Citizenship question

[Dewy]

Hi everyone.I have a question.If you decide to take up Singapore citizenship, do you have to give up your previous citizenship or do SIR allow you to keep dual citizenship?Thanks for your help.

[gypsy]

Dual citizenship is not allowed by the Singapore government.

[James JPN]

This is probably not the final answer.  I think it is a don't ask don't tell policy.  What happens if a Singaporean takes UK citizenship and then the Singapore government finds out?  Do he/she lose their Singapore citizenship and all those future potential tax revenues?

Food for thought.

[Francis]

Yes, if the Singapore government finds out, you WILL lose your Singapore citizenship, unless you renounce your other citizenship.  This is something viewed very seriously by Singapore and the prospect of losing a little tax revenue is not a deterrent to it applying such drastic measures.  I have seen it happen to someone I know.

[James JPN]

Not to be cheeky but how does one renounce their "other citizenship".  Is there a form?  Do you have to cut up your other passport in front of immigration?  Do you have to bring a note from your home country?  

Wondering....

[neil1948]

is it possible to not be a citizen of ANY country by renouncing your citizenship of your home country and not taking up any other countries citizenship? just wondering also ....

[apdeep]

What are the advantages of Taking up of Citizenship? When can a expat become Singaporean citizen

[Ann]

Although I'm British, some Brit friends took up US citizenship as they got sick of re-applying for green cards every decade. You're not supposed to have dual citizenship if you become an American, but they still keep their British passports with no problems, and it means that they can easily work not only in the UK but all the EEC countries with no hassles with work permits and visas. The only way for a Brit to renounce citizenship is to go to the British High Commisioner/Amassador and make an oath. I've never known anyone to do this! Actually, I remember some Brit female athelete who became a Singaporean when she married a local and could run for Singapore (and fainted on the track I think at least on two of her major international occasions). I wonder if she renounced her British citizenship?

On the other hand, Americans are taxed on worlwide income so I guess have to pay tax to Singapore and some to the IRS back home - so I guess that may be a (poor) reason to renounce their US citizenship. However, the males would then have to do National Service!

[Puzzled]

I know an American who married a local woman, and has two kids born in Singapore.  He went in to denounce Singapore citizenship for the kids, as he wanted the kids to be Americans.  The authorities told him that it was OK, he could keep both......puzzled?  I know another friend of mine who is in Singapore, who is a British (i.e. formerly Singaporean).....and working in Singapore as a Singaporean???

Puzzled?

[Sander]

To Puzzled:
Are you sure you're not confusing permanent residency with citizenship?
You can have dual/multiple PR but not dual citizenship (for singapore).

[Ann]

Dewey, I don't know which country you are from, but just in case you are British (or anyone else reading this is) then you might find this article interesting - especially the bit about National Service!:
http://www.britain-info.org/consular/dualnata.asp

I've also just remembered the fuss which was made in Singapore a couple of years or so ago when a Singaporean team reached the top of Mount Everest (or was it the South Pole? I forget which) and it turned out that two of the team members were *not Singapore citizens*...they were Malaysian Chinese but were PR's here. It seemed that the sensiblities of Singaporean national pride were offended. There were many days of letters in the Straits Times complaining bitterly that they were PR's only and a big discussion and articles followed over why people should opt to gain full citizenship. I do recall that at least one of the adventurers almost immediately became a citizen in Sing. due to the criticism.  

[James JPN]

Regarding the US:

In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.

Intention is the kicker.  

For more go to:
http://travel.state.gov/dualnationality.html

[James JPN]

Looks like there is a problem with all those that thought this couldn't be done.  I found the following:

Q : "Are those who hold dual citizenship liable for National Service?"
A :  As long as a person is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, he is liable for NS. The acquisition of foreign citizenship (dual citizens) does not exempt them from their NS obligations. Like all other male Singapore citizens, dual citizens are required to register for NSF upon reaching the age of 16½ and enlist for NS upon reaching the age of 18.  

So what the guys above are now telling me is if you are a dual citizen then you lose your citizenship to Singapore but not before you do your National Service stint.

[Feral in Singapore]

WHY would you want to?  Singaporeans are trying desperately to leave.  Favourite destinations are Australia, USA and Canada.  There is little to offer in Singapore apart from a warm and fuzzy climate.

A friend gave birth in Singapore some years ago and the authorities made it clear that this child had "no rights to become a Singaporean..." as if it was such a much sought after thing.  As it turns out the child enjoys dual citizenship between Aust and Canada (two of the most desirable passports) and would never want to be a Singaporean anyway.  This arrogance is extreme.  I know lots of Singaporeans in Aust who go to Oz to study and don't bother to return to Sing permanently and many who are desperate for a way out of the rat race.

[zz]

No, you can't have dual PR's either.  You can have it for a while, but when it comes to renewal, you can't get away.

Also, you pay income taxes based on tax residency status, has got nothing to do with being a citizen here.  if you are here for more than 183 days, you pay tax - that's it.