Moving from UAE to Singapore (2026): Visas, Costs and The COMPASS Framework

Moving from the UAE to Singapore involves specific immigration procedures and highly structured customs regulations. Immigration policies have shifted recently with the introduction of the COMPASS framework and increased salary thresholds.

This guide outlines the practical steps for a 2026 relocation. We cover the new visa points system, 2026 shipping costs, and exact customs rules based on local regulations.

1. Visas and The COMPASS System

Securing the right to work is your first operational hurdle. Singapore uses a merit-based system for expatriate employment.

Employment Pass and COMPASS

New Employment Pass (EP) candidates must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,600. For the financial services sector, this minimum is SGD 6,200. Older candidates face higher salary requirements.

You must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). This is a points-based system where you need a total of 40 points to qualify. Points are scored across four main categories:

• Salary compared to local peers in your sector.
• Your qualifications (degrees from top-tier universities score higher).
• Diversity of your nationality within the hiring firm.
• How well the firm supports local employment.

The ONE Pass

High earners making at least SGD 30,000 per month can apply for the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass. This is a 5-year personalized work visa. It is not tied to a single employer, which means you can start a business or work for multiple companies simultaneously.

2. Shipping Costs from UAE to Singapore

Sea freight is the standard option for household relocations. The Port of Singapore operates strictly on schedule, making customs clearance faster than many other global hubs.

• Normal clearance time for FCL sea shipments is 3 working days.
• Air shipments usually clear in 2 working days.
• LCL (shared container) shipments take up to 5 working days to clear.

Estimated 2026 Sea Freight Costs

Most full household moves cost between AED 14,000 and AED 22,000 door-to-door. This depends on your final address and specific condo access rules.

Hidden Destination Costs

• Long Push Fee: Applied if the delivery truck cannot park directly near your elevator.
• Stair Carry: Charged per floor if items do not fit inside the elevator.
• Pet Quarantine: Can cost SGD 1,500 or more if your pet requires a stay at the quarantine station.

3. Customs and GST Relief

Singapore applies a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on imported goods. You can avoid paying this tax by applying for GST Relief on your used household items.

Qualifying for GST Relief

• GST Relief must be claimed within six months of your official arrival in Singapore.
• You must provide a packing inventory in English.
• You must provide a photocopy of your passport covering the picture and detail pages.
• You must present an Employment Pass where the front and back page QR code is readable.
• An acknowledgement letter or an Approved-in-Principle letter from the Ministry of Manpower will suffice if your actual pass is not yet issued.
• You do not need to be physically present in Singapore to clear your goods if your paperwork is completed in advance and includes a copy of your passport.

If you do not meet these rules, or if you choose to clear goods without your employment pass, you must pay the 9% GST. This tax is calculated based on the shipper's declared used value, not the insured value.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Customs authorities are strict regarding what you can bring into the country.

• Chewing gum is prohibited, except for approved oral dental and medicated gum.
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are banned.
• Shisha is prohibited.
• E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited unless you intend to register them with the Land Transport Authority.
• The reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, compact discs, and software is an offence.

Shipping Alcohol

It is best to discourage shippers from including liquor in household goods shipments.

• Alcohol is subject to high customs duties and an additional alcohol permit fee.
• Customs uses powerful X-Ray scanners capable of detecting liquors.
• Falsely declaring alcohol is a serious offence that attracts heavy penalties for tax evasion.

4. Importing Vehicles

Importing a car is strictly discouraged unless it is for diplomatic use. The financial and regulatory barriers make it impractical for most expatriates.

• Cars over 3 years old are not allowed to be imported.
• Customs duty is set at 20% of the vehicle's market value.
• The Additional Registration Fee (ARF) is 110% of the market value.
• Import is subject to securing a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) through open bidding at market rates.

5. Bringing Your Pet

Singapore is a rabies-free country. The UAE is categorized as a higher-risk country for pet imports, which means the rules are very strict.

• A Rabies Serology Test is mandatory. It must be conducted at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and 3 months before export.
• Pets arriving from the UAE face a mandatory 10 to 30 days quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS).
• Quarantine spaces fill up months in advance. Book your slot early in your moving process.

6. Cost of Living Reality Check

Confirm your salary package aligns with the 2026 cost of living in Singapore.

• Rent: A standard 2-bedroom condo in a central district costs between SGD 4,500 and SGD 7,000 per month.
• Schooling: International school fees range from SGD 30,000 to SGD 50,000 per year for each child.
• Transport: Because owning a car is highly expensive due to COE costs and taxes, most residents use the extensive MRT train and bus network.

Choosing an experienced shipping partner helps you manage Singapore's rigid customs and condo delivery rules. Compare quotes from movers who handle the UAE to Singapore route regularly to ensure accurate pricing and compliance. Request Free Moving Quotes to Singapore Today!