Singapore citizenship is an opportunity to get a higher education comparable to the British one and get a high-paying job. 159 countries of the world are open for the holders of Singaporean passports, the standard of living in the Asian republic is not lower than the European one.
Singapore Citizenship Law
Even 20 years ago, only Chinese immigrants who were constantly working in the country could obtain a Singapore passport. Gradually, people of non-Asian origin also have such an opportunity.
Once acquired, the citizenship of the country does not need to be renewed - it is given for life.
Main conditions for the applicant:
- PR status (permanent residence);
- Residence in Singapore for at least two years;
- No criminal record in the country and abroad;
- Sufficient financial support (50 $ per day per person);
- A satisfactory state of health, confirmed in one of the clinics of the republic.
Who is prohibited by law from becoming a citizen of Singapore
The country does not have too strict framework for obtaining citizenship. For example, it is provided to entrepreneurs and their family members, even if they are under the age of 21.
One of the strict conditions is that it is forbidden to have dual citizenship in Singapore, so you will have to refuse a passport obtained in another state. Previously convicted persons and persons who do not have a sufficient material base will not be able to claim the status of a citizen of the country.
Methods for obtaining citizenship
There are 9 methods to obtain citizenship of the republic:
- By birthright;
- Through marriage;
- By naturalization;
- Work at a Singapore enterprise for 2 years or more;
- Invest in the country's economy;
- Start business;
- To achieve outstanding success in science, art, sports;
- Moving under the family reunification program;
- Get a Singaporean higher education.
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By birthright
Children born in Singapore become citizens of the country automatically. The status of the mother and father is not important in this case. Parents who are citizens of the country receive benefits for obtaining PR (permanent residence).
But despite the privileges, the method is not very popular with emigrants: all male citizens must necessarily serve in the army of the republic. Draft age, compared to Russia, long-term - 21-45 years. Therefore, parents of newborn boys are in no hurry to exercise the right to obtain citizenship for their sons.
By marriage
A union entered into with a citizen of Singapore outside the republic must be recognized at the marriage registration office. They will also help with obtaining citizenship.
The marriage of a Singaporean with a foreigner (foreigner) must be registered at least 2 years ago - this is a prerequisite for obtaining a passport of the republic. The spouse of a citizen of the country will need to have a visa that is not related to the creation of a family.
To recognize the union, you will need to submit the following documents to the marriage registration office:
- Spouses' passports;
- Birth certificates;
- A receipt confirming the payment of the state fee;
- Divorce or death certificate of the previous spouse (if necessary).
The application for citizenship must be accompanied by a copy of the marriage certificate. The standard term for consideration of documents is 6 months.
Getting married greatly simplifies the procedure for obtaining citizenship. But the conclusion of fictitious alliances on the territory of the country is not widespread, this is strictly punishable by law.
By naturalization
You can become a citizen of Singapore by living in the country for 2 years continuously. Short-term departure for this period is not prohibited.
Conditions for those planning to obtain citizenship by naturalization:
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- Reaching 21 years old;
- Buying real estate in the republic;
- Two years of service in the country's army (for men).
Family members of a non-resident, if any, must also apply for citizenship. In this case, the age of the children does not matter.
The transition to the status of a citizen ends with the taking of the oath and the renunciation of citizenship to another state.
Labor immigration
Work visa to Singapore (E PASS, S PASS) gives a non-resident the opportunity to get a desired position and even open his own business. Medical workers from Russia and specialists in the field of information technology are in demand in the republic.
A Singaporean organization that has recruited a foreigner will take care of obtaining a temporary residence permit for the new employee. After the completion of the probationary period, the employee can apply for a PR (permanent residence) for an indefinite period.
Next step - obtaining citizenship - is possible only after 2 years of work in the country. Employees who successfully pursue careers in large Singaporean companies usually do not have problems acquiring citizenship status.
Investment in the economy
Investing a large sum in the development of the Singaporean economy is the easiest and most expensive way to obtain citizenship of the republic. The investment should be $ 1-3 million. You can contribute to the development of an existing enterprise or to organize a new company.
