- No; ICA says the Singapore Government does not allow adult citizens to hold dual citizenship.
- A citizen who gains another citizenship is to renounce Singapore citizenship; renunciation is open from age 21.
- Minors granted citizenship can hold more than one until 21, then renounce before 22.
No, Singapore does not allow its adult citizens to hold dual citizenship. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that a citizen who attains another country’s citizenship is to renounce Singapore citizenship as soon as possible, as at November 2026. Minors granted Singapore citizenship can hold more than one citizenship until they turn 21.
This is official information, not legal advice.
What does ICA say about dual citizenship?
As at November 2026, ICA’s renunciation FAQ answers it: “Please note that the Singapore government does not allow its adult citizens to hold dual citizenship. Thus, once you have attained the citizenship of another country, you are to renounce your Singapore citizenship as soon as possible.” ICA’s pages set out three routes with three clocks: renounce from age 21 after gaining another citizenship, between the Final Outcome Letter and the oath as a new adult citizen, or before the 22nd birthday as a minor.
What must a Singapore citizen do after gaining another citizenship?
A citizen aged 21 and above, of sound mind, who has acquired another country’s citizenship can renounce, as at November 2026. The application is online only and costs a non-refundable S$35; ICA generally processes it within 3 months of all required documents. For a male citizen, the Government can reject the application if he has enjoyed citizenship privileges, such as possessing or using a Singapore passport, and has outstanding National Service obligations.
Do new Singapore citizens have to give up their old citizenship?
Yes, for an applicant aged 21 and above, and anyone holding more than one foreign nationality must renounce all of them, as at November 2026, starting only after the Final Outcome Letter is downloaded. Proof of final renunciation can be needed within 15 months of the grant date. An embassy might cancel the foreign passport on renunciation, so travel plans are made in advance.
Can a child hold two citizenships in Singapore?
Yes, a minor below 21 who is granted Singapore citizenship can hold more than one citizenship until 21, as at November 2026. The minor renounces the foreign citizenship and takes the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty before 22, or loses Singapore citizenship on the 22nd birthday. For citizenship by descent or registration, ICA states that missing the oath carries no guarantee of studying, working or living in Singapore on a Student’s Pass, Work Pass, Visit Pass or as a Permanent Resident.
Frequently asked questions about dual citizenship in Singapore
Can a Singapore citizen hold two passports?
No, not as an adult citizen who holds another country’s citizenship, as at November 2026. ICA states that the Singapore Government does not allow its adult citizens to hold dual citizenship, and a citizen who attains another country’s citizenship is to renounce Singapore citizenship as soon as possible. The exception is a minor granted Singapore citizenship, who can hold more than one citizenship until 21.
What happens if a Singaporean gains another citizenship?
ICA instructs the citizen to renounce Singapore citizenship as soon as possible, as at November 2026. Renunciation is open to a citizen aged 21 and above, of sound mind, who has acquired another country’s citizenship. The application is online and costs a non-refundable S$35. ICA generally processes it within 3 months of receiving all required documents and issues a letter of renunciation by email.
Can a child born overseas to a Singaporean keep both citizenships?
Not into adulthood, as at November 2026. ICA states that a minor who obtained citizenship by descent or registration must divest any foreign citizenship before taking the oath to keep Singapore citizenship. The child is eligible only after turning 21 and takes the oath in person within 12 months of that birthday. Missing the oath means losing Singapore citizenship on the 22nd birthday.
Do new citizens have to give up their old citizenship?
Yes, when aged 21 and above, as at November 2026. ICA requires an applicant aged 21 and above to renounce foreign citizenship, and an applicant with more than one foreign nationality must renounce all of them. The step begins only after the Final Outcome Letter is downloaded. A Permanent Resident of at least 2 years, aged 21 and above, can apply for citizenship without a local sponsor.
How do you renounce Singapore citizenship?
The application goes through ICA’s online portal, and walk-in visits have not been available from 23 November 2023, as at November 2026. The applicant uploads the notarised forms and certified copies, pays the S$35 fee and posts the original documents to ICA by registered post. ICA generally processes the application within 3 months of receiving all documents and emails a letter of renunciation.
Sources
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: Singapore Citizenship Renunciation
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: Completion of Formalities for Citizenship
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: Oath-taking for Minors
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: Singapore Citizenship Application
