Pros & Cons Of SC

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Click here to learn more about Singapore Citizenship in details such as eligibility, processing, guidelines, etc.

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Click here to watch Video for SUMMARY OF PRIVILEGES of Singapore Citizenship.

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Click here to learn the COMPARISON SUMMARY about Privileges / Features / Benefits / Pros / Advantages (and Cons / Disadvantages / Drawbacks, may be in your own opinion) of attaining naturalized Citizenship in Singapore / obtaining Singapore Citizenship / becoming Singapore Citizen / conversion of Singapore Citizen.

Please read the below Remarks before learning the Privileges / features of Singapore Citizenship (by Registration / Naturalisation):

• When you are considering for applying for Singapore Citizenship, you may be interested to know the factual advantages and disadvantages. Every person will weigh the advantages and disadvantages at least somewhat differently, and nobody else can decide which characteristics of Singapore Citizenship are more or less important to you.
• This is for those who wish to become Singapore Citizens by naturalisation to understand and enjoy the benefits, privileges, rights, discharging the obligations, etc.
• The below mentioned-privileges are divided into some sections according to the privileged sectors such as Housing, Health Care, Taxation Privileges, etc.
• Whether the privileges are Advantages, Disadvantages or Features / Combination of Advantages/Disadvantages which are subject to be determined by any individual in his / her own opinions.
• Some advantages or many privileges may be disadvantages to other individuals and vice versa being the reasons that the features depend on the individual’s personal situations.
• This comparison, pros and cons (if any in your own opinion) list is not exhaustive.
• The rules and regulations are subject to change by the Government of Singapore.
• The information was updated on 25-Apr-2019 from the source of various Government Authorities in Singapore.
• You may wish to visit the relevant authorities’ websites for up to date rules, guidelines, policies, acts and laws in Singapore.
• In our own opinion as a conclusion remarks, we find only privileges, benefits, privileges and so on.
• You may wish to share your own opinions and experiences with us by emailing to [email protected] for our analysis and further updates.

Favourable Features / Benefits / Pros / Advantages of becoming Naturalised Citizen in Singapore

Comparison with “If not situation” / “Foreigners” / “SPR”

Immigration Status: Singapore Citizen

• Naturalised Singapore citizenship is the highest immigration status in Singapore. They may live and/or work in Singapore as long as they wish until they renounce their citizenship. Singapore citizenship is not subject to renewal once every five years.

• Singapore citizenship is not subject to renewal like Permanent Resident (PR) for every five years for Re-Entry Permit (REP).

LTVP for Family Members:

• A dependant or spouse of a citizen can enjoy good immigration stability with an option to apply with Long-Term Visit Pass plus (LTVP+).

• Most of the family members may be granted the LTVP / LTVP+ favourably which is still subject to ICA’s approval.

Employment for Family Members:

• The dependants who hold LTVP / LTVP+ may apply for Letter Of Consent (LOC) for employment if they find the jobs.

• LTVP / LTVP+ holders may opt for pre-approved Letter Of Consent when they apply or renew their LTVP / LTVP+.
• By holding pre-approved LOC, the employers just need to notify MOM about the employment of the LTVP / LVTP+ holders.

PR for Family Members:

• Singapore citizen can sponsor certain immediate family members such as spouse and unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by a citizen for Permanent Residence to allow them to immigrate to Singapore.

• The approval of PR for family members is not guaranteed, even for citizen sponsors, and it will depend on financial and many other factors.

Citizenship for Family Members:

• Singapore citizen can sponsor certain immediate family members such as spouse and unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by a citizen for Singapore citizenship to form a nucleus family in Singapore.

• However, the approval of citizenship for family members is not guaranteed for citizenship for family members of the citizens of Singapore, and it will depend on financial and many other factors.

Visa privileges for most of the countries in the world:

• As of 26 March 2019, Singapore citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 189 destinations (most countries and territories), ranking the Singaporean passport 1st in terms of number of countries a passport holder can visit without pre-arrival visa arrangements, alongside Japan and South Korea according to the Henley Passport Index.

