Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) or applying for Singapore citizenship is a dream for many who wish to emigrate or have already moved to Singapore, especially for vibrant young people. With its excellent geographical location, clean and beautiful environment, developed infrastructure, and high quality of life, Singapore is one of the most livable cities in Asia. As an economically developed country, Singapore offers numerous job opportunities, a comprehensive social welfare system, and top-tier medical and educational standards, making it highly attractive to immigrants. Singapore consistently ranks at the top in various global rankings and reports for its reputation. These factors attract many people to Singapore to seek long-term residency or even the possibility of citizenship. Like any other country, becoming a Singapore citizen has its pros and cons.
Let’s first look at the advantages. Singaporean citizenship eliminates travel restrictions to most parts of the world, with the Singapore passport allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries and regions. Additionally, Singaporean citizenship provides you with subsidies in various aspects such as education, healthcare, retirement, homeownership, taxation, and employment.
Of course, the disadvantages of becoming a Singapore citizen are not non-existent. Singapore does not permit dual citizenship, so if you accept Singaporean citizenship, you must renounce your other nationalities. This guide will detail the pros and cons of Singaporean citizenship to help you weigh your options.
Table of Contents
1. What are the advantages of Singapore citizenship?
1.1 Travel the world freely with a Singapore passport
Holders of a Singapore passport face few restrictions when traveling around the world, enjoying lenient visa requirements. This is particularly noticeable when traveling to the United States. In the 2025 Henley Passport Index—which ranks global passports based on travel freedom—the Singapore passport stands alone at the top, with visa-free access to 193 countries and regions, demonstrating the high degree of travel freedom its citizens enjoy.
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1.2 More employment opportunities for Citizens and Permanent Residents (PR)
Most companies prefer to hire Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs) over foreigners. Employers primarily consider the reduced paperwork, procedures, and costs involved in hiring citizens and PRs. By becoming a Singapore PR or citizen, you can resign and change jobs freely, without being restricted by any work permits.
1.3 Government assistance for renting and buying homes
Singapore boasts one of the world’s highest homeownership rates at 90.8%. Its public housing system makes it one of the best countries in the world for solving housing issues. Singapore practices a policy of “Home Ownership for the People,” where the government helps citizens reduce the pressure of buying a home through low prices, low-interest rates, subsidies, and HDB flats.
Only Singapore citizens aged 21 and above are eligible to buy and rent from the Housing & Development Board (HDB). The types of government-subsidized flats include 2-room (1 bedroom + 1 living room), 3-room (2 bedrooms + 1 living room), 4-room (3 bedrooms + 1 living room), and 5-room (3 bedrooms + 1 living room) units. Singapore citizens are also eligible to purchase subsidized executive condos and HDB flats.
Singapore citizens can also obtain housing loans from the HDB at preferential interest rates. Additionally, first-time citizen buyers of public housing can enjoy housing subsidies such as the CPF Housing Grant. Each citizen is eligible for a grant of up to S$40,000, and if both applicants are citizens, they can receive up to S$80,000 to help eligible families purchase an HDB flat.
Only Singapore citizens who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible to rent from the HDB.
When the government renovates or upgrades HDB flats, Singapore citizens only need to pay a small portion of the cost, whereas Permanent Residents (PRs) must pay the full upgrading cost for their chosen project.
Singapore citizens can purchase any type of private residential property, while PRs who wish to buy landed property must first obtain approval from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
The conditions for foreigners buying property in Singapore are relatively relaxed with almost no barriers, and the low-interest-rate environment is also highly attractive to investors. However, foreigners are not entirely unrestricted in purchasing property in Singapore; HDB flats and landed properties (except in Sentosa Cove) are prohibited for foreign purchase, and they are also subject to a high 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).
The table below lists the rights and benefits enjoyed by various residency statuses.
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for first property | 0% | 5% | 60% |
| Purchase new HDB-subsidized flat | Yes | No | No |
| Purchase resale HDB flat | Yes | Yes (subject to HDB eligibility criteria) | No |
| Rent subsidized flat from HDB | Yes | No | No |
| Rent room/apartment from private owner | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase non-landed property—private apartments/condos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase landed property—bungalows, terrace housing | Yes | Yes (with permission from SLA) | No |
| Rent landed and non-landed private residences | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CPF Housing Grant | Yes | No | No |
| Subsidy for Main Upgrading Programme & preferential rate for upgrading | Yes | No | No |
| Housing loan from HDB at preferential rate | Yes | No | No |
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1.4 CPF: The first line of defense in social security
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a mandatory social security savings scheme for citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Employers and employees contribute 17% and 20% respectively to the CPF account each month, which is divided into three accounts: the Ordinary Account (savings can be used for housing, CPF insurance, investment, and education), the Special Account (for old age, contingencies, and investment in retirement-related financial products), and the MediSave Account (savings can be used for hospitalization expenses and approved medical insurance).
