What the Singapore citizenship certificate is
The Singapore citizenship certificate is the official proof that a person holds Singapore citizenship, whether it was granted by birth, registration or naturalisation. New citizens receive the certificate after the citizenship ceremony, where they take the Oath of Allegiance. You may need the certificate later to apply for a Singapore passport (see our Singapore passport photo page), to enrol in school or to use government services.
How Singapore citizenship is granted
Singapore citizenship can be acquired in three ways. By birth, a person born in the country to at least one Singapore citizen parent becomes a citizen. By registration, a permanent resident who meets the requirements can apply to become a citizen. By naturalisation, a foreigner who has lived in the country for the required period and meets the criteria can apply. Applications for Singapore citizenship are made to the ICA, online through its e-Service or in person, together with documents such as a birth certificate, an identity card, a marriage certificate if applicable and proof of residence.
From application to certificate
A non-refundable fee is paid when you apply, and the amount depends on the type of application. Some applicants are invited to an interview. Processing may take several months, after which the ICA sends a notification with the outcome. If Singapore citizenship is approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, take the Oath of Allegiance, and then receive your certificate.
Rights and duties of Singapore citizenship
Singapore citizenship gives you the right to vote, work and live in the country without restrictions, and it comes with the duty to obey the law and, where required, to serve in national service. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship: a person who acquires the citizenship of another country may lose Singapore citizenship. Keep the certificate in a safe place, because it is the main proof of your Singapore citizenship.
When you need a citizenship certificate photo
You may need a new photo when you ask the ICA to replace a Singapore citizenship certificate that was lost or damaged. The ICA replacement page explains how to apply, and a fee applies to the replacement. Make the photo to the ICA photo guidelines, so it is ready when you send the application.
Singapore citizenship certificate photo size explained
The photo size for a Singapore citizenship certificate is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high (3.5 × 4.5 cm). In this template the head is about 34.5 mm from chin to crown, with about 3 mm between the top of the head and the top edge of the photo. A print at 290 DPI keeps the face sharp at this size. When you submit the photo online, the file must not be larger than 60 KB; our tool compresses the digital photo for you without changing the size or the crop.
Photo checklist
Read the full ICA photo guidelines before you apply. Our checklist for this document:
- Correct photo size: 35×45 mm, head centred and straight.
- Plain white background with no shadows, patterns or objects.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible.
- Eyes clearly visible: take off glasses and keep hair away from the eyes and the outline of the face.
- A recent, sharp colour photo with no filters or retouching of your features.
Printed or online submission
A Singapore citizenship certificate photo can be submitted online as a digital file or handed in as a print, depending on how you apply to the ICA. For an online application, upload the digital file under 60 KB. For a printed photo, print at 290 DPI on photo paper and cut it exactly to 35×45 mm. Our free maker gives you both: a digital file for the online form and a print-ready sheet.
Other Singapore documents
If you also need a Singapore ID card photo, a Singapore visa or a Singapore driving licence, check the photo size on that document's own page before you print.