• Being SPR visa privileges are not applicable.
• A few foreign countries may offer Singapore PRs greater odds of visa approval, longer term visas, and/or lower cost visas.

Employment privileges:

• Citizens are fully employable without requiring work permits or Letters Of Consent (LOC), in practically any full-time or part-time employment including government employment with no exception (unlike SPR for certain sensitive government roles), and can even hold more than one part-time job, freelancing work, contract job, etc.

• SPRs may face some restrictions for employment for certain sensitive government roles which may not be applicable to citizens.
• The privileges for employing the PRs may be the secondary next to Citizens when the unemployment exists.

Career Support Programme for Employers:

• The Career Support Programme (CSP) is a salary support programme offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the Employment and Employability Institute (NTUC’s e2i) to encourage employers to hire eligible Singapore Citizen Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs).
• As part of the Adapt and Grow initiative to help Singapore Citizens adapt to changing job demands and enhance their employability, the CSP will be extended for two (2) years. The programme period will be from 1 Apr 2019 to 31 Mar 2021.

• The Career Support Programme is not applicable to SPR.
• However, there are some other funding schemes available which include SPR too.

Business privileges:

• Citizens can be self-employed, start their own businesses, be directors and officers of most Singapore companies, own businesses, and otherwise lead full economic lives in Singapore.

• For some businesses the PRs may not be enjoying the same kind of benefits like citizens.
• Eg: Deposits may be lower for citizens whereas higher for PRs for commercial units from the Public agencies such as HDB.

Ability to retire in Singapore:

• Citizens can stay in Singapore throughout their life by enjoying the working, living, retirement, etc.

• In case the naturalised citizens prefer to retire in their birth (mother) countries they may renounce their citizenship which is subject to approval by Singapore ICA and their birth countries for acceptance.

Subsidy for centre-based infant care and child care:

• This is a government initiative aimed at making centre-based child and infant care a more affordable option.
• Monthly infant care subsidy up to a certain amount is available to Singapore citizen’s infants aged 2-18 months, who are enrolled in licenced child care centres.

• PRs are eligible for Government subsidies for their children to send to Infant care and childcare centres.

Placement to Public (Government) educational institutions:

• Citizen children come first when enrolling in government-run Primary school, Secondary school, Junior College, Polytechnic and University in other words Primary to University.

• The priority for school placement is exclusively for citizens even though the PRs live next to their choice of Schools.

Subsidised costs to Public (Government) educational institutions:

• Citizen children pay much lower or subsidised fees than SPR children when they enrol for Primary school, Secondary school, Junior College, Polytechnic and University in other words Primary to University.
• There is a wider gap in educational fees between citizen children and PR children where the formers are enjoying with more subsidies.

• The educational fee for SPR children is lower when it is compared with the foreigners.

Edusave Scheme:

• Edusave scheme is applicable only to Singapore citizen children while pursuing their studies in Government-funded schools in Singapore.

• Both PRs and foreigners are not eligible for Edusave.

• Citizens are eligible to buy any kind of properties including Private and Public of both Residential and Commercial with no restrictions.

• PRs are allowed to buy resale HDB flats only after the waiting period of minimum 3 years from attaining the PR status.
• PRs must get approval from the authority for buying a landed property in Singapore. 

Comparison of Housing privileges / benefits for citizens with PRs and Foreigners

Notes:

• Eligibility is subject to appropriate criteria set by the relevant Agencies / Authorities of Government of Singapore such as Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Central Provident Fund (CPF), etc.
• You may wish to visit the relevant agencies for updated detailed information, guides, policies, rules and regulations.