Employer’s CPF contributions are tax-exempt, and the employee’s contribution portion can be used for tax relief. Non-citizens and non-PRs are not eligible for CPF. Contributions from foreigners are considered voluntary and cannot be used for tax relief purposes.
1.5 One of the best-performing education systems
Singapore’s compulsory education lasts for 10 or 11 years, with 6 years of mandatory free primary education, followed by 4-5 years of secondary education. Students are streamed from primary school onwards based on their abilities, undergoing layers of selection before entering university. Singapore citizens pay the lowest fees for public education and are entitled to the largest subsidies for private and higher education. Singapore’s qualifications are internationally recognized. The children of Singapore PRs or citizens pay less for kindergarten, primary, secondary school, junior college, or polytechnic in Singapore compared to foreigners.
Edusave Scheme
Singapore citizens can benefit from the Singapore government’s Edusave scheme, a measure designed to provide maximum educational opportunities for all Singaporean children.
The scheme rewards students who excel in both academic and non-academic activities. It covers students who are Singapore citizens and studying full-time in government or government-aided schools, independent schools, junior colleges (JC), centralized institutes (CI), the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), or special education schools. The scheme consists of three components: the Edusave Pupils Fund, Edusave Grants, and Edusave Scholarships & Awards.
Tuition/Further Education Fees
Typically, the children of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs) pay less for kindergarten, primary, secondary school, junior college, or polytechnic in Singapore compared to foreigners. The table below provides a simple list of the school fees for the three residency statuses in 2019. (The fees in the table do not include miscellaneous fees that all students must pay).
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| Monthly School Fees (S$) | |||
| Government Schools | |||
| Primary | Free | $330* | $595* (ASEAN) $1,035* (Other Nationalities) |
| Secondary | $5 | $680* | $1,090* (ASEAN) $2,190* (Other Nationalities) |
| Pre-University (Junior College, Centralised Institute) | $6 | $760* | $1,290* (ASEAN) $2,540* (Other Nationalities) |
| Others (Annual School Fees) | |||
| Institute of Technical Education (ITE) | $430 – $3,100 | $6,400 – 7,760 | $18,450 – 20,740 |
| Polytechnics | $3,100 | $6,400 | $12,400 |
| Universities—National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) | Depends on the university and course | ||
| Grants/Education Schemes | |||
| Edusave Scheme | Yes | No | No |
*To be increased from 2026
1.6 Affordable healthcare for citizens
Singapore citizens enjoy a high standard of healthcare and substantial subsidies. The government has also set up special funds to help low-income citizens afford medical expenses. For Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners, medical costs are slightly higher than for Singaporeans. Foreigners are also not eligible for hospitalization subsidies.
MediFund
MediFund is an endowment fund set up by the government solely to help needy Singaporeans who are unable to pay for their medical bills. This scheme acts as a safety net on top of MediSave and MediShield, ensuring that no Singaporean is denied medical treatment due to an inability to pay. This service is not available to Permanent Residents (PRs) or those holding an Employment Pass/Work Permit.
Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS)
Currently, Singapore has 18 polyclinics that provide affordable primary healthcare services. However, some citizens may find it difficult to travel to these polyclinics. The PCPS program aims to bring affordable healthcare services closer to them. This scheme mainly helps low-income elderly and disabled individuals, who can visit participating PCPS private clinics and pay fees equivalent to those at government polyclinics. This offers them greater convenience with more and closer options for consultation, and shorter waiting times. PCPS is only applicable to Singapore citizens (who meet certain eligibility criteria).
Medical Costs
Compared to citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners have higher medical costs at polyclinics. Restructured hospitals provide 10% lower subsidies for PRs compared to citizens at the same income level. For example, a Singaporean patient in a Class C ward with a monthly income between $3,351-$3,500 will receive a 78% hospitalization subsidy. A PR patient in the same Class C ward with the same income level will only receive a 68% subsidy. Foreigners are not eligible for hospitalization subsidies.
