Apply Singapore Citizenship for Spouse
To apply for Singapore citizenship for your spouse, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Eligibility Criteria for Spouse of a Singapore Citizen
- Your spouse must have been a Permanent Resident (PR) for at least 2 years.
- You must be legally married for at least 2 years.
- Both of you should be in good standing in terms of legal, financial, and social behavior.
2. Documents Required for Spouse’s Application
These documents will be needed for the application:
a. For the Applicant (Spouse)
- Current Passport: Copy of passport showing personal particulars, visas, and entry/exit stamps.
- Singapore PR Card: Proof of PR status.
- NRIC (if applicable): For those holding the Singapore NRIC (National Registration Identity Card).
- Passport-Sized Photograph: Taken within the last 3 months.
- Income Tax Returns (for the last 3 years): Income Tax Notice of Assessment from IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).
- Employment Letter: A letter from the spouse’s employer verifying employment details (date of employment, salary, designation) or self-employment documents.
- CPF Contribution History: If the applicant is employed, provide the latest 12 months’ CPF (Central Provident Fund) contribution statement.
- Education Certificates: Highest academic qualifications such as diplomas, degrees, or professional certificates.
- Housing Information: Proof of home ownership or rental agreement, if applicable.
b. For the Singaporean Spouse
- Birth Certificate: Copy of the Singaporean spouse’s birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
- NRIC: Copy of the Singaporean spouse’s NRIC.
- Marriage Certificate: Proof of marriage (in English or translated version if not in English).
- Joint Documents (if applicable): Documents that show joint property ownership, rental agreements, or shared financial accounts, which may strengthen the application.
3. Step-by-Step Application Processa. Create a SingPass Account
- Both you and your spouse will need a SingPass account to access ICA’s e-Service portal. Your spouse, as the applicant, should log in to apply.
b. Submit Application via ICA e-Service
- Go to the ICA e-Service Portal and log in using SingPass.
- Navigate to the “Singapore Citizenship Application” section.
- Select the option for applying for citizenship as the spouse of a Singaporean.
- Complete the online application form with the necessary details and attach all the required documents in the correct format.
c. Pay Application Fee.
- Payment can be made online via credit/debit card during submission.
d. Wait for Processing
- Processing can take 6 to 12 months, and ICA may request additional documents or call for an interview during this period.
- You can track the status of the application through the same e-Service portal.
4. Possible Interviews and Additional Documents
- ICA may require your spouse to attend an interview as part of the application process.
- Further documentation might be requested, such as travel history, community contributions, or proof of marital stability.
5. Oath of Allegiance and Renunciation
- Upon approval, your spouse will be required to renounce their current citizenship, as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults.
- They will also need to take an Oath of Allegiance at a citizenship ceremony.
6. Track Application Status
- You can log into the ICA portal anytime to check the application status or updates on additional steps.
Key Considerations
- Ensure your spouse meets the eligibility requirements, especially the 2-year PR period and legal marriage duration.
- Make sure all documents are in English or officially translated.
- Having a solid financial standing and contributions to Singapore’s society (through employment, taxes, etc.) will strengthen the application.