Medifund:

• Medifund is an endowment fund set up by Singapore Government to help financially with medical expenses of only needy Singaporeans.
• The Medifund grants are provided to approved hospitals and medical institutions, to help low income Singapore citizens to pay for their medical treatments.
• The needy citizen are subject to criteria to avail the Medifund grants. (who on satisfying certain eligibility criteria)

• This grant is not available to other Singapore residents such as Permanent Residents (PR), Employment Pass (EP), S Pass and Work Permit holders.

Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS):

• The aim of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), formerly known as the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS), is to provide needy elderly and/or disabled Singaporeans with better access to primary healthcare by bringing affordable services closer to such residents.
• Under the CHAS, the Ministry of Health (MOH) engages private general practitioners (GPs) and dentists to provide common outpatient medical and dental treatment to the needy elderly and/or disabled at subsidised charges.

• Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is not available for PRs, Work Passholders or foreigners.

Subsidised Medical Fees and Charges:

• Citizens pay the fully subsidised medical fees such as for consultation, laboratory tests, medicines and hospitalisations in Government aided-polyclinics and restructured hospitals which is much lower than PRs and foreigners.

• Permanent Residents and foreigners including all types of work pass / work permit holders pay much higher than the citizens.

Notes:

• Eligibility is subject to appropriate criteria set by the Ministry Of Health (MOH).
• You may wish to visit the MOH for updated detailed information, guides, policies, rules and regulations.

Leave Benefits in Singapore

• When any Citizens, Permanent Residents and work pass holders are employed in Singapore, they are entitled to certain types of leaves and out of which some leaves are reimbursed by the Government of Singapore based on employees’ and/or employees’ children eligibilities.
• Many of leaves are statutory while some leaves are not mandatory which are at the discretion of the Employers.

Adoption Leave

• Eligible adoptive mothers, including those who are self-employed, are entitled to 12 weeks of paid adoption leave to bond with and care for their adopted infants.

Annual Leave

• In accordance with the Employment Act, you are entitled to paid annual leave if you have worked for your employer for at least 3 months. Find out about your entitlements.

Childcare Leave

• If you have children under 7 years old, find out your eligibility and entitlements for childcare leave and how you can take your leave. You may also be eligible for extended childcare leave for a child aged 7 to 12 years.

Compassionate Leave

• There is no statutory entitlement for compassionate leave. Such leave entitlements depend on your employment contract or on mutual agreement between you and your employer. You can apply for annual leave or unpaid leave for such purposes.

Marriage Leave

• There is no statutory entitlement for marriage leave. Such leave entitlements depend on your employment contract or on mutual agreement between you and your employer. You can apply for annual leave or unpaid leave for such purposes.

Maternity Leave

• If you are a working mother, you are entitled to paid maternity leave after the birth of your child. Find out about the benefits, coverage and rights under different scenarios.

Paternity Leave

• From 1 January 2017, eligible working fathers, including those who are self-employed, are entitled to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave funded by the Government.

Shared Parental Leave

• As a working father, you can currently apply to share up to 4 weeks of your wife’s 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave, subject to your wife’s agreement.

Sick Leave

• If you are covered by the Employment Act, you are entitled to paid sick leave if you have worked for your employer for at least 3 months. Find out about your entitlements.

Unpaid Infant Care Leave

• As a working parent, you are entitled to 6 days of unpaid infant care leave a year if your child is a Singapore citizen.

Unpaid Leave (No-Pay Leave)

• You can apply for unpaid leave (also known as no-pay leave) if you are not eligible for paid annual leave or have used up your paid annual leave. Unpaid leave is subject to approval from your employer.

Comparison of Eligibility for reimbursement of a Government-Paid Leave (GPL)

Adoption Leave

Childcare Leave

Maternity Leave

Paternity Leave

Shared Parental Leave

Notes:

• Eligibility is subject to appropriate criteria set by the Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
• You may wish to visit the above authorities for updated detailed information, guides, policies, rules and regulations.

