We refer to Mr Rajesh Kumar Shanmugavadivel’s letter, “Why does it cost only $35 to give up citizenship?” (April 18).

The administrative fee imposed for the renunciation of citizenship is based on cost recovery – that is, the amount of resources incurred to process the application. This is a principle which is applied consistently across most government services.

Besides paying an administrative fee, Singapore citizens must fulfil other requirements before being allowed to renounce their citizenship. They can do so only after they turn 21, and have acquired the citizenship of a foreign country. They must first discharge any outstanding national service obligations. 

While the decision to renounce one’s citizenship is a personal one, the Government is committed to ensuring that Singapore remains the best home possible for Singaporeans. In this regard, the annual renunciation rate of Singapore citizenship has remained low, at less than 0.1 per cent of the citizen population.

The Straits Times
18 April 2023

Why does it cost only $35 to give up citizenship?

A quick check of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website shows that it costs only $35 to renounce Singapore citizenship.

This administrative cost is very low compared with, say, the United States, where it costs US$2,350 (S$3,130) to renounce US citizenship.

As Singapore is an attractive place to live that draws many foreigners from around the world, I wonder why it costs less to renounce citizenship than to apply for a new passport.

Singapore has initiatives in place to integrate new citizens and ensure they build up a sense of belonging and pride. It should also do its due diligence on those who decide to renounce their Singapore citizenship.

Rajesh Kumar Shanmugavadivel