Moving a family to Singapore is not a single decision — it is a cascade of interlocking ones. The relocating to Singapore family guide that most people reach for covers the basics: visa, housing, and schools. But the families that transition most smoothly are those who understand the full picture before arrival: what passes their dependants need, how the school system works, how much housing actually costs in 2026, how to set up banking and medical cover from day one, and what to expect from life in one of Asia’s most liveable cities.
This guide covers the complete relocation sequence for a family moving to Singapore — from the lead earner’s work pass through to school enrolment, healthcare, banking, and day-to-day family life. Figures are as at June 2026 and draw on data from the Ministry of Education, Housing Development Board, and CPF Board where applicable.
Step One: Passes for the Relocating Family
The lead earner’s work pass — typically an Employment Pass (EP) — is the anchor for the family’s legal right to reside in Singapore. All other family passes flow from it.
Dependant’s Pass for spouse and children
The EP holder can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, provided their fixed monthly salary is at least SGD 6,000. The DP allows the holder to reside in Singapore for the duration of the sponsor’s EP validity.
A Dependant’s Pass holder does not have an automatic right to work in Singapore. To work, the DP holder must secure either their own work pass from an employer or — if sponsored employment is arranged — a Letter of Consent (LOC). An LOC is available for DP holders once their sponsor earns SGD 6,000 per month, and it allows them to work for the sponsoring employer only. See our guide to the Letter of Consent (LOC) in Singapore 2026.
Long-Term Visit Pass for parents and other dependants
EP holders earning SGD 6,000 or more may also apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their parents and parents-in-law. The LTVP is granted at MOM’s discretion and is typically issued for 1 year at a time (renewable). LTVP holders cannot work in Singapore. Full details are in our guide to LTVP for parents of EP holders in Singapore 2026.
S Pass holders and families
If your work pass is an S Pass, Dependant’s Passes are only available if your fixed monthly salary is at least SGD 6,000. At the current base qualifying salary of SGD 3,300 for most S Pass holders, most will not qualify for family Dependant’s Passes unless their actual salary is significantly above the qualifying minimum.
Singapore Relocation 2026: Housing
Housing is typically the largest single monthly expense for relocating families in Singapore. As a foreigner on an EP or DP, you can rent private residential property (condominiums, apartments, landed property) without restriction. You cannot buy HDB public housing unless you are a Singapore PR or Citizen.
Rental market 2026
After the sharp post-pandemic rental spike, the Singapore rental market has moderated somewhat in 2026. As at mid-2026, indicative monthly rents for private condominiums are:
- 1-bedroom condominium (50–60 sqm): SGD 2,800–3,800 per month
- 2-bedroom condominium (70–90 sqm): SGD 3,800–5,500 per month
- 3-bedroom condominium (100–130 sqm): SGD 5,000–7,500 per month
- 4-bedroom or larger: SGD 8,000–15,000+ per month
Rents in the Core Central Region (districts 9, 10, 11: Orchard, Holland, Buona Vista) command a premium. Families prioritising school proximity will find good value in districts 15 (East Coast), 19 (Serangoon/Hougang), and 23 (Bukit Panjang), which have strong school options and lower rents than the central districts. For the Dubai-to-Singapore comparison in detail, see our Dubai to Singapore Relocation 2026 guide.
Singapore Family Relocation: Schools
Education is often the most complex part of a family relocation — and the element where early planning pays the biggest dividend. Singapore offers three main schooling tracks for expatriate children: local government schools, international schools, and the newer hybrid schools.
Local government schools
Singapore’s government schools consistently rank among the best in the world in international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. Children on Dependant’s Passes can be admitted to government schools as International Students, subject to available places. The Ministry of Education (MOE) conducts annual exercises to allocate international student places to local schools. Annual school fees for DP holders in government schools range from approximately SGD 370 to SGD 580 per month depending on level and nationality.
Local school enrolment is competitive, and places are not guaranteed. Families who intend to apply for Singapore PR or citizenship are strongly encouraged to enrol their children in local schools — ICA views local schooling as a meaningful integration signal.
International schools
Singapore has approximately 70 international schools. Entry is generally available to students on DPs without a balloting process, though some of the top-tier schools have waiting lists. Annual fees in 2026:
- Top-tier international schools (SAS, UWCSEA, Tanglin Trust, Dulwich): SGD 45,000–62,000 per child per year
- Mid-tier international schools (Australian, Canadian, GIIS, NPS): SGD 28,000–45,000 per child per year
A family with two children at a top-tier international school is looking at SGD 90,000–125,000 per year in school fees alone — before school bus, uniforms, ECCAs, or the capital levy some schools charge. Families should factor this into their total cost-of-relocation budget before accepting a package.
