Eligibility quiz
Was either of your parents a Singapore citizen when you were born?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
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
Obtain the birth certificate
Obtain your birth certificate, or your child's birth certificate if you are applying for your child, from the authorities where the birth took place.
Find birth certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain a birth certificate for a Singapore citizenship application for a child born overseas?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the online application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Open the Singapore Citizenship e-Service, select the application for a child born overseas and enter the information. For your child, sign in with your Singpass; applicants who cannot use Singpass can use ICA-provided credentials.
Open the applicationSubmit your application
Upload the required documents and photograph, complete the declarations and submit the application online. Pay the fee at submission by card, eligible Singapore internet banking or PayNow.
Submit the applicationWait for the decision
Track the application through MyICA and respond to any requests for more information or documents. ICA will also send the outcome by email.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the status of a Singapore Citizenship application for a child born overseas?”
Complete the citizenship formalities
Follow the outcome letter's instructions to send any requested documents, pay any applicable fee and attend an ICA Services Centre appointment if required. If you are 21 or older, take the oath at the appointment.
Manage your appointmentReceive your citizenship certificate
Follow ICA's instructions to receive your certificate and, if applicable, your identity card. You or your child can then apply for a Singapore passport.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive a Singapore Citizenship certificate after completing citizenship formalities?”
Take the oath
If you or your child became a citizen while under 21, take the oath within 12 months after turning 21 and give up any other citizenship if required. This is necessary to keep Singapore citizenship after turning 22.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty to retain Singapore Citizenship by descent after turning 21?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Provide your birth certificate or household register showing both parents’ identities. Get it from the office that records births where you were born. If you were adopted, add the adoption documents.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide your Singapore citizen parent’s Singapore identity card, the personal details page of their passport and evidence of their Singapore citizenship, where applicable. These records help show their identity and citizenship.
Custody documents *
Provide the documents that explain who has custody of you. Have the originals ready for ICA.
* Only if there are documents about your custody.
May need translationParents' marriage certificate *
Provide your parents’ marriage certificate. If they divorced or separated, add the relevant documents. If their marriage was registered outside Singapore, ICA may also ask for proof of their legal relationship to you or a declaration.
* Only if your parents are or were married.
May need translationParent's death certificate *
Provide your parent’s death certificate. Have the original ready for ICA.
* Only if your parent has died.
May need translationParent's residence record *
Provide evidence of your Singapore citizen parent’s lawful residence in Singapore before you were born. It must cover either five years in total or two years in the five years immediately before your birth.
* Only if your Singapore citizen parent was a citizen by descent when you were born.
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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