Becoming a Singapore citizen is the final step of the immigration journey, and for most people it follows a clear path: work here, become a PR, then apply for citizenship. This guide sets out how to become a Singapore citizen in 2026, who qualifies, the step-by-step process, the Citizenship Journey, and the one condition everyone must accept: giving up your other passport.
Quick answer: To become a Singapore citizen you generally need to have held Singapore PR for at least two years and be 21 or above, or be the spouse, child, or aged parent of a citizen. You apply online through ICA with Singpass. If approved, you renounce your other citizenship, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey, and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty. The process takes around 12 months, though many wait 18 to 24.
The path to citizenship
For most people, becoming a citizen is a three-stage journey:
- Work in Singapore on an EP or S Pass and build a stable track record.
- Become a Permanent Resident, usually after two to three years. See our guide on how to apply for Singapore PR.
- Apply for citizenship, generally after at least two years as a PR.
The exception is family: spouses, children, and aged parents of citizens can apply through a family route, sponsored by their Singaporean relative.
Who can become a Singapore citizen?
| Route | Requirement |
| PR route (most common) | Held PR for at least 2 years and aged 21 or above |
| Spouse of a citizen | Married to a citizen and a PR, generally for at least 2 years |
| Child of a citizen | Unmarried child under 21 of a citizen |
| Aged parent of a citizen | Parent of a Singapore citizen |
| Student route | Studied in Singapore 3+ years (1+ as a PR) and passed a national exam |
For the detail, see our guides on citizenship requirements and citizenship eligibility.
Step by step: how to apply
| Step | What you do |
| 1 | Confirm your route and that you are eligible (usually 2+ years as a PR) |
| 2 | Prepare your documents (passport, NRIC, Entry/Re-Entry Permit, birth and marriage certificates, income records) |
| 3 | Log in to ICA’s citizenship e-Service with Singpass and complete the application (the sponsor logs in for family routes) |
| 4 | Submit and keep your acknowledgement |
| 5 | Wait for ICA’s assessment (around 12 months) |
| 6 | If approved, renounce your other citizenship, complete the Citizenship Journey, and take the oath |
Non-English documents need an official, notarised translation.
The Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ)
Approved applicants aged 16 to 60 must complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey before taking the oath. It combines online learning, a community sharing session, and a visit to key institutions, and is designed to help new citizens understand Singapore’s history, values, and norms.
The one condition: renouncing your other citizenship
Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults. So to become a citizen you must renounce all other citizenships and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty. Because renouncing a foreign citizenship is handled by that country and can be slow, plan for it. See our guide on whether Singapore allows dual citizenship. For Indian nationals, the OCI option is covered in our guide on citizenship for Indians.
National Service
If you have sons, plan for National Service. Male citizens and second-generation male PRs are NS-liable, registering at 16.5 and enlisting around 18. See our guide on whether PRs need to serve NS.
How long does it take?
ICA aims to process citizenship applications within about 12 months, though many applicants wait 18 to 24 months. Approval is discretionary; ICA assesses each case holistically for genuine, long-term commitment, and gives no progress updates.
After you become a citizen
Once approved and after the Citizenship Journey and renunciation, you take the oath at a ceremony and receive your citizenship certificate. You can then obtain your pink NRIC and apply for the Singapore passport. For what changes, see our guide on Singapore citizenship benefits and how to get the Singapore passport.
Is citizenship right for you?
Citizenship adds the vote, a Singapore passport, and the strongest subsidies, but requires giving up your other passport permanently. Some prefer to remain PRs and keep their original nationality. Our comparison of PR vs citizen helps you decide.
How First Immigration can help
Becoming a citizen is a major, largely irreversible step, and timing and preparation matter. First Immigration helps you:
- Confirm your route and whether you are ready to apply.
- Prepare a complete, persuasive application.
- Plan around renunciation, the SCJ, and National Service.
Explore our Singapore citizenship service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a Singapore citizen?
Most people work here, become a PR, then apply for citizenship after at least two years as a PR. You apply online through ICA, and if approved, renounce your other citizenship, complete the Citizenship Journey, and take the oath.
How long must I be a PR before becoming a citizen?
At least two years, and be aged 21 or above. A longer, stronger PR record improves your chances.
Can I become a citizen without being a PR first?
For most people, no. Citizenship almost always follows PR. Spouses and children of citizens apply through family routes.
Do I have to give up my other citizenship?
Yes. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults, so you must renounce all other nationalities.
How long does it take to become a citizen?
ICA aims for about 12 months, though many applicants wait 18 to 24 months.
What is the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
A mandatory programme for applicants aged 16 to 60, completed before the oath, covering Singapore’s history, values, and norms.
Does becoming a citizen require National Service?
Male citizens and second-generation male PRs are liable for NS.
Does meeting the criteria guarantee citizenship?
No. Citizenship is discretionary and assessed holistically on your commitment to Singapore.