Baby Bonus Scheme:

• To support couples in their decision to have more children, the Child Development Co-Savings (Baby Bonus) Scheme helps to lighten the financial costs of raising children. The scheme is part of the Marriage and Parenthood Package and includes a cash gift and contributions to the Child Development Account.
• If your child is a Singapore citizen then he/she is eligible for the Baby Bonus Scheme. The Baby Bonus Scheme is a government initiative that supports parents’ decision to have more children by helping to ease the financial burden of raising children.
• Your children will also enjoy Government contributions in the form of a dollar-to-dollar matching for the amount of savings you contribute to your child’s Children Development Account (CDA).
• The CDA is a special savings account for your children, until they turn 6 years of age.
• The Government contribution to the CDA for your first and second child is up to a cap of SGD6,000 and up to SGD10,000 each for the subsequent child.

• The Baby Bonus Scheme is not available to Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
• However, if the children of PRs and foreigners are citizen of Singapore or they are going to be citizens, then they will be eligible for this scheme subject to the criteria.

Pioneer Generation Package:

​​​The Government has introduced the Pioneer Generation Package to honour and thank our Pioneers for their hard work and dedication. They have made Singapore what it is today.

Eligibility: Living Singapore Citizens who meet 2 criteria:

• 1) Aged 16 and above in 1965 – this means:

o    Born on or before 31 December 1949​

o    Aged 65 and above in 2014

and​​​

• 2) ​​Obtained citizenship on or before 31 December 1986.

Benefits: The package will help Pioneers with their healthcare costs for life.

Outpatient Care:

• Additional 50% off subsidised services at polyclinics and Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
• Additional 50% off subsidised medications at polyclinics and Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
• ​​​Enjoy subsidies at participating GP and dental clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
• Cash of $1,200 a year for those with moderate to severe functional disabilities under the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme.

• The Pioneer Generation Package is an exclusive privilege to Singapore Citizens and it’s not applicable to Permanent Residents or Foreigners.

Note:

• Please visit for more detailed information, eligibility, benefits, etc at: www.pioneers.sg

The Merdeka Generation Package:

The Merdeka Generation Package is introduced by the Government to honour and thank our Merdeka Generation for their contributions. They have shaped Singapore to the nation it is today.

Eligibility: The Merdeka Generation Package is given to seniors who:

• Were born on or before 31 December 1949; and
• Became Singapore citizens on or before 31 December 1996; and
• Do not receive the Pioneer Generation Package.

Benefits:

• PAssion Silver Card Top-up: A one-off $100 top-up for your PAssion Silver Card.
• Annual MediSave Top-ups: $200 top-up every July, from 2019 to 2023.
• Additional Subsidies for Outpatient Care: Special CHAS subsidies at CHAS GP and dental clinics, which are higher than CHAS Blue subsidies.
• Additional 25% off subsidised bill at polyclinics and Public Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
• Additional CareShield Life Participation Incentive: Additional $1,500 participation incentive if you sign up for CareShield Life when it becomes available from 2021.
• Additional MediShield Life Premium Subsidies: Additional 5% subsidy for your annual premiums, increasing to 10% after you turn 75 years old.

• The Merdeka Generation Package is an exclusive privilege to Singapore Citizens and it’s not applicable to Permanent Residents or Foreigners.

Note:

• Please visit for more detailed information, eligibility, benefits, etc at: www.merdekageneration.sg

SkillsFuture Credit:

• The SkillsFuture Credit aims to encourage individual ownership of skills development and lifelong learning. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive an opening credit of S$500 from January 2016.
• The credit will not expire and the government will provide periodic top-ups, so you may accumulate your credit.
• The SkillsFuture Credit aims to strengthen individual ownership of skills development and lifelong learning. Hence it is only for individuals.
• The SkillsFuture Credit is targeted at Singaporeans who have generally completed their full-time education and are in the workforce or preparing to join the workforce.
• It allows them to invest in their continued learning journey and be active learners.

• The SkillsFuture Credit is aimed at helping Singaporeans in their learning and skills development, and is in line with Government’s commitment to provide support for Singaporeans to maximise their potential throughout life, and secure good jobs.

