For Indian nationals who have built a life in Singapore, citizenship is often the final step after Singapore PR. The eligibility rules are the same for everyone, but there is one issue that matters uniquely for Indians: you cannot keep your Indian passport. Both India and Singapore ban dual citizenship, so taking up Singapore citizenship means giving up your Indian one. This guide explains eligibility, what happens to your Indian citizenship, the OCI option, and how the process works.
Quick answer: Indians can become Singapore citizens after holding PR for at least two years (and being 21 or above), or through marriage or family routes. The catch is that neither India nor Singapore allows dual citizenship, so you must renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport before your Singapore citizenship is finalised. Most former Indian citizens then apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which is a lifelong visa (not citizenship) that keeps most practical rights in India.
Can Indians become Singapore citizens?
Yes. Indian nationals are one of the largest groups taking up Singapore citizenship, almost always after first becoming a PR. There is no nationality-based advantage or barrier; ICA assesses each applicant holistically on their contribution, time in Singapore, family ties, and integration.
The route is sequential: work pass, then PR, then citizenship. If you are not yet a PR, start with our guide on how to apply for Singapore PR.
Eligibility for Indian applicants
The standard routes apply.
| 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 Singapore 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 |
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee approval; citizenship is discretionary and based on your whole profile.
The big issue: you must give up your Indian passport
This is the point every Indian applicant must understand before applying. India does not allow dual citizenship, and neither does Singapore. So you cannot hold both.
To become a Singaporean, you must renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport at a designated Indian mission. In practice, once you receive your Singapore approval (In-Principle Approval), you officially renounce your Indian citizenship before your Singapore status is confirmed. There is no way to keep both passports.
For the Singapore side of this rule, see our guide on whether Singapore allows dual citizenship.
The OCI card: what it is and is not
Because you lose your Indian citizenship, most former Indians apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. It softens the loss, but understand exactly what it is.
What OCI gives you:
- A lifelong, multiple-entry visa to live and work in India without a separate visa.
- The ability to own most (non-agricultural) property in India.
- Most day-to-day rights of an Indian resident.
What OCI does not give you:
- It is not citizenship. You cannot hold an Indian passport with OCI.
- No voting rights, no government or constitutional posts.
- No purchase of agricultural or plantation land.
You apply for OCI after surrendering your Indian passport. As of 2026, India has moved OCI registration to a fully digital process through its official portal.
The process for Indian applicants
- Become a PR and build at least two years of PR (usually longer in practice).
- Apply for citizenship online through ICA with Singpass.
- Receive the approval (IPA) if successful.
- Renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport at the Indian mission.
- Take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty to Singapore.
- Complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ) programme (for applicants aged 16 to 60).
- Apply for OCI afterwards if you want to retain rights in India.
Documents and other considerations
- Translations. Indian civil documents in regional languages need official, notarised English translations. ICA does not accept self-translated documents.
- National Service. If you have sons, note that male children who became PRs as dependants are NS-liable, and citizenship carries NS for males too. See our guide on whether PRs need to serve NS.
- Timeline. ICA aims to process citizenship in about 12 months, though the full journey often runs 24 to 36 months.
Is Singapore citizenship worth it for Indians?
It depends on how much the Indian passport and unrestricted rights in India matter to you. Citizenship gives you a Singapore passport, the vote, and the strongest subsidies, and OCI preserves most practical ties to India, but you permanently give up Indian citizenship. Many Indians who have settled long term in Singapore find it worthwhile; others prefer to remain PRs and keep their Indian passport. Our comparison of PR vs citizen lays out the trade-offs.
How First Immigration can help
The decision and the paperwork are both significant. First Immigration helps you:
- Confirm your eligibility and the best time to apply.
- Prepare a strong, well-documented application.
- Understand the renunciation and OCI implications before you commit.
- Plan the process end to end.
Explore our Singapore citizenship service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians hold dual citizenship with Singapore?
No. Neither India nor Singapore allows dual citizenship. To become a Singaporean, you must renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport.
What happens to my Indian passport when I become a Singapore citizen?
You must surrender it at a designated Indian mission as part of renouncing your Indian citizenship, before your Singapore citizenship is finalised.
What is an OCI card?
Overseas Citizen of India is a lifelong visa (not citizenship) that lets former Indians live, work, and own most non-agricultural property in India. It excludes voting, government posts, and agricultural land, and you cannot hold an Indian passport with it.
How long must I be a PR before applying for citizenship?
At least two years, and be aged 21 or above. In practice, many apply after a longer, stronger PR record.
Do I need to translate my Indian documents?
Yes. Documents in regional Indian languages need official, notarised English translations.
How long does the citizenship process take?
ICA aims for about 12 months, though the full journey often takes 24 to 36 months.
Can I get my Indian citizenship back later?
Renunciation is effectively permanent, and re-acquiring Indian citizenship is very difficult. OCI is the usual way former Indians retain ties to India.
Do I have to complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
Yes, applicants aged 16 to 60 complete the mandatory Singapore Citizenship Journey programme before citizenship is granted.