Healthcare in Singapore for Relocating Families
Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, but the cost and coverage structures are significantly different from many countries the family may be coming from.
MediShield Life: who is covered
MediShield Life is Singapore’s universal health insurance scheme, administered by the CPF Board. It covers Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only. EP holders, DP holders, and other pass holders are not covered by MediShield Life.
Private medical insurance for EP holders
Expatriate families should purchase international health insurance or a local group health plan before arriving. Most employers of EP holders provide a group health plan, but the level of coverage varies — and DP-holding family members are not always included. A comprehensive international family health plan from a reputable insurer starts at approximately SGD 3,500–6,000 per year for a family of four, with premiums varying significantly by age and coverage level.
Once a family member becomes a PR or Citizen, they transition onto MediShield Life and become eligible for MediSave contributions (CPF), Medifund (safety net), and subsidised care at public hospitals. For the CPF implications of PR status, see our guide to CPF for PRs and new citizens in Singapore 2026.
Moving to Singapore Expat Guide: Banking and Financial Setup
Singapore’s banking sector is mature, competitive, and heavily digital. The three major local banks — DBS/POSB, OCBC, and UOB — all offer comprehensive account packages for EP holders and their families. To open a bank account, you will typically need your work pass, a letter from your employer confirming your appointment, and proof of residential address (a tenancy agreement works well).
Most accounts can be opened within a few days of arrival, and contactless and mobile payment infrastructure (PayNow, PayLah!, GrabPay) is pervasive. Expats arriving from heavily card-based markets (London, New York, Sydney) will find the transition straightforward.
CPF accounts are automatically opened for Singapore Citizens and PRs upon commencement of employment. EP and S Pass holders do not receive CPF contributions. Families who intend to pursue PR should be aware that transitioning to CPF-contributing employment is a genuine financial planning consideration, as CPF contribution rates mean a portion of gross salary goes into CPF savings rather than take-home pay.
Hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)
Many families relocating to Singapore hire a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) — commonly called a domestic helper — to assist with childcare and household management. Singapore has a well-regulated FDW system administered by MOM.
To hire an FDW, you must be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or EP holder earning at least SGD 3,000 per month (or at least one member of the household must meet this income threshold). You must hire through a MOM-licensed employment agency. The employer pays:
- Levy: SGD 300 per month (concessionary rate of SGD 60 per month available for families with young children under 12, elderly, or disabled household members)
- Agency fees: typically SGD 1,000–3,000 per placement for a first hire, SGD 1,500–5,000 or more for a transfer hire from a current employer
FDWs are entitled to at least one rest day per week, adequate accommodation, and meals. Employers must also provide medical insurance and pay for medical care. The MOM FDW regulatory framework is one of the most transparent in Asia.
Practical Steps: Your Singapore Relocation Checklist
To close this guide, here is a practical sequence for a family relocation to Singapore:
- Before arrival: Secure the lead earner’s EP (allow 3–5 weeks from application). Apply for DP for spouse and children. Identify shortlisted schools and begin the application process. Arrange temporary accommodation for the first 2–4 weeks.
- On arrival: Collect EP and DP cards. Open bank accounts. Arrange lease on permanent accommodation. Register children for school — government school balloting if applicable, or confirm international school enrolment.
- Within first month: Arrange private health insurance for the family. Register with a general practitioner. If hiring an FDW, engage a licensed agency. Set up utilities, mobile, and broadband.
- Ongoing: Track the EP and DP expiry dates for timely renewal. Monitor salary growth against the upcoming 2027 salary threshold increases. Begin PR planning after at least 2 years of stable Singapore employment.
For families arriving from specific countries, we have dedicated relocation guides: see our Dubai to Singapore guide for the tax reset and lifestyle comparison.
If you need assistance with EP or Dependant’s Pass applications, or advice on how to structure a family’s relocation for the most straightforward PR pathway, speak to the team at Singapore Employment Agency — a MOM-licensed employment agency (Licence 19C9790). For incorporation, corporate secretarial, or business set-up services alongside the family relocation, our partner Raffles Corporate Services provides end-to-end Singapore corporate services.
— The Editorial Team, Little Big Employment Agency