Moving from Canada to Singapore: Complete Guide is your step-by-step roadmap to relocate safely, understand Canada vs Singapore differences, and make confident property and lifestyle decisions with Homejourney as your trusted partner.
This cluster guide supports our main Singapore relocation and property pillar by zooming in on the specific journey Canadians take when moving to Singapore, from immigration comparison to housing choices and property investment considerations.
Why Canadians Move to Singapore (and Key Canada vs Singapore Differences)
Singapore consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, with low crime, efficient public services, and strict but predictable laws — a major draw if you are used to Canada's safety but want more urban convenience.
Compared with Canada, Singapore offers:
- Warmer climate year-round (around 25–32°C, humid) instead of long Canadian winters.
- Short commutes in a compact city-state, with most locations within 45 minutes by MRT or bus.
- Territorial tax system where most foreign-sourced income is not taxed if not received in Singapore, versus Canada’s worldwide taxation (always confirm with a tax professional).
- Very high urban density and mostly apartment living, versus Canada’s larger homes and more land.
For deeper comparisons, see Homejourney’s related guides: Canada vs Singapore Career Opportunities Canada vs Singapore Career Opportunities: Homejourney Expat Guide , Canada vs Singapore Property Investment Guide Canada vs Singapore Property Investment Guide | Homejourney , Canada vs Singapore: Cost of Living Comparison Canada vs Singapore: Cost of Living Comparison | Homejourney , and Canada vs Singapore: Immigration & Investment Guide Canada vs Singapore: Immigration & Investment Guide | Homejourney .
Step 1: Visas and Immigration Comparison for Canadians
Most Canadians can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, but you need an appropriate pass to live and work here longer-term.[1]
Common Passes for Canadians Moving to Singapore
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives with a qualifying job offer. As of 2024, new EP applicants generally must earn at least around S$5,000 per month (higher for financial services and older applicants) and pass MOM’s COMPASS framework.[1]
- S Pass: For mid-skilled workers, with a lower salary threshold than EP but stricter quotas and levies on employers.
- ONE Pass / Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass: For top global talent earning around S$30,000/month or meeting specific achievement criteria, valid up to 5 years and allowing work for multiple employers.[1][3]
- Dependant’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass: For spouses and children of eligible EP / S Pass holders.
Unlike Canada’s points-based permanent residency paths, Singapore ties most work passes directly to your employer. This means securing a job offer is usually the first big step.
Actionable tip: Use the Ministry of Manpower’s official self-assessment tools and always verify requirements on MOM and ICA sites before relying on third-party information. When stakes are high (EP appeal, PR applications), consult an immigration specialist registered in Singapore.
Step 2: Planning Your Move from Canada to Singapore
What to Take Care of in Canada Before Leaving
Based on real relocations from Toronto and Vancouver to Singapore, the most common pre-departure tasks are:
- Notify banks and CRA that you are becoming a non-resident for tax purposes (if applicable) and clarify how this affects your investments, RRSP, TFSA, and property.[1]
- Review Canadian credit cards for foreign transaction fees; keep at least one no-FX-fee card for flexibility.
- Ship or store belongings: Most Canadian expats arrive with 4–6 checked bags and ship a small container later, because Singapore apartments have less storage than typical Canadian homes.[5][6]
- Medical and school records: Bring full vaccination history and any specialist reports if you expect follow-up care in Singapore.[1]
Specialist international movers like those serving Toronto and the GTA often recommend 10–12 weeks of lead time for sea freight to Singapore.[5]
Arriving in Singapore: First Week Checklist
- Register your local address with your employer or school where required.
- Get a SIM card or eSIM at Changi Airport (Singtel, StarHub, M1 all have counters in all terminals) for immediate connectivity.
- Apply for a local bank account (DBS, UOB, OCBC are common) once you have your work pass and proof of address.[5]
- Download Grab and local transport apps (MyTransport.SG, Citymapper) for day-to-day commuting.
Homejourney recommends securing a temporary serviced apartment for at least 4–6 weeks so you can physically view neighbourhoods and rentals before locking in a 1–2 year lease.
Step 3: Understanding Singapore Housing and Neighbourhoods
In Singapore, almost all expats live in condominiums or HDB flats (public housing) rather than landed homes. Rental contracts are typically 12–24 months with a diplomatic clause kicking in after 12 months for longer leases.[5][6]
Popular Neighbourhoods for Canadians
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: High-rise condos, riverside cafes, and short drives to the CBD. You can walk to Great World MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line) in under 10 minutes from many developments.[6]
- East Coast (Katong / Siglap): More relaxed, with East Coast Park cycling paths, sea views, and popular among families who don’t mind 25–35 minute commutes to Raffles Place by bus or MRT.[6]
- Bukit Timah: Green, low-rise feel with many international schools, but car or bus is often needed; hiking trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are 10–15 minutes from many condos.[6]
- Woodlands: Large American expat community due to Singapore American School, bigger units at relatively lower rents, about 35–45 minutes to the CBD by MRT.[6]
- Sentosa: Resort-style living with beaches and waterfront condos, typically premium rentals and more car-dependent.[6]
To compare projects, facilities, and transacted prices, use Homejourney’s verified projects directory Projects Directory . Homejourney cross-checks listings with URA data and user feedback to minimise inaccurate information and enhance user safety.
Typical Rental Ranges (Early 2025 Snapshot)
(Exact prices change monthly; always verify via URA and current market reports.)
- 1-bedroom condo near city (e.g., Tanjong Pagar, River Valley): roughly S$3,500–S$4,800/month.
- 3-bedroom condo city fringe (e.g., Queenstown, East Coast): roughly S$5,000–S$7,000/month.
- 4-room HDB flat in mature town (e.g., Toa Payoh, Tampines): roughly S$3,000–S$4,200/month.
Homejourney strongly recommends always insisting on a physical or video viewing, verifying the landlord’s identity against the title deed, and using approved tenancy templates. For help, tap our trusted agent directory to work only with licensed CEA agents.
Step 4: Cost of Living and Money Management (CAD to SGD)
As a broad guide, a single person’s monthly expenses in Singapore (excluding rent) often range from S$1,400–S$2,200, with families spending more depending on schooling and lifestyle.[1]
Everyday Costs (Real-Life Examples)
- Hawker centre meal (chicken rice, nasi lemak, ban mian): S$4–S$7.
- Coffee at neighbourhood kopitiam (kopi, teh): S$1.50–S$2.50; Western café latte: S$5–S$7.
- MRT ride between heartland and CBD: about S$1.40–S$2.20 with an EZ-Link card.
- Monthly mobile data plan
References
