A person over the age of 21 years and resident in Singapore, may apply to the Registrar of Citizens to become a citizen subjected to meeting the following requirements: -

1. He/she is of good character;
2. He/she has resided in Singapore throughout the 12 months immediately before the application and has, in the 12 years before the application, resided in Singapore for at least 10 years. However, the government may, in special cases waive this requirement so long as the person has resided in Singapore for a total of at least 5 years during the 6 years before the application;
3. He/she intends to reside permanently in Singapore; and
4. He/she has an elementary knowledge of one of the 4 official languages. This requirement does not apply to applicants who are above 45 years or who are deaf and dumb.

The wife of a Singapore citizen may be registered as a citizen if she can satisfy the Government that she:

has resided continuously in Singapore for at least 2 years before the application;

intends to reside permanently in Singapore; and

is of good character.

Minors