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Singapore Customs

Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence

Find out the procedures and requirements for bringing personal pets into Singapore when moving here to live. Learn about GST, eligibility for GST relief, and what to do if you are accompanying or not accompanying your pet.

Last updated 11 June 2026

This page is for individuals who are moving to Singapore as their new place of residence and are bringing their personal pets as part of their relocation.

This includes:

  • Returning Singapore Citizens

  • Returning Singapore Permanent Residents

  • Foreigners transferring residence to Singapore

If you are travelling temporarily with pets or importing pets for business purposes, this page does not apply. In that case do refer to Importing of Pets for Commercial Purpose or With Personal Pets for Overseas Travel.

Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence

The importation of personal pets is subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In certain relocation scenarios, GST relief may be granted, subject to Customs’ assessment and conditions.

All pets must also meet animal health and licensing requirements regulated by the National Parks Board (NParks) Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) prior to importation.

Eligibility of GST Relief

You may be considered for GST relief if you are changing your place of residence from outside Singapore and Customs is satisfied that:

  • You are the owner of the pet(s) imported.

  • The pet(s) are imported for personal, non-commercial purposes.

  • You undertake not to sell, dispose of, or transfer the pet(s) within 3 months from the date of import.

  • The pet(s) have been in your ownership for at least 3 months.

  • The pet(s) are imported within 6 months of your first arrival in Singapore.

GST relief is not automatic and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Key Procedures and Requirements

The procedures differ depending on whether the pet owner is accompanying or not accompanying the pet on the same transport.

If you are not accompanying your pet (your pet is travelling on a different transport)

If you are not accompanying your pet (your pet is travelling on a different transport):

  1. Obtain NParks AVS' approval.

  2. Submit an online Declaration of Facts (DOF) to Singapore Customs for assessment of GST relief eligibility.

    1. Only one DOF per Airway Bill or Bill of Lading is allowed.

    2. The DOF must be submitted at least 5 working days before the pet’s arrival.

Outcome of DOF assessment

  • If approved:
    You or your appointed pet agent must apply for a Customs In-Non-Payment (GST Relief) permit within 10 working days from the approval date.

  • If unsuccessful:
    A Customs In-Payment (GST) permit must be obtained to pay GST before importing the pet.

If you are accompanying your pet (travelling on the same transport)

If your personal pets are arriving on the same transport as you (for example, on the same flight, ship, or vehicle), you must:

  1. Obtain NParks AVS' approval

  2. Complete the Application for GST Relief for Hand-Carried Used Household Articles, Hand-Carried Personal Effects, or Accompanied Personal Pets (where there is change in residence) form

  3. Submit the application at least 5 working days before arrival, together with the required supporting documents.

Supporting Documents

Returning Singaporeans and Permanent Residents working or studying overseas

  1. Valid NParks AVS’ pet import licence(s)

  2. Copy of passport and NRIC

  3. Proof of overseas employment (e.g. work permit visa, employment pass, letter of appointment)

  4. Proof of overseas study (e.g. student visa, student pass)

Foreign citizens transferring residence

  1. Valid NParks AVS’ pet import licence(s)

  2. Copy of passport or FIN

  3. Proof of transfer of residence to Singapore (e.g. Employment Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Student Pass)

  4. Other supporting documents, where required (e.g. employer’s letter or in-principle approval from the Ministry of Manpower)

Outcome of application

  • If approved:
    You will receive an approval email on your successful GST relief application. You or your appointed pet agent must present the approval email and the relevant supporting documents to the checkpoint officers for the collection of the pets.

  • If unsuccessful:
    A Customs In-Payment (GST) permit must be obtained to pay GST before importing the pet.