In case you are planning to permanently leave Singapore for another country, there are certain protocols that must always be followed for success. Contrary to what some may think, moving out of Singapore can be very complicated, especially if you do not know the best way to go about it.
Some key elements that you should always consider when thinking of moving out of Singapore
Tax clearance
Tax clearance is among some of the areas where great emphasis is placed whenever one renounces their citizenship in Singapore. Even if you are a foreigner who has been residing in Singapore and wishes to leave, it is always advisable to make sure that all your taxes are up to date. Sometimes, your employer can handle the tax clearance on your behalf but, do not assume it is done without confirmation.
Remember, you can never be allowed to leave the country with unpaid taxes. This could be humiliating and even cause a lot of inconvenience on your part. Therefore, make sure that all your taxes are cleared on time by the relevant authorities, which in this case is the IRAS. For more information about tax clearance, visit the IRAS website here.
Work permit cancellation
There are several reasons you may have decided to leave Singapore for good including, expiry of employment contract, and resignation among others. Despite the reason for moving out of Singapore, it is always required that you cancel your work permit and, other related documentation like, long term visit pass and dependent’s pass.
As soon as your work permit or pass is revoked, you will not be expected to spend any more time in Singapore. In fact, even those who depend on your pass will not be allowed to use them anymore. However, there are cases whereby you may be issued other valid documentation until the matter is resolved.
To foreigners or Singaporeans wishing to leave Singapore for good, there are clear guidelines on how to cancel your work permit and other similar passes on the MOM website. While on the site, simply search for ‘’cancellation of pass’’ and you will be directed to the pages with steps on how to cancel all passes.
CPF account withdrawal
In case you are leaving Singapore to live in another country and have a CPF account, it is also important that you withdraw all the money therein. Besides, the account should also be terminated. However, this only applies to Singaporeans or foreigners leaving the country for good to other destinations apart from West Malaysia. The reason for this is, Malaysians who reside permanently in Singapore are the only ones allowed to empty their CPF accounts when moving back to West Malaysia.
Similar to tax clearance, all applicants for termination of their CPF accounts must also provide supporting documents. In case you are submitting the application from overseas, all the documentation must be approved by a representative of the Singapore High Commission. However, you can also visit the Singapore Embassy in the country you are in for certification of the documents. The documentation can only be accepted if they have the official stamp or seal of the said authorities.
In order to make it easier for applicants, the CPF website offers a CPF account withdrawal form that you can easily download, fill out and send for approval. From the site, you will also be able to get insights on CPF withdrawals and instructions on how to fill the form.
Immigration, travel and other relevant documents
Since you have decided to leave Singapore for good to reside in another country, you will also need to make sure that all important documents relating to immigration are in place. Although this is common knowledge, it should be noted that immigration laws and regulations vary from one country to another and, keep changing. Thus, you should know exactly what will be required in advance so as to avoid disappointments.
Make sure that all your identification documents are up to date and meet the requirements set by the country you are relocating to. Besides immigration, it is also important to prepare and put in place, travel papers, medical records among other documentation. In case you are relocating with the family, all their papers should also be up to date.
Another thing that you should also settle before departing from Singapore is terminating your utility account. Besides, it is also advisable to let financial institutions whose services you have been using know that you are moving out of Singapore and, not coming back. This is important because, there could be some unsettled liabilities with the institutions. Leaving without settling such matters could give you a lot of problems when the time to leave comes.
Using an International Mover
As hinted in the paragraphs above, moving out of Singapore can be your dream or nightmare. Considering all the tedious procedures involved in relocation from Singapore, it is one of those tasks you should never attempt on your own. The best way to making the task more efficient and faster is through hiring an international mover. In fact, there are several ways in which an international mover can make your relocation stress-free.
By hiring an international mover, you will no longer have to bother with all the procedures discussed above. An ideal mover, through their contacts have a way of going through all the channels faster to make sure that all the relevant documentation for tax clearance, immigration, travel, CPF account among others are up to date. You will only need to provide the paperwork that is required for the processes and, they will do the rest on your behalf.
An international mover will handle all matters relating to your logistics from Singapore to the designated country. They will also handle the relocation of your belongings including, household items, office items and equipment among others. Instead of stressing over how to find a professional international mover, simply visit Mover Singapore. We have the expertise to deliver tailor made international relocation services for your moving needs and budget.