Because Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults, renunciation is part of the immigration picture, whether you are giving up Singapore citizenship to take another, or a foreign citizenship to become Singaporean. This guide explains how renouncing Singapore citizenship (and PR) works in 2026, the conditions, the process, and the consequences.
Quick answer: You can renounce Singapore citizenship if you are over 21, hold or are assured of another citizenship, and have no outstanding obligations (such as National Service for males). You apply through ICA with a statutory declaration and a small fee. Renunciation is close to permanent, closes your CPF account, and ends citizen privileges. Re-acquiring Singapore citizenship afterwards is very difficult. PR can also be renounced, or lost if a Re-Entry Permit lapses.
Why renunciation comes up
Singapore does not permit dual citizenship for adults. So renunciation arises in two situations:
- Giving up Singapore citizenship because you have taken, or will take, another country’s citizenship.
- Giving up a foreign citizenship in order to become a Singaporean (a precondition of citizenship). See our guide on whether Singapore allows dual citizenship.
This guide focuses on renouncing Singapore citizenship, and touches on PR.
Conditions to renounce Singapore citizenship
To renounce, you generally must:
- Be over 21.
- Hold, or be assured of, another citizenship, so you are not left stateless.
- Have no outstanding obligations. For males, unfulfilled National Service can block a renunciation. A male who has enjoyed the privileges of citizenship and has outstanding NS may have his renunciation refused.
The process
- Apply through ICA, with a statutory declaration of renunciation and an advisory note on the implications.
- Male applicants also complete a MINDEF advisory step.
- A small processing fee applies (around S$35).
- Renunciation takes effect once ICA registers it.
The consequences (weigh these carefully)
- CPF. Your CPF account is closed and you withdraw your savings; processing takes several weeks.
- Benefits end. You lose the vote, the passport, housing and subsidy privileges, and citizen-only schemes.
- It is close to permanent. Re-acquiring a renounced Singapore citizenship is very difficult, so treat renunciation as final.
- Tax. Renouncing does not by itself create a tax event; Singapore taxes on residency. See our guide on income tax for foreigners and PRs.
Renouncing to keep Singapore citizenship (dual-citizen minors)
A special case: a child who holds Singapore and a foreign citizenship must, on turning 21, renounce the foreign one and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty to keep Singapore citizenship, before their 22nd birthday. Miss the deadline and Singapore citizenship is lost automatically. See our dual citizenship guide.
Renouncing or losing PR
PR can also end:
- By renunciation, if you choose to give it up.
- By lapse, if your Re-Entry Permit expires while you are overseas. Under rules tightened from late 2025, you then have 180 days to apply for a new one before PR is lost, with no reinstatement. See our guide on Re-Entry Permit renewal.
How First Immigration can help
Renunciation is a major, largely irreversible step. First Immigration helps you:
- Understand the conditions and consequences before you act.
- Plan citizenship or PR decisions with renunciation in mind.
- Weigh staying, renouncing, or pursuing citizenship.
Explore our Singapore citizenship service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renounce my Singapore citizenship?
Yes, if you are over 21, hold or are assured of another citizenship, and have no outstanding obligations such as National Service. You apply through ICA with a statutory declaration.
Why would I need to renounce a citizenship?
Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults. You renounce your foreign citizenship to become Singaporean, or your Singapore citizenship if you take up another.
What happens to my CPF if I renounce?
Your CPF account is closed and you withdraw your savings, with processing taking several weeks.
Can I get my Singapore citizenship back after renouncing?
Re-acquiring a renounced Singapore citizenship is very difficult, so renunciation should be treated as permanent.
Can a male with outstanding NS renounce citizenship?
Often no. Unfulfilled National Service can block a renunciation, especially for someone who has enjoyed the privileges of citizenship.
How much does it cost to renounce?
A small ICA processing fee applies (around S$35), plus any advisory steps.
What happens to a dual-citizen child at 21?
They must renounce the foreign citizenship and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty to keep Singapore citizenship, before their 22nd birthday, or lose it automatically.
How is renouncing PR different from losing it?
You can actively renounce PR, or lose it passively if your Re-Entry Permit lapses while overseas (with 180 days to apply for a new one before it is lost).
