Media

Singapore, Asia’s financial hub and a global talent magnet, continues to welcome the world with open arms. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore recently announced new citizenship application regulations for 2025, aiming to simplify the application process and further highlight Singapore’s commitment to attracting global talent. Below is a detailed interpretation of the new policy, including application requirements, necessary documents, and key points of process optimization.

Key Highlights: Streamlined Application Process

1. Consolidated Document Checklist
   Previously, separate checklists were required for adults, children, and elderly parents. The new policy consolidates these into a single unified document, significantly simplifying the application process.
2. Elimination of Foreign ID Submission
   The new policy no longer requires the submission of foreign ID cards, reducing the burden of document preparation for applicants. Additionally, the process for applying through a spouse or family member has been made more convenient.
3. Reduced Documentation for Spouses or Guarantors
   Certain income or employment proofs are no longer mandatory, further enhancing the convenience of the application process.

Important Notes

• Additional Document Requests: ICA may request supplementary materials during the review process.
• Translation and Notarization of Non-English Documents: All non-English documents must be professionally translated and notarized.
• Electronic Submission: ICA encourages the submission of electronic documents via its official website, with offline submission channels gradually being phased out.

2025 Singapore Citizenship Application Requirements

Below is an overview of the main application categories. Applicants can check their eligibility based on their specific circumstances:

1. Permanent Resident for at Least Two Years and Aged 21 or Older
   • Eligibility: Have been a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) for at least two years and be at least 21 years old. Can apply with a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
   • Submission Method: Apply using Singpass.
2. Married to a Singapore Citizen for at Least Two Years
   • Eligibility: Have been a PR for at least two years and married to a Singapore citizen for at least two years.
   • Submission Method: Spouse applies using Singpass.
3. Unmarried Children Under 21
   • Eligibility: Unmarried children under 21, born within a legal marriage to a Singapore citizen or legally adopted by a Singapore citizen.
   • Submission Method: Parents apply using Singpass.
4. Permanent Residents Studying in Singapore
   • Eligibility: Have lived in Singapore for over three years (with at least one year as a PR) and passed at least one national exam (e.g., PSLE, N-Level, A-Level, O-Level) or are enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP).
   • Submission Method: Applicants aged 15 and above use Singpass; those under 15 use non-Singpass options.
5. Permanent Resident Parents of Singapore Citizens
   • Eligibility: Be a PR parent of a Singapore citizen.
   • Submission Method: Children apply using Singpass.

Updated Document Checklist Overview

Personal Documents

1. Recent passport-sized color photo (digital version)
2. Passport/Travel Document (only for non-ICA issued documents)
3. Birth Certificate or other identity documents (for births not registered in Singapore)
4. Adoption documents (for minors or parent applicants)
5. Marriage Certificate (for marriages not registered in Singapore, requires translation and notarization)
6. Separation proof (if applicable)
7. Name change proof or religious certificate (if applicable)

Family Documents

1. Divorce Certificate or interim judgment
2. Death Certificate of former spouse/child (for deaths not registered in Singapore)
3. Consent letter from former spouse (for jointly-custodied minor applicants)
4. Custody documents for children from previous marriages

Educational Documents

• Academic certificates and professional skill certificates (non-English versions require translation and notarization)

Employment Documents

1. Employment reference letter (issued by current employer within the last three months)
2. Last six months’ payslips
3. Income tax assessment notices for the last three years (for overseas work)
4. Self-employed documents: Latest business registration certificate (from ACRA), balance sheets, and profit/loss statements for the last three years

Other Documents

• National Service certificates and transcripts (for applicants who have served in Singapore’s National Service)

Documents for Elderly Parents

1. Child’s birth certificate/household register (for births not registered in Singapore)
2. Latest income tax assessment/receipts (for overseas work)
3. Last month’s payslip (children also need to provide this)

Conclusion

The introduction of Singapore’s new citizenship application policy demonstrates its proactive stance in the global competition for talent. For those aspiring to become Singapore citizens, this is undoubtedly good news. If you have any questions about EP, PR, or citizenship applications, please feel free to contact us. We will provide professional guidance to support your smooth development and planning in Singapore.