The table below compares the subsidies available to citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners.
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| Public Healthcare Subsidies | |||
| Public and Restructured Hospitals (Subsidy Percentage) | |||
| Ward Class | |||
| Class B1 | 20% | 10% | No |
| Class B2 | 65% | 55% | No |
| Class C | 80% | 70% | No |
| Type of Service | |||
| Day surgery | 80% | 50% | No |
| Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOC) | 70% | 25% | No |
| Polyclinic Consultation Fees – Approx. cost (S$) | |||
| Adult | $17.50 | $35.40 | No |
| Child/Elderly (Children under 18, Seniors 65 and above) | $8.10 | $35.40 | No |
| Healthcare Schemes | |||
| MediSave | 8 – 10.5% of monthly salary | 8 – 10.5% of monthly salary | No |
| MediShield | Yes | Yes | No |
| ElderShield | Yes | Yes | No |
| PCPS | Yes | No | No |
| MediFund | Yes | No | No |
1.7 Voting rights
Only Singapore citizens have the right to:
- Vote in parliamentary elections
- Run for election and become a Member of Parliament
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| Vote in elections | Yes | No | No |
| Run for Member of Parliament | Yes | No | No |
1.8 Extensive social support and leave benefits
Singapore provides extensive benefits and social support to its citizens. The government has also made significant efforts to encourage people to have children. In addition to the leave listed below, Members of Parliament are also pushing for more parental leave. After a child is born, the Singapore government also provides a wide variety of childcare subsidies.
Maternity Leave
If your child is a Singapore citizen, you are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. The salary for the first eight weeks of maternity leave for the first two births will be paid by the employer. The salary for the subsequent eight weeks will be reimbursed by the government (capped at S$20,000 per confinement, including CPF). For the third and subsequent births, the full 16 weeks of paid maternity leave will be funded by the government (capped at S$40,000 per confinement, including CPF). If neither you nor your child is a Singapore citizen, the duration of paid maternity leave will depend on the terms of your employment contract.
Paternity Leave
Eligible working fathers (including self-employed) are entitled to up to 4 weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL), provided the child is a Singapore citizen.
Extended Child Care Leave
Parents who have worked for their employer for at least three consecutive months are entitled to six days of paid childcare leave per year until their child (who must be a Singapore citizen) turns seven, regardless of the child’s birth order.
The first three days are paid by the employer, and the next three days are paid by the government (capped at S$500 per day, or a cumulative total of S$1,500 per calendar year). Each parent can claim a maximum of six days of paid childcare leave per year, regardless of the number of children. If neither you nor your child is a Singapore citizen, the duration of extended childcare leave will depend on your employment contract.
Infant Care Leave
Parents who have worked for an employer for at least three consecutive months, and whose baby is a Singapore citizen under two years old, can enjoy an additional leave benefit. Each parent can apply for six days of unpaid infant care leave per year until the child turns two. These twelve days of unpaid infant care leave can be used in addition to the six days of paid childcare leave.
If neither you nor your child is a Singapore citizen, the number of days of unpaid infant care leave will depend on your employment contract.
Pro-Natalist Measures
Baby Bonus Scheme
To encourage Singaporeans to have more children, the government introduced the Baby Bonus Scheme in 2001, which consists of two parts: a cash gift and a Child Development Account (CDA). If your baby is a Singapore citizen, he/she is eligible for the Baby Bonus. The scheme aims to encourage parents to have more children by helping to alleviate the financial burden of raising them.
The government provides a cash gift of up to S$11,000 for the first and second child, and up to S$13,000 for the third, fourth, and subsequent children.
Additionally, your child will benefit from the government’s CDA grant. The Child Development Account (CDA) is a special savings account opened by the parents. For every dollar parents save in the account before the child turns 6.5 years old, the government will provide a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution. The total government co-matching for the CDA is capped at S$9,000 and S$12,000 for the first and second child respectively, S$19,000 for the third and fourth child, and S$25,000 for the fifth and subsequent children.
Child Care and Infant Care Subsidy
The government’s childcare subsidy initiative aims to make child and infant care a more affordable option for parents. Infants aged 2 to 18 months with Singapore citizenship can receive a subsidy of up to S$600 per month for infant care services at licensed centers. Children aged 18 months to 6 years with Singapore citizenship can receive a subsidy of up to S$300 per month for child care services.
