Singapore is one of the most desirable countries in the world for foreigners seeking stability, opportunity, and a high quality of life. While many expatriates initially come for work or business, a significant number eventually become Permanent Residents and consider taking the next big step – becoming a Singapore citizen. But what drives this decision? Below are several compelling reasons why foreigners are choosing to call Singapore home, not just temporarily, but for life.
1. High Standard of Living
Singapore consistently ranks among the top countries in global liveability indexes. With world-class infrastructure, a highly efficient public transportation system, low crime rates, and access to top-tier healthcare, it offers a secure and comfortable lifestyle. Clean streets, green spaces, and strict law enforcement make it a safe haven for individuals and families alike. People from neighbouring Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam may find that life is an upgrade in Singapore as compared to their home countries.
2. Political and Economic Stability
Singapore is known for its political transparency, low corruption levels, and a pro-business environment. Its stable government and robust legal system provide predictability, which is particularly attractive to professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for long-term security. Becoming a citizen gives foreigners full access to this stability without the uncertainty of visa renewals or changing immigration policies.
This stability translates to safety and security from all types of crimes and internal instability such as riots and violence, making it safe for all ages and ethnicities.
3. Exceptional Education System
For foreigners with families, Singapore’s education system is a major draw. The country boasts one of the best public education systems in Asia, and its universities are globally recognised. As a citizen, children enjoy priority placement in public schools, lower tuition fees, and access to various government grants and subsidies.
4. Generous Government Subsidies and Benefits
Singaporean citizens receive various financial incentives that are not available to permanent residents (PRs) or foreigners. These include:
- Public Housing subsidies under the Housing & Development Board (HDB) schemes.
- Healthcare subsidies under MediShield Life and access to the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
- CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions by both employee and employer for retirement, medical, and housing support. Citizens also benefit from government grants for first-time homebuyers, education support, and child-raising incentives.
5. Greater Career and Business Opportunities
While permanent residents can work and run businesses in Singapore, citizens have greater priority when it comes to hiring. Due to a growing, loud dissent amongst Singaporeans since past years, the government has implemented policies that limit foreign hires and encourage local hires instead. Local companies may also prefer hiring citizens for long-term roles due to the reduced administrative burden.
Citizenship in Singapore offers significant advantages for entrepreneurs, particularly when it comes to accessing government support and scaling their businesses. As a citizen, you are eligible for a broader range of government grants, funding schemes, and incentives that are often limited or unavailable to non-citizens or permanent residents. This can be especially valuable in the early stages of business growth, where financial support and access to resources can make a critical difference. Additionally, being a citizen can enhance your credibility when dealing with local institutions, partners, and clients, opening doors to strategic collaborations and market opportunities that accelerate expansion.
Singapore is also renowned for its ease of doing business, consistently ranking among the top countries globally for starting and operating a company. The process of incorporating a business is straightforward, efficient, and digital-friendly, often taking no more than a day with minimal red tape. On top of that, Singapore offers a highly attractive and competitive tax environment for businesses. Corporate tax rates are capped at 17%, with various exemptions and incentives that can reduce the effective tax rate even further—especially for startups and SMEs. For entrepreneurs who hold citizenship, these advantages combine to create a pro-business ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and long-term success.
6. Easier Travel and a Powerful Passport
The Singapore passport is among the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. For frequent travellers or global professionals, this is a huge advantage. Additionally, citizens benefit from streamlined immigration procedures and consular protection abroad.
Foreign nationalities from neighbouring countries who want to become a Singapore citizen can easily travel back home within a few hours from Singapore to visit friends and family. Singapore’s Changi airport has the best connectivity in the region, enabling easy travel for leisure, business and in this case, familial proximity.
7. Strong Sense of National Identity and Belonging
Many foreigners who live in Singapore long-term develop a strong emotional connection to the country. They appreciate its multicultural society, meritocratic values, and sense of order. Becoming a citizen often reflects a commitment to being part of Singapore’s future and contributing to its continued success.
8. Long-Term Security for the Family
Citizenship provides peace of mind for foreigners who wish to settle permanently. Their children can grow up with full access to the nation’s resources, and family reunification becomes easier. In contrast, PR status needs to be renewed periodically and can be subjected to revocation under certain conditions.
Many parents also pursue citizenship for the future of their children. Singaporean citizens have priority access to the world-class public schools, scholarships, and tertiary education. Securing citizenship can open more doors for the next generation than might be available in the family’s country of origin.
Why Choose Singapore Over Other Wealthy Nations?
When considering global alternatives, Singapore stands out from other developed countries like the USA, the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and China for several reasons:
- USA: While the U.S. offers economic opportunities, its immigration process is complex, lengthy, and often uncertain. Healthcare costs and housing are also extremely high, and crime rates are comparatively elevated.
- UK: The UK’s political landscape has been volatile in recent years, particularly with Brexit. Public services like healthcare and education face ongoing funding challenges and long wait times.
- Switzerland: While safe and wealthy, Switzerland has high living costs and a more closed-off path to citizenship, often requiring over a decade of residency, deep integration, and canton-level approval.
- Hong Kong: Once an attractive hub, recent political shifts have led to reduced autonomy and increased uncertainty for residents. Many foreigners have chosen to relocate due to concerns over civil liberties.
- China: Although it offers economic prospects, China’s immigration and citizenship policies are restrictive. Foreigners cannot obtain Chinese citizenship easily, and the regulatory environment can be unpredictable.
In contrast, Singapore strikes a rare balance: it is modern, efficient, welcoming to global talent, and offers a well-defined path to PR and eventual citizenship. Its blend of Asian values and global outlook makes it a unique choice for those seeking both opportunity and peace of mind.
Why Do Foreigners Sacrifice Their Nationality To Become a Singapore Citizen?
For many, the decision to give up their original nationality in favour of Singapore citizenship is not made lightly – it is a calculated and deeply personal choice driven by long-term aspirations and practical benefits. Singapore’s policy does not allow dual citizenship, which means applicants must renounce their previous nationality to be granted full citizenship. Despite this, thousands still make the transition each year.
For those from politically unstable or economically fragile countries, trading in a passport can feel like stepping into long-term peace of mind. People from Myanmar, the Philippines, and India would benefit from the peace and abundance of opportunity in Singapore as compared to their home countries.
Furthermore, Permanent Residents (PRs) do not get the same level of healthcare subsidies, housing grants, or government support as citizens. Renouncing other citizenship unlocks full access to these benefits, making life even better in Singapore.
Becoming a Singapore Citizen
For many foreigners, becoming a Singapore citizen is not just a legal upgrade – it’s a life-changing decision rooted in a desire for belonging, opportunity, and long-term security. With its remarkable quality of life, stable governance, and inclusive society, Singapore continues to be a beacon for those seeking not just a place to live, but a country to call home.
