Overview
Under the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, if you obtained Singapore citizenship as a minor either by descent or registration, you must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance, and Loyalty (ORAL) to retain your citizenship.
Eligibility
If you obtained your citizenship by descent or registration, you are only eligible to take the ORAL after turning 21. You have to do so within the 12 months of your 21st birthday (before you turn 22) to retain your Singapore citizenship.
Failure to take the oath
You will automatically lose your Singapore citizenship on your 22nd birthday.
If this happens, there is no guarantee you will be able to continue studying, working, or living in Singapore on any form of Student's Pass, Work Pass, Visit Pass, or as a Permanent Resident.
Documents Required
To take the ORAL, you must bring the following documents:
- Identity card
- Foreign citizenship renunciation certificate/documents
You will need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English), as well as copies of the documents for ICA to retain.
ICA accepts:
- Translations provided by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document
- Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
- Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.
Fees
There is no fee for taking the ORAL.
Procedure
You must take the ORAL in person.
If you are in Singapore
Visit the ICA Services Centre in person:
ICA Services Centre
2 Crawford Street
Singapore 207218
Operating hours: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.)
Peak times: Please expect longer-than-average waiting times on Mondays, Fridays, and the day before or after a public holiday.
Processing Time
The process is completed on the same day.
FAQs
As taking the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) is a solemn occasion, you are required to be suitably attired. There should strictly be no casual wear such as T-shirts, shorts, slippers, mini skirts and jeans for oath-taking.
ICA will send letters to advise individuals of the Oath of Allegiance, Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) requirements on their 21st birthday, and 6 months after they attain the age of 21 years old.
The Constitution of The Republic of Singapore states that minors who acquired Singapore citizenship by descent or registration must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) within 12 months of attaining the age of 21 years to remain as a Singapore citizen.
They are required to divest themselves of any foreign citizenship before they can take the ORAL. Those who fail to take the ORAL will lose their Singapore citizenship on attaining the age of 22 years, with no assurance of their immigration facilities in Singapore.
The Constitution of The Republic of Singapore states that minors who acquired Singapore citizenship by descent or registration must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty (ORAL) within 12 months of attaining the age of 21 years to remain as a Singapore citizen.
They are required to divest themselves of any foreign citizenship before they can take the ORAL. Those who fail to take the ORAL will lose their Singapore citizenship on attaining the age of 22 years, with no assurance of their immigration facilities in Singapore.
ICA will send letters reminding minors of their ORAL only after they attain the age of 21 years. For minors residing overseas, they may take the ORAL at the nearest Singapore Mission, or with the prior permission of the Registrar, take the ORAL before any notary public or person authorised to administer oaths. Persons taking the ORAL should present the following documents for processing:
- Certificate of Singapore citizenship (original);
- Singapore National Registration Identification Card / Singapore International Passport (original);
- Documentary evidence of having divested oneself of any foreign citizenship(s) (original and photocopy).
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