Note:

• Please visit for more detailed information, eligibility, benefits, etc at: www.skillsfuture.sg

Tax Related Benefits / Rebates / Reliefs:

• Income tax rates are the same for citizens, PRs and foreigners.
• Foreigners are required to have resided in Singapore for 183 days or more in the previous calendar year to be eligible for resident tax otherwise non-resident tax rates will be applicable.
• In Singapore, there are certain tax relief or rebate benefits available are available exclusively to citizens.
• The following types of tax benefits / reliefs are applicable only to citizens and/or citizen children / citizen grandchildren.

• The tax related benefits / rebates / reliefs are not available to Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
• However, if the children of PRs and foreigners are citizen of Singapore, then they will be eligible for those reliefs / rebates subject to the criteria.

Parenthood Tax Rebate (PTR):

• PTR is a lump sum rebate given to married Singapore tax residents to encourage them to have more Singapore Citizen children. The PTR can also be used to offset their income tax payable.
• It is applicable to Singaporean children of Singapore tax residents.
• Parents are eligible to claim the Parenthood Tax Rebate (PTR) of SGD5,000 for their 1st child, SGD10,000 for the 2nd child, and SGD20,000 for the 3rd and each subsequent child.

Working Mother’s Child Relief (WMCR):

• WMCR was introduced by Singapore Government to reward the families with citizen children and to encourage parents to take up citizenship for their children.
• This relief can be claimed by a working mother who is a Singapore tax resident and whose children are Singapore citizens.
• The amount of WMCR claimable for each child is based on a specified percentage of the working mother’s earned income corresponding to the child order: 15% of mother’s earned income for the first child, 20% for the second child, 25% for the third and every subsequent child thereafter.
  

Qualifying Child Relief (QCR) / Handicapped Child Relief (HCR):

• This relief is given to recognise the families’ efforts in supporting their children and caring for their handicapped children.
• On satisfying the QCR/HCR eligibility criteria and any additional set of criteria applicable to the child, relief of SGD4,000 and SGD5,500 can be claimed under QCR and HCR respectively.
• You may share the QCR / HCR on the same child with your spouse / ex-spouse based on an agreed apportionment.

Grandparent Caregiver Relief (GCR):

• GCR is a relief to recognise the grandparents who play the vital role of caregiver and help working mothers take care of their children.
• The children have to be Singapore citizens and the grand-parent should be living in Singapore.
• You can claim SGD3,000 as GCR upon meeting out the eligibility criteria.

Central Provident Fund (CPF): Employer’s portion:

• Employer’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution to the citizens and Permanent Residents (PR) is automatically eligible for tax relief purposes.

Central Provident Fund (CPF): Employee’s portion:

• Employee’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution by the citizens and Permanent Residents (PR) is also eligible and can be claimed for tax relief purposes.

Central Provident Fund (CPF) Cash Top-up (Family members: parents, grandparents, spouse and / or siblings) Relief):

• You could consider topping up the CPF retirement accounts of your parents and / or grandparents in addition to topping up your own CPF special or retirement account. The cash could go towards helping them with their retirement needs by reducing your tax burden.
• If you have a spouse or siblings who do not have income exceeding SGD4,000 in preceding year of the top up, topping up their CPF special/retirement account will grant you the same relief. The maximum relief provided here is SGD7,000 which is similar to topping up your own CPF account.
• The maximum about of relief you will be entitled is SGD14,000 (SGD7,000 self + SGD7,000 family) when you have topped up both your own and your family member’s CPF special/retirement account.

Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) relief:

• Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) : The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary scheme to encourage individuals to save for retirement, over and above their CPF savings. Contributions to SRS are eligible for tax relief. Investment returns are tax-free before withdrawal and only 50% of the withdrawals from SRS are taxable at retirement.
• You are entitled to a SRS tax relief in the Year of Assessment (YA) following the year of contribution. However, you have to be assessed as a tax resident for that YA. Non-residents are not eligible for any tax relief.
• Hence you may wish to consider opening an SRS account with one of the local banks. Contributions made to your SRS account will qualify you for tax relief of up to SGD15,300. The contribution should be made before the end of this year to qualify for the relief on your current year’s income.
• Furthermore, as part of the SRS, only 50% of the withdrawal amount made at or after the official retirement age will be taxed (i.e. only SGD50,000/- will be subject to tax if SGD100,000/- was withdrawn). Withdrawals from the SRS account prior to retirement age will, however, be subject to tax in full.

Notes:

• Eligibility is subject to appropriate criteria set by the Ministry Of Manpower (MOM), the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB), the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
• You may wish to visit the above authorities for updated detailed information, guides, policies, rules and regulations.

Voting Rights / Privileges:

• Only Singapore Citizens have civil rights to cast their votes in Parliamentary elections.
• Only Singapore Citizens can be eligible to contest in election to become a Member of Parliament (MP).
• Voting is compulsory in Singapore as it is as much a fundamental right of citizenship as it is a civic responsibility to be exercised by citizens to choose and elect their leaders in a democracy.
• All Singapore citizens whose names are in the Registers of Electors have to cast their votes on Polling Day.
• In case of failure to vote, the Registration Officer will remove the non-voters from the register which would make them ineligible to cast their votes in subsequent elections.
• In order to restore the non-voters’ names, they should apply with a fee online with valid (acceptable) reasons which is subject to approval by EDS.

• Permanent Residents and Foreigners are not eligible to cast their votes in Singapore elections.

Privileges at government-run sports facilities:

• Citizens enjoy with lower rates as for admission to government-run sports facilities such as public swimming pools, and they can also participate in the ActiveSG $ rebate program.

• This is to encourage the people regardless of the immigration status towards national health policies.
• PRs also pay the same as citizens.

Privileges at public libraries:

• Citizens enjoy with no fees for registration for basic National Library Board (NLB) membership.

• The NLB fee is much lesser for PRs than the annual fee for foreigners for more limited privileges.

No need to renew driving licences:

• Citizens can keep (after conversion while being PR) their Singapore driving licences after passing the applicable theory and practical driving tests.
• Note: Older drivers’ periodic checks still apply.

• Foreigners required to renew their licenses periodically.

Limited merchant (agencies) privileges:

• Citizens also enjoy some limited privileges from merchant institutions same as PRs.
• Eg:  Easier to sign longer term contracts for telecommunications services and utilities with lower deposit requirements.

• Comparatively foreigners required to place higher deposits.

Limited financial privileges:

• Citizens also enjoy some limited privileges from financial institutions.
• Eg: Credit cards are available only to citizens and PRs with lower income criteria.

• Foreigners required to meet with higher income criteria when it is compared with citizens and PRs.

Features or Combination of both Advantages / Benefits / Pros and Disadvantages / Drawbacks / Cons of becoming Citizens in Singapore

Justifications to consider positively in case they seem to be negative

National Service Liability / Obligations:

• Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted, are required to serve National Service (NS).
• Following the completion of full-time NS, they will be required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) per year for the duration of their ORNS training cycle, till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).
• Male applicants who are granted PR status as a Foreign Student or under their parents’ sponsorship are required to register for NS upon reaching 16½ years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old. Deferment from NS for university studies, regardless of whether such studies have begun, will not be granted. Those who are pursuing full-time GCE ’A’ Level or Polytechnic Diploma studies (or equivalent) may be granted deferment if they meet the deferment conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Defence.
• Males who are granted Singapore PR, and who were previously Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, are liable to be called up for NS regardless of the scheme under which their PR status was granted.
• Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS would have an adverse impact on any immediate or future applications to work, study or live in Singapore, or for Singapore citizenship or PR status. Renouncing or losing one’s PR status without serving or completing full-time NS may also adversely affect any immediate or future applications for renewal of Re-entry Permits made by one’s family members or sponsors.

