Becoming a Singapore citizen is the final step of the immigration journey, usually after years as a PR. This guide walks you through the whole citizenship application in 2026: who can apply, the documents you need, the online process, the Singapore Citizenship Journey, renunciation, and how long it takes.
Quick answer: You can apply for Singapore citizenship if you have held Singapore PR for at least two years and are 21 or above, or through marriage or family routes. You apply online through ICA with Singpass. If approved, you renounce your other citizenship, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey (for those aged 16 to 60), and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty. Processing takes around 12 months, though many wait 18 to 24 months.
Who can apply?
Citizenship is assessed under several routes.
| 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 eligibility and the PR to citizenship 2-year requirement. Family applications where a citizen sponsors a relative are covered in our guide on sponsored citizenship.
Documents you need
| Document | Notes |
| Passport | Current, with biodata page |
| NRIC | Your PR identity card |
| Entry or Re-Entry Permit | Confirming your PR status |
| Birth certificate | Personal particulars |
| Marriage certificate | For spouse-based or family applications |
| Supporting documents | Employment, income, and qualification records |
Non-English documents need an official, notarised English translation. For the full list, see our guide on citizenship requirements.
The application process, step by step
| Step | What you do |
| 1 | Confirm your route and that you are eligible |
| 2 | Prepare your documents |
| 3 | Log in to ICA’s citizenship e-Service with Singpass (the sponsor logs in for family routes) |
| 4 | Complete the online application and upload documents |
| 5 | Submit and keep your acknowledgement |
| 6 | Wait for ICA’s assessment |
| 7 | If approved, complete renunciation, the SCJ, and the oath |
The Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ)
Approved applicants aged 16 to 60 must complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey, a mandatory programme combining online learning, community sharing, and a visit to key institutions. It is designed to help new citizens understand Singapore’s history, values, and norms before they take the oath.
Renouncing other citizenship
Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults, so approval comes with a firm condition: you must renounce all other citizenships and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty, pledging allegiance to Singapore alone. 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 applicants in particular, this means surrendering the Indian passport and, usually, applying for an OCI card afterwards. See our guide on Singapore 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 in practice many applicants wait 18 to 24 months. Approval is discretionary; ICA does not publish a formula and assesses each case holistically for genuine, long-term commitment to Singapore. There are no progress updates during assessment.
After approval
Once approved and after completing the SCJ and renunciation, you take the oath at a citizenship ceremony. You then receive your Singapore citizenship certificate, and can obtain your pink NRIC and the Singapore passport. For what changes, see our guide on Singapore citizenship benefits.
Citizenship or staying a PR?
Citizenship is not automatically the right move for everyone. It 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
A citizenship application is a major, largely irreversible step, and a strong, well-timed application matters. 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.
- Weigh citizenship against staying a PR.
Explore our Singapore citizenship service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for Singapore citizenship?
Confirm your route, prepare your documents, and apply online through ICA’s citizenship e-Service with Singpass. If approved, you renounce other citizenships, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey, and take the oath.
Who can apply for Singapore citizenship?
PRs of at least two years aged 21 or above, spouses of citizens (married and PR, generally two years), unmarried children under 21 of citizens, aged parents of citizens, and eligible students.
How long does a citizenship application take?
ICA aims for about 12 months, though many applicants wait 18 to 24 months. Approval is discretionary.
What documents do I need?
Passport, NRIC, Entry or Re-Entry Permit, birth certificate, and a marriage certificate for family applications, plus supporting employment and income records. Non-English documents need notarised translations.
What is the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
A mandatory programme for applicants aged 16 to 60, combining online learning, community sharing, and institutional visits, completed before the oath.
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 and take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty.
How long must I be a PR before applying?
At least two years, though a longer, stronger PR record improves your chances.
Does applying guarantee approval?
No. Citizenship is discretionary and based on a holistic assessment of your commitment to Singapore.
What happens after I am approved?
You complete the SCJ and renunciation, take the oath at a ceremony, and then receive your citizenship certificate, pink NRIC, and Singapore passport.
