Who to Notify When Leaving Singapore

Moving overseas is a big step. Before you hand over your keys and head to the airport, there are important notifications and closures to take care of in Singapore. Getting these right before you leave will save you from complications once you are on the other side of the world.

Your personal situation, including your visa status, employment type, and whether you are a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Pass holder, will determine which of these apply to you. Be sure to account for your own personal circumstances when preparing for the move.

If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident and you are giving up your PR status on departure, you will need to formally renounce your PR with ICA. This is a separate process from simply leaving the country. If you are an Employment Pass or S Pass holder, your pass will be cancelled by your employer as part of the departure process. Make sure this is handled correctly and that you receive confirmation of cancellation.

Singapore citizens do not need to take any action with ICA when leaving, but should ensure their passport is valid for travel and for any visa applications at the destination country.

Tax clearance is one of the most important steps for Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit holders leaving Singapore. Your employer is required to file a tax clearance form (IR21) with IRAS at least one month before your last day of work or before you leave, whichever is earlier. IRAS will then assess your tax liability and your employer must withhold your final salary until clearance is granted.

If you are a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident, you remain liable for Singapore tax on any Singapore-sourced income even after leaving. Speak with a tax adviser if you have ongoing Singapore income, investments, or rental property.

If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident renouncing your PR status, you may be eligible to withdraw your CPF savings in full. You will need to have formally renounced your PR with ICA first, then submit a withdrawal application to CPF Board with supporting documents. Processing times can vary, so start this process early.

Singapore citizens are generally not eligible to withdraw CPF savings simply by leaving the country, unless they are renouncing citizenship.

If you hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant Pass, your employer or sponsor is responsible for cancelling your pass with MOM. However, it is worth following up to confirm this has been done, as an uncancelled pass can cause issues with future visa applications in Singapore or elsewhere.

Singapore citizens registered to vote do not need to deregister. Your name will remain on the electoral register, and you can update your overseas address with the Elections Department if needed.

Contact your bank or banks well before your departure. Decide whether to keep your Singapore accounts open for managing Singapore-based income or assets, or close them entirely. If closing, cancel all GIRO arrangements and standing instructions first to avoid failed payments or charges after the account is closed.

If you hold investments through a Singapore broker, an insurance policy with a Singapore insurer, or a Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) account, contact each provider to understand your options before you leave.

Give your service providers enough notice to arrange a final reading and process any deposits owed to you.

• SP Group (electricity and gas): contact SP Group to terminate your account and arrange a final meter reading. Security deposits are typically refunded within a few weeks.

• PUB (water): if your water account is separate from SP Group, notify PUB directly to close the account.

• Telecom providers (Singtel, StarHub, M1): terminate your mobile and broadband contracts. Check for early termination fees if you are still within a contract period. Consider whether to port your Singapore number or let it lapse.

• Cable and streaming services: cancel any local subscriptions not accessible from your destination country.

Singapore Post (SingPost) offers a mail redirection service that will forward your mail to an overseas address for a set period. This is useful while you update your address with banks, government agencies, and other organisations. Apply through the SingPost website before you leave.

Give your employer formal written notice in line with your employment contract. Confirm your final salary payment date, and ensure you receive your final payslip, CPF contribution records, and IR8A form for tax purposes.

Your employer is responsible for filing your tax clearance (IR21) with IRAS, but follow up to confirm this has been submitted within the required timeframe. Delays on the employer's side can hold up your departure.

If you are moving with children, notify their school as early as possible. Request academic transcripts, school reports, and any other documentation you will need for enrolment at a new school overseas. Many Singapore international schools are experienced in handling these transfers and can advise on what to prepare.

If you have extensive medical or dental histories, request copies of your records from your GP and any specialists. These can be useful when registering with new providers in your destination country.

If you own a vehicle in Singapore, you have a few options: sell it before you leave, transfer it to another party, or export it. Given the high cost of vehicles in Singapore relative to most other countries, selling locally before departure is usually the most practical option.

If you hold an EZ-Link card or other transit card, you can return it at any TransitLink office or MRT customer service centre for a refund of the remaining balance and deposit.

If you hold a Singapore driving licence, keep it. It is widely accepted for licence conversion in Australia, the UK, and many other countries.

Some of these steps, particularly CPF withdrawal and tax clearance, can take several weeks to process. We recommend starting your notifications at least two to three months before your departure date to avoid delays.

When you are ready to plan your move, the Allied Singapore team is here to help. Get in touch for a quote.