Singapore: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Singapore citizenship comes after 2 years as a permanent resident (), from age 21; you must give up your previous citizenship, and sons of new citizens do national service. The short timelines are misleading: both PR and citizenship are entirely at the discretion of the immigration authority (), approval rates are not published and refusals are not explained. There is no minimum work period for PR, but successful applicants usually have worked in Singapore on an or for 2+ years. In 2024, 35,264 people received PR; the government aims for ≈ 40,000 a year through 2030.
- • 2 years as a permanent resident, aged 21+
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | SGD 4,740≈ €3,310 | SGD 10,700≈ €7,460 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety90
- Earning potential100
- Healthcare88
- Path to citizenship74
- Schools and education96
- Environment59
- Warm, sunny climate94
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Singapore, and how long does it take?
2 years as a permanent resident, aged 21+. Processing takes 0.5–1 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Singapore?
The main routes we cover: Employment Pass or S Pass; Spouse of a citizen. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Singapore?
Singapore generally does not allow dual citizenship for naturalised adults.
How much does it cost to live in Singapore per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Singapore ≈ SGD 4,740 / SGD 10,700. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Singapore?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Singapore SGD 3,180–SGD 3,580.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.