Singapore Grants 22,766 Citizenships in 2024: A Strong Signal for Integration and Long-Term Commitment

What Do the 2024 Citizenship Numbers Mean?

According to Singapore’s 2024 population data, the government granted 22,766 new citizenships and 35,264 Permanent Residencies (PRs), the highest number of PR approvals since 2010.

This does not indicate a new open-door approach. Instead, it is a deliberate, “carefully controlled” strategy to ensure Singapore’s demographic and economic stability. These Singapore citizenship approvals are a crucial measure to moderate the impact of the nation’s “twin demographic challenges”: a persistently low Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.97 and a rapidly aging citizen population, where the median age is now 43.7 years.

This article breaks down the latest official data and what these trends mean for PRs planning their citizenship journey.

Decoding the 2024 Citizenship Statistics: Stability, Not a Surge

While the 2024 figures for new citizens (22,766) and PRs (35,264) are higher than in recent years, they are part of a stable, long-term trend.

The government’s approach is one of “opportunistic curation” rather than just filling quotas. Here is how the numbers break down:

• A Steady Pace: The five-year average for new citizens (2020–2024) was 21,300 per year. This is only slightly higher than the average of 20,500 per year from the 2015–2019 period. This shows a consistent, measured policy, not a sudden change.
• Official Rationale: When asked about the higher 2024 numbers, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong clarified they were not a signal of a “sustained upward trend”. Instead, they were the result of two key factors:
  1. A “Stronger Applicant Pool”: The quality of applicants was higher, allowing the government to approve more candidates who met their strict criteria.
  2. Singapore’s Changing Needs: The government has been strategically granting PR and citizenship to professionals in specific, high-demand sectors, such as healthcare, to support the nation’s growing needs.

Singapore’s immigration model remains selective, precise, and long-term focused.

The Demographic Imperative: Why Singapore Needs New Citizens

The “measured and stable pace of immigration” is a direct response to Singapore’s severe demographic headwinds. Without this calibrated inflow, the citizen population would stagnate and decline.

Consider these key figures from the 2024/2025 population report:

• Historic Low Fertility: The resident Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remains at a historic low of 0.97, far below the replacement threshold of 2.1. Even the auspicious (Dragon Year) 2024 failed to produce a significant baby boom. 
• A Rapidly Aging Society: Singapore’s citizen population continues to age at a fast pace. The median age has climbed to 43.7 years. As of June 2025, 20.7% of all citizens are aged 65 and above, up from 13.1% in 2015.

Naturalization is the primary policy tool to replenish the population, sustain the workforce, and moderate the economic and social impacts of this demographic shift.

Who is a New Singaporean? A Profile of 2024’s Cohort

While the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not release a detailed breakdown of every new citizen, official reports provide a clear picture of the 2024 cohort:

• Geographic Origin: The vast majority of new citizens are from Asia, reflecting deep regional ties. In 2024, 64.3% came from Southeast Asia, and 32.8% were from other Asian countries.
• Age Profile: The government prioritizes younger individuals and families who are in their prime economic and family-formation years. 2023 data shows the largest cohorts of new citizens were aged 31-40 (6,150 people) and 21-30 (2,776 people).
• Family Ties: Family is a cornerstone of the policy. Approximately 20% of new citizens aged 21-40 (in 2023) were foreign spouses of Singaporeans. This aligns with the fact that 37% of all citizen marriages in 2024 were transnational.
• Educational Profile: The “stronger applicant pool” is reflected in rising educational qualifications. For instance, among non-citizen brides (a key applicant group), 47.4% held a university degree in 2023, a significant jump from 36.6% in 2013.

Your Path to Citizenship: Key Advice for PRs Preparing for 2026

For a complete guide to the application process, visit our citizenship application service page. For Permanent Residents looking at the current citizenship statistics 2024 and planning their future, the message is clear: Singapore citizenship approvals are based on a holistic assessment of your long-term commitment.

If you are a PR aiming for citizenship eligibility 2026 or beyond, you must look past the basic requirements and understand the “unspoken” criteria.

Beyond the Form: The Unspoken Rules of Approval

The official ICA website states that you are eligible to apply after being a PR for at least two years. However, eligibility does not guarantee approval.

Beyond the checklist of documents, ICA’s assessment centers on qualitative factors: your long-term commitment, your ability to integrate, and your contribution to Singapore society.

How to Demonstrate “Social Integration”

Social integration is an active, measurable process, not a passive idea. The ICA looks for tangible evidence that you are becoming part of the Singaporean community. Failure to show effort in this area is a common reason for unsuccessful applications.

Here are practical ways to demonstrate your commitment:

1. Volunteer: Meaningfully contributing your time to local charities or non-profit organizations is a powerful signal.
2. Participate in Grassroots Organisations: Join your local Community Club (CC) or Residents’ Committee (RC). These activities, facilitated by the People’s Association, show you are actively engaging with your local community.
3. Build Local Ties: Demonstrate that you have formed meaningful relationships with local-born Singaporeans, colleagues, and neighbours.

The Final Step: The Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ)

Once your application receives In-Principle Approval (IPA), the final mandatory step for applicants aged 16 to 60 is the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ).

This program is designed to be a formal induction into the nation’s values and way of life. It consists of three key components that must be completed within two months:

1. The e-Journey: An online module covering Singapore’s history, values, and national systems.
2. The Singapore Experiential Visit: A half-day visit to key historical landmarks or national institutions to understand the nation’s development.
3. The Community Sharing Session: A session facilitated by the People’s Association where you meet grassroots leaders and fellow residents from your constituency.

Your Future in Singapore

The 2024 citizenship and PR statistics confirm that Singapore’s immigration policy is a core pillar of its national strategy. It is a calculated, long-term plan to build a “strong and cohesive Singapore society” by selectively inviting those who can contribute and, most importantly, are committed to making this nation their home.

The path from PR to citizen is a multi-year journey that goes far beyond paperwork. It requires careful planning, economic contribution, and a genuine, demonstrable effort to integrate into the community.

Understanding these nuances is the first step. Navigating them successfully is the next. If you are a Permanent Resident considering this journey, the process requires a deep understanding of what “social integration” truly means.

Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact our team of experts today to help you prepare for your future in Singapore.