How to get dual citizenship

The short answer

Singapore generally does not permit adult dual citizenship. So you cannot hold Singapore citizenship together with another nationality as an adult. Becoming a Singapore citizen usually means renouncing your other citizenship, and a Singaporean who acquires another may lose their Singapore citizenship.

So the honest answer to how to get dual citizenship involving Singapore is that, for adults, you generally cannot. There is a limited exception for some children until adulthood. Confirm the specifics with ICA.

Adult dual citizenship is not allowed

As a matter of policy, Singapore does not allow its citizens to hold another citizenship as adults. This single-citizenship approach means there is no legitimate way to be a dual citizen of Singapore and another country as an adult.

So do not look for a route to adult dual citizenship; there is not one. The single-citizenship policy is deliberate and applies generally.

Becoming a citizen means renouncing

When you become a Singapore citizen, you are generally required to renounce your other nationality. So the process itself removes any dual citizenship, rather than allowing it.

So becoming a citizen is the opposite of gaining dual citizenship. It involves giving up your other nationality, not holding both.

Acquiring another citizenship can cost you Singapore's

Equally, a Singapore citizen who voluntarily acquires another country’s citizenship may lose their Singapore citizenship, reflecting the same single-citizenship policy. So you cannot add another citizenship and keep Singapore’s.

So the policy works both ways. Whether you are becoming a citizen or already are one, holding a second citizenship as an adult is generally not permitted.

A limited exception for some children

There is a limited exception: some children, such as those born with Singapore citizenship and another nationality, may hold both until adulthood, at which point they generally must choose. This is a temporary situation, not permanent adult dual citizenship.

So for certain children, dual citizenship can exist for a time, but it is resolved by a choice at adulthood. It does not create a lasting route to adult dual citizenship.

The position at a glance

Situation	Position
Adult dual citizenship	Generally not allowed
Becoming a citizen	Usually requires renouncing your other nationality
Acquiring another citizenship	May result in losing Singapore citizenship
Some children	May hold both until adulthood, then generally must choose

So adult dual citizenship involving Singapore is generally not possible. Confirm the specifics, including the position for children, with ICA.

If you want to keep another nationality

If keeping another nationality matters to you, permanent residence may be the better fit. PR lets you settle long term in Singapore while retaining your original citizenship, without the single-citizenship requirement.

So consider PR if dual citizenship is your goal. It offers a settled life in Singapore without requiring you to give up your other nationality.

Common misconceptions

What people get wrong

That adult dual citizenship with Singapore is possible. Generally it is not.
That you can become a citizen and keep your other nationality. Renunciation is generally required.
That you can quietly add another citizenship. Doing so may cost you Singapore’s.
That children’s dual citizenship is permanent. It generally ends with a choice at adulthood.

Clearing these up gives an accurate picture of dual citizenship involving Singapore.

The bottom line

To sum up: Singapore generally does not allow adult dual citizenship. Becoming a citizen usually means renouncing your other nationality, and acquiring another citizenship may cost you Singapore’s. There is a limited exception for some children until adulthood.

So for adults, there is no route to dual citizenship involving Singapore. If keeping another nationality matters, PR may suit you better. Confirm the specifics, including the position for children, with ICA.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get dual citizenship with Singapore?

For adults, you generally cannot. Singapore does not allow adult dual citizenship. Becoming a citizen usually requires renouncing your other nationality. A limited exception applies to some children until adulthood.

Can I keep my other nationality when I become a citizen?

Generally no. Becoming a Singapore citizen usually requires renouncing your other nationality, so it removes rather than allows dual citizenship.

What if I acquire another citizenship as a Singaporean?

You may lose your Singapore citizenship. The single-citizenship policy means you generally cannot hold another citizenship as an adult Singaporean.

Do any children hold dual citizenship?

Some may, such as those born with Singapore citizenship and another nationality, until adulthood, when they generally must choose. It is temporary, not permanent adult dual citizenship.

What if I want to keep another nationality?

Permanent residence may suit you better. PR lets you settle long term in Singapore while retaining your original citizenship, without the single-citizenship requirement.