A foreign investor must meet certain requirements:
- Have a specialty related to business;
- Have an investment plan;
- Business experience is required;
- Take the organization for an annual turnover of $ 40 million over 3 years (if a new company was organized).
Funds invested by a foreign investor are blocked for 5 years. That is, it will be impossible to use the amount before the expiration of the specified period.
Starting a business
You can organize your company in the country by spending only 1 Singapore dollar - this is the minimum authorized capital. To start your own business, it is enough to issue a working E PASS visa... Significant benefits are also provided for foreign businessmen: for the first 3 years they are completely exempt from paying taxes. After a year of successful activity, you can apply for a residence permit, the next step will be to obtain citizenship.
Quite high requirements are imposed on foreigners starting a business:
- Education corresponding to the profile of an organized company;
- Experience in the field of entrepreneurship for at least 3 years;
- A detailed business plan for 5 years in advance or more.
If the issue of the entrepreneur's citizenship is resolved positively, then his family members (spouse and children) will also become the owners of Singapore passports.
For scientists, athletes, cultural workers
The state is interested in attracting foreign citizens with outstanding scientific achievements or who played for Singapore in sports competitions. Talented foreign artists, directors, actors are also welcome here.
A residence permit for this category of persons is issued immediately. Six months later, citizenship becomes available.
Family reunification program
The program provides for the possibility of a foreigner moving to close relatives permanently residing in Singapore. In this case, a temporary residence permit is first issued, then a permanent one, and only then can an application for citizenship be applied.
Close relatives in the republic are:
- Parents;
- Grandmothers and grandfathers;
- Children;
- Brothers and sisters.
By obtaining higher education
By itself, studying in Singapore does not provide for citizenship. Local university students receive only residence permits.
But the received education makes it possible to get a job in the republic. A successful graduate career almost guarantees a Singapore passport.
Dual citizenship: is it possible?
The ideas of patriotism are strong in Singapore, therefore, the citizens of the country are prohibited from obtaining other citizenships.
Non-residents who have received a positive decision to issue a Singapore passport are required to renounce their previous citizenship. This is a rule that allows no exceptions.
The procedure for obtaining citizenship
Biometric passports are issued to the citizens of the country. This means that simplified border crossing is provided for Singaporeans.
The laws in the republic are very strict. Foreigners are required to comply with all the rules on an equal basis with the indigenous people.
Required documents
To obtain citizenship, you will need the following documents:
- Application in the form of a questionnaire;
- Copies of passports (Russian and international);
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate of income for the last six months;
- Diplomas and certificates confirming the received education;
- Certificate of marriage or divorce, or death certificate of the spouse (if any);
- Tax returns for the last 3 years.
If the applicant has children, the following papers will additionally be required:
- A copy of an international passport and a Russian one (if the child is over 14 years old);
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate or extract from the school record.
Where to go when applying for citizenship
You can submit your application in person to the Singapore Immigration Office. To do this, you will need to make an appointment first.
It is possible to apply online. This is done through the electronic citizenship system Singapore (e-SC). On the website, the applicant will be asked to choose a suitable date for a personal visit.
Cost and terms
The decision to grant the status of a citizen is made within 180 days. The answer will come from the Immigration and Border Service.
Registration of documents does not provide for special expenses. Only investors and entrepreneurs will have to invest impressive sums.
Why citizenship may be refused and what to do
Persons convicted in any country will not be able to claim the status of a citizen. There are no exceptions to this rule.
It will not work to obtain citizenship from those who do not agree to follow the strict conditions of the republic:
- Renounce first citizenship;
- Serve in the Singapore Army;
- Buy real estate in the country.
In this case, in order to obtain citizenship, it is enough to reconsider your attitude to the requirements of the state.
But even abandoning the established rules does not imply deportation. A foreigner can stay in Singapore in PR (permanent residence) status and enjoy this right for life.
