Moving to Singapore from USA: Homejourney Expat Property Guide

Moving to Singapore from USA for Singapore Residents: Expat Guide is about more than flights and paperwork – it is about securing the right visa, choosing a safe neighbourhood, and buying or renting a Singapore home with confidence.

This focused Homejourney guide explains the US-to-Singapore relocation journey step by step, with tactical advice on work passes, housing rules, budgeting, and how to use verified tools like Property Search , Bank Rates , and Projects Directory to make safer, data-backed decisions.

Key steps when moving to Singapore from the USA

If you are a US citizen relocating to Singapore, you will typically follow four core steps: secure the right work pass or residence status, plan your housing (rental first, purchase later), set up your finances, and adapt to local regulations and daily life.

For most Americans, a short visit to Singapore is visa-free, but you must have a valid passport (at least six months validity on departure), confirmed onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay.[2]

To live and work in Singapore long term, you need an appropriate immigration pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or Ministry of Manpower (MOM), such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, or other long-stay options.[1][3][7]

1. Understanding US–Singapore entry and work passes

For many US expats, the first question is not property – it is: “What visa or pass lets me live and work in Singapore legally?” This affects where you can live, how long you stay, and whether you can commit to a rental lease or property purchase.

Short stays vs. long-term relocation

US citizens generally do not need a visa for a short holiday of up to 30 days in Singapore, provided they meet standard entry requirements.[2][3]

For stays longer than 30–90 days, you must hold a long-stay pass – commonly tied to employment, study, or family ties in Singapore.[1][6]

Main work passes for Americans in Singapore

Homejourney recommends clarifying your work status before locking in any long-term housing. In 2025, the key passes include:[4][5][7]

Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals, managers, and executives; in 2025, new EP applicants must earn at least around S$5,600/month and meet the COMPASS points framework, which assesses salary competitiveness, qualifications, and employer diversity.[4][5][7]
S Pass – for mid-level skilled staff, with a lower salary threshold than EP but subject to quotas and levies for employers.[5][7]
Other passes – such as Training Employment Passes, Training Work Permits, and Work Holiday Passes for younger graduates and students, usually for shorter durations.[1][5]

For US professionals, an Employment Pass is the most common route to long-term residence and a stable housing plan.[3][7]

Long-Term Visit Pass, PR, and Citizenship

If you are moving to Singapore to join a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) spouse, or you are a US citizen married to a Singaporean, you may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), PR, or both.[1][8][9]

PR applications are assessed based on factors such as age, qualifications, economic contributions, and integration into society.[1][3][9]

Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship; if you eventually apply for Singapore citizenship, you must renounce your US citizenship.[1]

2. Housing strategy for Americans relocating to Singapore

Once your US–Singapore visa or pass route is clear, your next major decision is housing. Homejourney recommends a phased approach: rent first to learn the market, then consider buying once your long-term plans and status are more certain.

Phase 1: Renting safely in Singapore as a new expat

Most Americans start with a rental lease of 12–24 months. This lets you explore neighbourhoods, commute patterns, and school options before committing to a purchase.

To protect yourself, Homejourney suggests:

Use verified listings – start with Property Search to filter by budget, district, commute, and school proximity. Homejourney’s verification-first approach helps reduce the risk of fake listings or misrepresented units.
Check landlord credentials and ownership – request proof of ownership and ensure your name is on the tenancy agreement. This can prevent disputes later.
Understand typical lease terms – standard Singapore leases often require two months’ deposit for a 2-year lease, diplomatic clauses for expats (especially on work passes), and clear rules on early termination and minor repairs.
Inspect unit condition and systems – especially air-conditioning, plumbing, and electricals. For long-term comfort, plan periodic servicing via Aircon Services .

Phase 2: Buying property as a US expat in Singapore

Foreigners, including Americans, face specific rules and stamp duties when buying property in Singapore. Before you commit, use Projects Directory to compare recent launch prices, rental yields, and location data for private condominiums and new projects.

Key points for US buyers:

Public housing (HDB) – non-resident foreigners generally cannot buy HDB resale flats directly, unless as part of an approved scheme (e.g. with a Singapore citizen spouse). This makes private property the main path for many Americans.
Private condominiums and apartments – foreigners can typically buy private condos without prior approval, but must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty. Current ABSD rates for foreigners are significant and should be modelled carefully using tools linked from Bank Rates .
Restricted landed property – landed houses are heavily regulated. Foreigners usually require special approval to purchase landed homes on mainland Singapore, with Sentosa Cove being a common exception.

Use Homejourney’s Bank Rates page to compare mortgage packages from local banks, estimate monthly repayments in SGD, and model the impact of ABSD, legal fees, and renovation costs on your total budget.

3. Budgeting: How much does it cost to move from USA to Singapore?

Cost of living is a major concern for US expats. While exact numbers change with the market, Singapore consistently ranks among the most expensive cities worldwide, particularly for housing, cars, and imported goods.EdgeProp Property News

Homejourney suggests breaking your budget into five main categories:

Rent or mortgage – often 30–40% of household income, depending on location and unit size.
Upfront housing costs – deposits, stamp duties, legal fees, agency fees, and initial furniture or renovation.
Daily living – food, utilities, transport (including the high cost of owning a car), mobile and internet.
Family costs – international school fees, childcare, insurance, and healthcare top-ups.
US–Singapore travel – budget for annual trips back to the USA, using resources like Budget Travel Guide to USA for Singapore Residents | Homejourney for cost-saving strategies.

For many expats, a rental survey using Property Search combined with income and mortgage scenarios from Bank Rates is the fastest way to stress-test what is realistic.

4. Safety, trust, and due diligence in the Singapore property market

Homejourney’s mission is to make relocation safer by prioritising verified information and user feedback. For Americans new to Singapore, this safety-first mindset is crucial when signing long leases or committing to high-value property purchases.

Avoiding common rental and purchase pitfalls

Even in a well-regulated market, misunderstandings can occur. To reduce your risk:

Verify project details – check developer reputation, completion dates, and transaction records through Projects Directory and official government resources.Straits Times Housing News
Clarify what is included – appliances, aircon units, wardrobes, curtains, and parking are not always standard. Confirm in writing.
Plan for maintenance – understand whether the landlord or buyer takes responsibility for major repairs. For air-conditioning, which runs heavily in Singapore’s climate, schedule regular servicing via Aircon Services to prevent breakdowns.
Check for hidden obligations – such as condo management rules, pet restrictions, short-term guest policies, and renovation bylaws.