became exceedingly worrisome when the question had something to do with passes, immigration, setting up businesses, taxes, etc., things that could have a material impact on their lives. 

 

While I have to admit that I don't know everything, I do usually know where to quickly find the answer if I don’t.  During the more than ten years I’ve been living in Singapore I have had quite a diverse range of experiences including:

 

• Rented multiple condos in multiple neighbourhoods and toured countess others

• Bought a condo

• Leased out my condo

• Getting certified to provide real estate services

• Successfully applied for and received Permanent Residency (without hiring an agent)

• Travelled extensively throughout the region for work and vacation

• Worked for multi-national corporations and small local companies

• Managed tax filings in Singapore and at home

• Registered, opened and run multiple locally-incorporated businesses in technology, logistics and a restaurant (…a proper New York bagel shop called Schmear)

• Leased commercial real estate for my businesses

• Hired Singaporeans and foreigners and applied for Work Permits, S-Passes, Employment Passes and Letters of Consent for my employees

• Won “Expatpreneur of the Year” award from The Finder magazine 

• Registered companies for GST (Goods and Services Tax) and managed necessary tax and corporate filings

• Bought and sold multiple cars

• Converted my US driver’s license

• Had two daughters, both born in Singapore

• Successfully applied for both of their American citizenships and Dependent Passes

• Successfully applied for Long-Term Visit Passes for some extended family members

• Bought numerous domestic health, auto and property insurance policies

• Interviewed, hired and managed the transfer of a live-in domestic helper (without the need/cost of an agent)

• Toured a number of schools and enrolled my first child in an international school

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Don't go overboard trying to understand all of Singapore’s many intricacies before you arrive as there are a number of things you cannot fully appreciate until you arrive and experience for yourself. 

 

Before I arrived I had already planned where I was going to be living down to the specific condo and unit type.  When I got here I saw that condo along with a number of others in different areas and needless to say I ended up staying somewhere else – and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. 

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Moving to a new country can be scary and information is key to helping you feel as comfortable with the move as possible. Research is important and it is always better to be over-prepared, but remember to relax, be flexible and enjoy the ride and understand that things will work out just fine.    

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Singapore is a modern, efficient and enjoyable place to live and I look forward to helping you get settled into your new life here!