Singapore Citizenship Requirements

Permanent residence first

An applicant aged at least 21 can apply after at least two years as a Singapore permanent resident.

Discretionary assessment

ICA considers family ties, contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and residence history. Eligibility to submit is not approval.

After in-principle approval

Applicants aged 16–60 must complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey. Citizenship follows completion of the required formalities.

National Service

ICA highlights National Service obligations for male citizens and permanent residents, with exemptions and cohort-specific rules. Review these before applying.

Official application

Use ICA's e-Service and the relevant document checklist; family applicants must make their required declarations.

Foreign renunciation before registration

ICA's FAQ directs successful applicants older than 21 to use its approval letter to renounce their foreign citizenship with the relevant foreign authority, then bring the resulting evidence to complete Singapore registration. This is not an instruction to renounce before ICA approval.

Upload route depends on application date

For applications before 26 June 2024, ICA directs applicants to the additional-document upload in the earlier citizenship service. Applications on or after that date use the separately linked service. Upload a copy of the foreign-renunciation letter; request ICA assistance if upload fails.

Final evidence must come from the foreign authority

ICA gives an authority letter confirming cessation or renunciation of the foreign nationality, or that the person is no longer its citizen, as examples of acceptable final evidence. The examples do not establish every country's renunciation procedure.

Difficulty requires individual consideration

If renunciation is difficult, ICA invites an enquiry with documentary proof from the foreign embassy for consideration. That invitation is not a guaranteed waiver or general permission to retain another nationality.