1.9 Important tax matters
Singapore is one of the developed countries with the lowest tax rates in the world, renowned for its low taxes and favorable tax policies. Some tax reliefs are available only to Singapore citizens. Below are six types of tax benefits specifically for parents, applicable only to citizens and not to Permanent Residents (PRs) or foreigners.
Parenthood Tax Rebate (PTR)
The Parenthood Tax Rebate is a one-time rebate given to married Singaporean tax residents, deducted from the actual tax payable by the taxpayer. It encourages married individuals to have more Singaporean children by providing financial support for raising them. The PTR can also be used to offset their taxable income. The PTR applies to Singaporean children of Singapore tax residents. The PTR is up to S$5,000 for the first child, S$10,000 for the second child, and S$20,000 for the third and subsequent children.
Working Mother’s Child Relief (WMCR)
The Working Mother’s Child Relief is a personal tax relief for working mothers in Singapore. This relief is intended to reward Singaporean families with children, encourage parents to obtain Singapore citizenship for their children, and encourage married women to remain in the workforce after having children. To be eligible for this relief, one must be a married, single, or widowed working mother with taxable income. There are other eligibility criteria to be met as well.
The relief amount depends on the number of children being raised and the mother’s income. The tax relief rate, plus a cap, is 100% of your taxable income. The relief is 15% of the mother’s income for the first child, 20% for the second child, and 25% for the third and subsequent children.
Qualifying/Handicapped Child Relief (QCR/HCR)
This personal tax relief recognizes the efforts of families in raising children and caring for disabled children. After meeting the eligibility criteria for QCR/HCR and any additional criteria applicable to the child, the relief can be shared between both parents by agreement or claimed solely by one parent. A relief of S$4,000 can be claimed per child; for a disabled child, the relief is S$7,500.
Grandparent Caregiver Relief (GCR)
Working mothers whose parents help care for their children aged 12 or below can enjoy a grandparent caregiver relief of S$3,000. To meet the eligibility criteria for this relief, the child must be a Singapore citizen, and the grandparent must reside in Singapore. There are other eligibility criteria as well.
The income tax rates for Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and foreigners are the same (if the foreigner resided in Singapore for 183 days or more in the preceding year). However, CPF contributions for citizens and PRs, including employer contributions, are tax-exempt. Additionally, employee contributions can be used for tax relief. Foreigners do not enjoy tax relief from CPF.
The table below compares the tax reliefs for Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and foreigners.
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| Tax Incentives for Parents | |||
| Parenthood Tax Rebate | Yes | No | No |
| Working Mother’s Child Relief | Yes | No | No |
| Qualifying Child Relief | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Handicapped Child Relief | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grandparent Caregiver Relief | Yes | No | No |
| Others | |||
| Tax relief on CPF contributions | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tax relief on CPF cash top-ups | Yes | Yes | No |
2. What are the disadvantages of Singapore citizenship?
2.1 National Service
Male Singapore citizens are obligated to perform National Service. Unless specially approved, all male Singaporean citizens must register for enlistment upon reaching the age of 16.5 and serve for 2 years after turning 18.
After completing their full-time service, servicemen are integrated into the Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS), and are required to return for training for 40 days each year until they reach the age of 50 (for officers) or 40 (for non-officers). Therefore, if you become a Singapore citizen, your son will have to serve two years of military service. This requirement also applies to second-generation Permanent Residents (PRs).
| Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner | |
| National Service | Mandatory | Second-generation PR males | Not required |
2.2 No dual citizenship allowed
Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship. If you decide to become a Singapore citizen, you will have to renounce your original citizenship and give up your original passport.
2.3 CPF withdrawal restrictions
If you wish to withdraw all your CPF savings in a lump sum, the only option is to renounce your citizenship. This rule also applies to Permanent Residents (PRs).
Conclusion
Having reached this point, do you have a better understanding of the rights and coverage for different residency statuses? Overall, the benefits of Singaporean citizenship far outweigh its drawbacks. You can learn more about Singapore’s immigration policies, including the requirements for naturalization, how to apply for Singapore citizenship, how to obtain permanent residency (PR) or a temporary residence permit, and how to settle in Singapore by buying a home, to truly embark on your journey of moving abroad.
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