Singapore targets 30,000 new citizens yearly to counter low birth rates

Singapore is targeting 25,000 to 30,000 new citizenships and about 40,000 permanent residencies a year from 2026 to 2030, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said in his Feb. 26 Committee of Supply speech. The plan is meant to keep citizen population growth at about 0.5% a year as the country faces low birth rates and an aging population.

The shift comes after a 2025 resident TFR of 0.87 and 27,500 resident births, the lowest on record. Permanent residency remains the main path to citizenship and the yearly targets will be adjusted for applicant suitability and infrastructure capacity, including housing and transport.

Who it affects

Foreign professionals on Employment Passes and S Passes are the main group affected. They can apply for PR first, then citizenship after at least 2 years as a PR, if they meet age, family and integration requirements.

The policy doesn't create a separate route for digital nomads or tourists. Singapore still has no dedicated digital nomad visa and short stays remain tied to existing entry rules. The government has also expanded integration programs such as the Citizenship Journey and PR Journey.

What applicants need to know

PR applications typically look at work experience, income, qualifications, age, family ties and community involvement. There is no public scoring system. Citizenship applications cost S$100, with an added S$70 certificate fee and S$10 for an identity card after approval, while agency help can cost more than S$2,450.

Processing can take up to 12 months for citizenship, though overseas-born children of citizens can be processed in about 1 month if documents are complete. For travelers and remote workers tracking rule changes across the region, see our visa updates page.

Read our full Singapore guide for the complete picture.