Renouncing Singapore Citizenship: 7 Things You Should Know

For whatever reason, you may decide to renounce your Singapore citizenship. Renunciation is the act of voluntarily withdrawing your citizenship. This is the opposite of naturalisation, wherein an individual applies to be a citizen of Singapore or any other country.

Before renouncing, you must first be a citizen of another country. Dual citizenship is not allowed in Singapore, so you must conduct a formal renunciation. This is not required in some countries like the US, where renunciation may make you stateless.

Singapore may only renounce your nationality status if you have secured a nationality status from other countries. However, male Singaporeans may have a difficult time renouncing their citizenship due to National Service commitments.

1. Eligibility For Renouncing Your Singapore Citizenship

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), you’re eligible to renounce your citizenship in Singapore if you fall under the following criteria:

• You are aged 21 years old and above
• You are of sound mind. (This means you are mentally fit to understand your actions and choices)
• You are a citizen of another country

2. How To Renounce Your Singapore Citizenship

To renounce your citizenship, you must first get the Application for Renunciation of Citizenship package by emailing the Singapore Embassy. Indicate your full name (as it appears on your NRIC/Singapore passport), NRIC, gender, date of birth, and contact details. You will be sent an application package which includes instructions for renunciation, forms, and a list of requirements for submission.

There are several ways for you to submit your duly-filled renunciation application form:

• In-person at the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or a Singapore Overseas Mission
• By post/courier to the Singapore Consulate General
  • Make sure you address your package to the Consular Officer
  • Attach a complete list of items included in the package and note down the tracking number

Any applications directed to a High Commission will be forwarded to the Singapore ICA for processing if overseas.

3. Documents Required To Renounce Singapore Citizenship

Before finishing your application, make sure you have secured and duly completed the following:

• Filled up Renunciation Form (Forms I to V and all mandatory forms (Form VI to Form X))
• Valid Singapore Passport
• Valid foreign passport
• Certified True Copies of the following:
  • Foreign Citizenship Certificate
  • Deed Poll / Change of Name Certificate (if applicable)
  • Religious / Baptismal Certificate (if applicable)
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Original Singapore National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
• Original Singapore Citizenship Certificate (if you’re Singaporean by descent or registration)

4. How Much Does Renouncing Your Citizenship Cost?

You will have to pay around $35 through money order, bank transfer, or cheque. Make sure you direct your payments to the Commissioner ICA. Always ensure to keep proof of payment for future reference.

If you prefer to pay in person, you may visit the ICA building and use the following payment methods:

• Samsung Pay/Apple Pay/Google Pay
• NETS or NETS Flashpay
• Visa or Mastercard

5. How Long Will Citizenship Renunciation Take?

Whether you’re submitting through the ICA building or an Overseas Mission, it will take the ICA around 3 to 4 months or longer to process your application. In the event that you lose your documents in the mail while using a courier service, the Singapore government will not be liable for the loss.

6. What Happens After Renouncing Your Singapore Citizenship?

Once the Singapore government approves your renunciation, you will receive a letter from them stating you’re no longer a Singapore citizen. Before submitting your application, ensure you provide your updated mailing address to the ICA/Embassy.

Reacquiring your Singapore citizenship may be near impossible after you have formally renounced it. Make sure that you have weighed out all possible pros and cons before applying for citizenship in the first place. A permanent residency (PR) status does have its benefits and will allow an indefinite stay in Singapore. However, Singapore citizens enjoy significantly more benefits than permanent residents.

If you’re planning on visiting Singapore after renouncing your citizenship, then you’ll need to obtain a visa from your country of relocation. Nonetheless, it’s a good habit to keep a copy of all your renunciation documents should you encounter any legal difficulties along the way.

7. What To Consider When Renouncing Your Singapore Citizenship

Some of your responsibilities as a Singapore citizen will be affected if you renounce your citizenship. Unfortunately, your consular officer will not have any authority over most of these responsibilities. The Singapore Government remains particular about the following matters:

• National Service (NS) – All non-disabled male permanent residents and Singapore citizens who have yet to complete their NS may have difficulty renouncing their Singapore citizenship. Only the main applicants granted PR status under the PTS or GIP schemes are exempted from NS.
• Sale of Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats – Only a Singapore citizen is legally entitled to sell their HDB flat. If you have one, it’s best to finalise its sale before you renounce your citizenship.
• Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings – Closure of your CPF account depends on when you renounce your citizenship.
  • Renunciations made before March 1, 2024: You can close your CPF account and transfer your CPF savings to your bank account whenever you are no longer a citizen of Singapore. Otherwise, on April 1, 2024, your CPF account will be automatically cancelled.
  • For renunciations from 1st March 2024 onwards: You can also transfer your CPF funds to your bank account after renunciation. However, your CPF account will be automatically closed the month after you renounce.

Need Assistance In Renouncing Your Singapore Citizenship? The Immigration People Can Help

Renouncing Singapore citizenship is a massive leap. As such, you must carefully consider your decision, as it can be extremely difficult for you or your family to go to a country you have renounced.

But in some cases, you may be left with no choice but to renounce your citizenship. This is where The Immigration People come in. If you’re going through this process, we can assist you every step of the way.

Get in touch with us now! We offer a free consultation for Singapore PR application tips, how to apply for Singapore Citizen, and other immigration-related matters.