If your Singapore citizenship application is approved, there is one more step before you take the oath: the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ). It is a short, mandatory programme that new citizens complete to understand the country they are joining. This guide explains what the SCJ involves, who must do it, and where it fits after holding Singapore PR and getting citizenship approval.
Quick answer: The Singapore Citizenship Journey is a mandatory programme for approved citizenship applicants aged 16 to 60. It has three parts: an online learning module, a community sharing session, and a visit to key institutions. You complete it after your application is approved (In-Principle Approval) and before you take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty at your citizenship ceremony. It is free and usually completed over a few weeks.
What is the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
The SCJ is an orientation programme designed to help new citizens understand Singapore’s history, values, culture, and norms, and what citizenship means, before they formally become Singaporeans. It replaced a simpler process to make the transition to citizenship more meaningful, so new citizens arrive with a genuine understanding of the nation, not just a passport.
Who must complete the SCJ?
The SCJ is mandatory for approved applicants aged 16 to 60. Younger children and older applicants are generally not required to complete it, though the rules can vary, so check your approval letter.
The three parts of the SCJ
| Component | What it involves |
| Online module | E-learning on Singapore’s history, policies, values, and what citizenship involves |
| Community sharing session | An in-person session, often hosted by the local community, connecting new citizens with Singaporeans |
| Journey / institution visits | A guided experience visiting key institutions and places that shape Singapore |
Together they combine self-paced learning with real, in-person engagement.
When does it happen?
The SCJ comes after your citizenship application is approved and before you take the oath:
- You apply for citizenship and receive approval (In-Principle Approval).
- You complete the SCJ.
- You renounce your other citizenship (Singapore does not allow dual citizenship).
- You take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty at the ceremony and become a citizen.
See our guide on how to become a Singapore citizen for the full journey.
How long does it take, and does it cost anything?
The SCJ is free, and is usually completed over a few weeks around the other formalities. The online module is self-paced; the community session and visits are scheduled. Completing it promptly keeps your citizenship timeline moving.
After the SCJ
Once you have completed the SCJ and renounced your other citizenship, you attend the citizenship ceremony, take the oath, and receive your citizenship certificate. You can then obtain your pink NRIC and apply for the Singapore passport.
How First Immigration can help
The SCJ is the smooth final stretch; getting your citizenship application approved is the real work. First Immigration helps you:
- Assess your readiness and the right time to apply.
- Prepare a strong citizenship application.
- Plan around renunciation, the SCJ, and the ceremony.
Explore our Singapore citizenship service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
A mandatory orientation programme for approved citizenship applicants aged 16 to 60, combining an online module, a community sharing session, and institution visits, completed before taking the oath.
Who has to do the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
Approved applicants aged 16 to 60. Younger children and older applicants are generally not required, but check your approval letter.
When do I complete the SCJ?
After your citizenship application is approved and before you take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty.
How long does the SCJ take?
It is usually completed over a few weeks, with a self-paced online module plus scheduled in-person sessions.
Does the SCJ cost anything?
No. It is free.
What are the parts of the SCJ?
An online learning module, a community sharing session, and a visit to key institutions.
Do I still need to renounce my other citizenship?
Yes. After the SCJ, you renounce your other citizenship (Singapore does not allow dual citizenship) and then take the oath.
What happens after I finish the SCJ?
You attend the citizenship ceremony, take the oath, receive your citizenship certificate, and can then get your NRIC and Singapore passport.