• NS is very important – it is the bedrock of Singapore’s national defence because Singapore depends on a very strong defence for her survival, success and security.
• NS experience also provides young men with plenty of opportunities for personal growth.
• NS is not only of benefit to defence but also to society as a whole, and to NS men and their families.
• NS allows many Singaporean men and women a chance to come up close and personal with the tactics, equipment and training that have been created and deployed to safeguard the country. In Singapore, about half of the citizen population have been exposed to some form of tactical scenario or environment during NS.
• Given the need for a whole-of-nation approach to tackle the rising threat of terrorism, this will not only hold in good stead those called upon to serve in the face of a real threat, but may also play an important role for those who are involved as civilians.
• Basic training in how to deal with armed threats, how to evade and escape, or provide emergency medical treatment, can be invaluable in unfortunate situations as well.

Waiver of National Service obligations:

• NS obligations are waived for first generation PRs under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) and Investor Schemes.

• Males who get granted the PR status under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or the Investor Scheme, are exempted from NS.

Mandatory Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions:

• Working citizens and their employers are required to contribute to Singapore’s mandatory national savings program, the Central Provident Fund.
• CPF is a comparatively safe and high yielding savings vehicle, and both contributions and earnings are Singapore tax free.
• CPF savings can be used for retirement and also for medical care, medical insurance, and certain real estate purchases in Singapore.
• Many individuals would voluntarily contribute to CPF if they could.
• However, there are some possible disadvantages such as take-home pay is reduced compared to a similarly situated foreign worker.

• In Singapore, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) acts as the country’s pension scheme to assist all Singaporeans (including PRs) for their retirement.
• The save-as-you-earn element employed by the CPF ensures that both time (employees and employers start contributing as soon as a person begin working) and discipline (contributions to CPF are meant for retirement and a few other essential items such as housing and medical bills only) are incorporated.
• It is important for us not to forget that the primary purpose of CPF is to ensure that we have enough to cover our basic retirement needs.
• In other words, money that was meant for tomorrow is being used today.

CPF Withdrawal Limitation:

• If you wish to withdraw all your CPF savings as a lump sum, the only option is to renounce your citizenship status.

• This rule is applicable to Permanent Residents (PRs) as well.

MediShield Life:

• Singapore requires both citizens and PRs, no matter where they live, to pay MediShield Life premiums.
• MediShield Life provides a basic set of medical insurance benefits at public hospitals and public clinics in Singapore.
• The premiums are set annually and increase with age, and they are paid from CPF Medisave funds (if there are Medisave funds available; otherwise the premiums must be paid out of pocket).
• The premiums are not adjusted for income except for the very poorest, when they are subsidised or waived, so middle class PRs and citizens pay exactly the same MediShield Life premiums as the wealthiest PRs and citizens.
• Integrated Shield insurance policies are available to supplement MediShield Life, and since citizens already have mandatory MediShield Life they pay a lower premium for an Integrated Shield plan than foreigners do.
• Whether a particular citizen gets value-for-money from MediShield Life is highly situational.

• Comparatively MediShield Life is not applicable for foreigners.
• Foreigners pay higher premiums for Integrated Shield plans than citizens and PRs.

No Dual Citizenship:

• When you are firmly deciding to become a Singapore citizen then you will have to renounce citizenship of your home country and surrender your home country passport.
• Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.

• Comparatively PRs can be holding multiple PR status in various countries without renouncing their home country citizenship.
• When you are ready to call Singapore as your home country then it may not be appropriate to call another country also as your home country.

Revocation / Deprivation of Naturalised Singapore Citizenship:

• Singapore Government can strip off the naturalised citizenship for certain very serious offences such as forged educational certificates to support the  Singapore citizenship application, failure to declare the citizenship of third country/ies, immigration offences related to entry into Singapore without valid travel documents, breaking immigration laws, a threat to national security, chargeable under Internal Security Act (ISA), etc.