The Ultimate Guide: How to Apply for Singapore Citizenship and Become a Citizen?
Becoming a citizen of Singapore offers a wealth of opportunities, including access to world-class healthcare, education, and employment prospects. If you are considering making this southeast Asian island-state your permanent home, here is everything you need to know about the citizenship application process.
Singapore is a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation. With its robust economy, stable political system, and commitment to diversity and equality, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of becoming citizens. Whether you are a permanent resident, a foreign worker, or simply looking for a new start, this guide will help you understand the requirements and steps involved in applying for Singapore citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship in Singapore
The first step in the citizenship application process is to verify if you meet the criteria set by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). To be eligible to apply for citizenship, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have been a permanent resident (PR) for at least two years and legally married to a Singapore citizen for two years.
- Are 21 years old or above and have been a PR for two years. Alternatively, you can apply with your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old within the context of a legal marriage or adoption.
- Are a PR and an aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
- Have been a PR for over three years, including at least one year as a PR, and have lived in Singapore for that time. Additionally, you must have passed at least one national exam (e.g. PSLE, GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ levels) or be in the Integrated Programme (IP).
- Are an unmarried child under 21 years old, born within the context of a legal marriage or legally adopted by a Singapore citizen.
The Citizenship Application Process:
Once you have met the eligibility criteria and passed the Singapore Citizenship Test, you can begin the citizenship application process. The process typically involves the following steps:
-
Preparing Your Citizenship Applicatio
-
Submitting Your Citizenship Application Online
-
Interview with an ICA Officer
Preparing Your Citizenship Application
Once you have confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can start preparing your application. The following is a list of documents you will need to provide:
- Current passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate or separation deed (if applicable)
- Permanent residency card
- Educational qualifications and certificates (high school onwards)
- Proof of child custody from previous marriage (if applicable)
- Deed Poll or religious certificate (if applicable)
- Foreign citizenship certificate
- Letter of employment
- Income tax notice of assessment from the last three years
- Last six months payslips and 12 months CPF contributions history (if employed)
- Latest ACRA business profile, profit and loss statement, and balance sheet (if a business owner)
If your spouse and children are also permanent residents, they can apply for citizenship together with you. In this case, you will be the sponsor and all the applications will either be approved or rejected at the same time. Your spouse will need to provide the same documents as listed above, but you will only need to submit birth certificates, passports, and PR certificates for your children.
Additional documents that can support your application include a cover letter that highlights your financial ability, investment in Singapore properties (if applicable), and significant financial assets (if applicable).
Submitting Your Citizenship Application Online
Once you have organized and scanned all your necessary documents and translated them officially (if required), you can log in with SingPass and submit your citizenship application online.
Interview with an ICA Officer
As a formality, you will be required to attend an in-person interview with an ICA officer to confirm the accuracy of your application data and documents.
Application Processing Time
ICA estimates that it will take 6 to 12 months to process your application, but actual processing time can take longer. There is no online system to check the status of your citizenship application, but you will receive a letter through the postal mail or you can call the ICA office to inquire.
The Singapore Citizenship Test:
The Singapore Citizenship Test is a multiple-choice exam that covers the country’s history, culture, and values. The test is designed to ensure that applicants have a good understanding of what it means to be a citizen of Singapore and are committed to the country’s shared values. Some of the topics covered in the test include:
- The history of Singapore and its founding as a nation-state
- The role of the government and the political system
- The cultural diversity of Singapore and the importance of intercultural understanding
- The responsibilities and rights of citizens, including national service for men.
FAQs:
- What is the eligibility criteria for Singapore citizenship?
- To be eligible for Singapore citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of Singapore for at least two years, have lived in Singapore for at least 30 months in the past 36 months, be able to speak English, Mandarin, or one of the other official languages of Singapore, be of good character, with no criminal convictions or pending charges, and pass the Singapore Citizenship Test.
- How do I prepare for the Singapore Citizenship Test?
- You can prepare for the Singapore Citizenship Test by studying the country’s history, culture, and values. The ICA provides study materials and online resources to help you prepare for the test.
- How long does it take to become a citizen of Singapore?
- The time it takes to become a citizen of Singapore depends on the processing time for your application and the availability of interview and swearing-in dates. On average, the process can take several months to a year or more.
- Can I bring my family with me to Singapore if I become a citizen?
- Yes, if you become a citizen of Singapore, you can bring your
