Eligibility quiz
Have you been legally adopted by a parent who is now a Singapore citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Singapore passport and ID
Singapore citizens can hold a national identity card and apply for a passport immediately after completing citizenship formalities.
A passport lasts 10 years for citizens aged 16 or older and 5 years for younger citizens; it must then be renewed, not extended.
Live in Singapore for life
Singapore citizens can live in Singapore indefinitely without a re-entry permit.
Citizenship does not lapse because a citizen lives abroad.
Study in Singapore
Citizens can study without a study pass and may get financial assistance for fees and other expenses at specified schools and publicly funded post-secondary institutions.
Eligible citizens get the highest Tuition Grant subsidy tier for eligible courses.
Higher-education support is also available based on financial need.
Work in Singapore
Singapore citizens can work in Singapore without a work pass.
Travel more easily
A Singapore passport may allow visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, depending on the destination.
Get help abroad
Singapore citizens can request help abroad, including advice, emergency travel documents and help contacting relatives.
Help is also available during disasters or civil disorder and to arrange a return home, but it does not cover your bills or override foreign courts.
Vote in elections
Singapore citizens can vote from age 21 if they are on the Register of Electors and are not otherwise disqualified.
Use public healthcare
Eligible Singapore citizens can receive healthcare subsidies, including for nationally recommended screenings and vaccinations.
MediFund can help citizens who cannot pay their remaining public-hospital bills.
Get financial support
Eligible citizens and their families can get ComCare support based on financial need, including short-, medium-, long-term and interim help.
Citizens working in Singapore generally make compulsory CPF savings contributions for housing, healthcare and retirement; employer rates vary by age and wages.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Open the online application
Your parent or guardian can open the Singapore Citizenship Application e-Service.
Open the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I open the Singapore Citizenship Application e-Service for an adopted child?”
Gather your documents
Your parent or guardian should prepare the required documents for the application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Your Singapore-citizen parent completes the form as your sponsor using Singpass. You then log in to review it and make the declarations; use ICA’s non-Singpass option if you are under 15.
Find application helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do a parent and adopted child fill in the Singapore Citizenship Application online?”
Submit your application
Your parent or guardian submits the completed application online and pays the S$100 application fee at submission. Payment can be made by card, Singapore internet banking or PayNow.
Submit the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Singapore Citizenship Application online for an adopted child?”
Wait for the decision
Your parent or guardian can track the application online and should respond if ICA asks for more documents or information. ICA also sends the outcome by email.
Track the applicationComplete approval requirements
If your application is approved in principle, you and your parent or guardian should complete the requirements in the approval letter. If you are aged 16 or older, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey before your citizenship formalities.
Start the journeySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey after a Singapore Citizenship Application is approved?”
Complete your citizenship formalities
Follow your final outcome letter, and attend the ICA appointment with your parent or guardian if the letter requires one. Bring the documents named in your letters and pay S$70 for your citizenship certificate and, if you are aged 15 or older, S$10 for your identity card.
Manage your appointmentObtain your citizenship certificate
Obtain your citizenship certificate and, if applicable, your identity card after completing the formalities. You can then apply for a Singapore passport.
Find certificate informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain my citizenship certificate after a Singapore Citizenship Application?”
Retain your citizenship
If you hold another citizenship, you must give it up and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty after turning 21 and before turning 22. This lets you retain your Singapore citizenship.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the oath to retain Singapore citizenship granted to me as a minor?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Adoption papers
Provide the papers showing that your Singaporean parent legally adopted you. Have the originals ready. If your name has changed, include your deed poll or religious certificate.
Birth certificate * *
Provide your birth certificate or household register. Have the original ready.
* Only if your birth was not registered in Singapore.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Other citizenship as an adult
An adult who acquires another citizenship must renounce Singapore citizenship.
Renunciation is only possible from age 21, with another citizenship and a sound mind; it may be refused for men with outstanding National Service duties.
Military service for men
Men liable for National Service must follow exit permit rules from 13, register at 16½ and normally enlist at 18.
Later duties generally last to 40, or 50 for officers; mature new citizens are generally not enlisted.
Living abroad or holding another citizenship does not end liability; failure to register or serve can mean fines, jail and harm to family immigration applications.
Compulsory voting
Voting is compulsory for registered voters.
A person who does not vote is removed from the Register of Electors, though their name can be restored.
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship ends if you renounce it, with no provision for reinstatement.
Citizenship by descent or registration ends at 22 if the required pledge of loyalty is not made within 12 months after turning 21.
Citizenship can also be taken away over another citizenship, use of its passport or use of rights reserved to its citizens.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
新加坡公民交流区
Facebook group for people interested in Singaporean citizenship and local life (Chinese & English)
Join on Facebook新加坡(pr)永久居民生活交流区
Facebook group for people living in Singapore interested in Singaporean visas (Chinese & English)
Join on FacebookSingapore Expats Group
English Facebook group for people living in Singapore interested in Singaporean local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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