Say Goodbye To Visa Hassles: How To Secure The World's Most Powerful Passport
Citizens of Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to 195 out of 227 locations, more than any other passport.
Most Powerful Passport In 2025: Singapore continues to hold the title of the world’s most powerful passport in 2025, according to the Henley Passport Index. Known for its strong economy and high quality of life, the country remains a top choice for those looking to relocate. Holding the highest ranking, Singaporean citizens enjoy visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations—more than any other passport. While obtaining Singaporean citizenship requires time and effort, it is achievable. However, since the government does not permit dual nationality, applicants must renounce their current citizenship. Here’s a look at the process and qualifications needed to call Singapore home.
To apply for Singapore citizenship, you must have these qualifications:
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Permanent Resident (PR) – You must have held PR status for at least two years and be at least 21 years old. You may also apply with your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Marriage to a Singapore Citizen – If you have been a PR for at least two years and married to a Singapore citizen for at least two years, you are eligible to apply.
Child of a Singapore Citizen – Unmarried individuals under 21, either born to or legally adopted by a Singapore citizen, qualify for citizenship.
Student PR – You must have been a PR for at least three years, studied in Singapore, and passed a national exam such as PSLE, GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ levels, or be enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP).
Parent of Singapore Citizen – Elderly PRs with children who are Singapore citizens may be eligible to apply.
Successful Business Owner – Entrepreneurs with a strong business presence and contribution to Singapore’s economy may qualify for citizenship.
National Service Obligation:
Under Singapore’s Enlistment Act 1970, all male citizens and Permanent Residents must complete National Service (NS). After finishing full-time NS, they become Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Their NS duty continues until the age of 50 for officers and 40 for others.
Male applicants who get Singapore Citizenship (SC) or PR as foreign students or through parental sponsorship must also serve NS. They must register when they turn 16.5 years old and will be enlisted at 18. Those who fail to meet NS obligations under the Enlistment Act 1970 may face legal consequences, including a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years or both.
To apply for Singapore citizenship, you need to submit these documents:
You need to provide a recent passport-sized photo, birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), education and job-related documents, proof of employment and salary, tax records for the last three years, business and financial reports (if self-employed) and National Service records (if required).
Singapore Citizenship Application Fees:
At The Time Of Application:
Adult PRs and children of PRs – S$100 per application
Overseas-born children of Singapore citizens – S$18 per application (includes Citizenship Certificate)
Other locally or overseas-born children – S$100 per application
Multiple product applications – S$130 per application
At Completion Of Formalities:
Citizenship Certificate – S$70 (if applicable)
Singapore Identity Card (for new citizens aged 15 and above) – S$10
For overseas-born children under specific conditions, only S$10 is required for the Identity Card.
Processing Time:
Most applications take at least 12 months to process. However, if a child is born overseas to a Singapore citizen, the application is usually completed in 2 months. In some cases, processing may take longer if extra checks are required.
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