By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
You can apply for Singapore citizenship once you have been a permanent resident for at least two years and are aged 21 or over, together with your spouse and unmarried children under 21. You apply online through ICA’s e-Service with Singpass. ICA weighs your family ties to Singaporeans, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence. Singapore does not allow adult citizens to keep another nationality, so approved applicants give up their other citizenship before they are registered.
Citizenship is the last step on the road that starts with a work pass. It is a bigger decision than PR: it is permanent, it ends your other nationality, and for families with sons it confirms National Service. This page sets out the rules, so the decision is yours to make with open eyes.
Citizenship: quick facts
| Main route | PR for at least 2 years and aged 21 or over, applying with your spouse and unmarried children under 21 |
| Other routes | PR married to a citizen for at least 2 years; children of citizens; PR students meeting ICA’s residency and exam conditions; aged parents of citizens |
| How | Online through ICA’s e-Service with Singpass |
| What ICA weighs | Family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence |
| After approval | The Singapore Citizenship Journey for most adults, renouncing your other citizenship, then registration and a citizenship ceremony |
| Dual citizenship | Not allowed for adult citizens |
The WahLiao Verdict
| Who it suits | Families who see Singapore as home for good. |
| What you give up | Your other nationality. |
| Families with sons | National Service applies to citizens as it does to second-generation PRs. |
| The wait | Months, not weeks; ICA does not promise a timeline. |
| Never | Pay anyone who promises approval. |
Who can apply
ICA lists five groups: permanent residents of at least two years aged 21 or over, who may include their spouse and unmarried children under 21; PRs of at least two years who have been married to a Singapore citizen for at least two years, sponsored by their spouse; unmarried children under 21 of a citizen, sponsored by the parent; PR students who have lived in Singapore for more than three years, at least one as a PR, and passed a national exam or are in the Integrated Programme; and PRs who are aged parents of a citizen, sponsored by their child.
What ICA weighs
ICA considers family ties to Singaporeans, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence, to assess whether an applicant can contribute to Singapore, integrate and put down roots. It does not publish a score or checklist.
After approval in principle
Most adult applicants complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey, a short programme with an online course, a tour and a community session. Applicants then renounce their other citizenship, register as Singapore citizens and attend a citizenship ceremony, where they receive their pink identity card and citizenship certificate.
Citizenship: FAQ
How long do I need to be a PR before applying for citizenship?
At least two years, and you must be aged 21 or over, under ICA’s main route.
Does Singapore allow dual citizenship?
Not for adults. Approved applicants give up their other citizenship before registering as Singapore citizens.
Can my family apply with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your application.
Do I need an agent to apply for citizenship?
No. You apply yourself, online through ICA’s e-Service.
Read next
This page belongs to Moving to Singapore. See applying for permanent residence and National Service for sons of PRs.
Sources checked 29 September 2026: ICA, becoming a Singapore citizen; Singapore Legal Advice on the Singapore Citizenship Journey. General information, not immigration or legal advice. Last updated 29 September 2026.
