Advice

[Gongie]

Hi, my child was born in July as Singaporean citizen. My husband is a Singaporean. I have just obtained my countries citizenship and passport for the baby. I was told by my embassy that they do recognise dual citizenship while Singapore does not. As we are planning to move to back to my country in about two years time I want my child to have the passport. Has anyone else been in the same situation? Did you apply for Singapore passport as well and not disclose any information about the other passport?

[taxico]

take a look in the strictly speaking sub-section.

wealth of info in there. i think dual citizenship is allowed for singaporeans under the age of 21 (20?) so you don't have to worry -for now-.

BUT i really recommend you look into that sub-section, because it takes a bit of cunning and planning to ensure your son gets along well with the singapore authorities when he's much older.

unless he's never planning to step into singapore, ever, ever again.

ever.

[jpatokal]

Singapore accepts dual citizenship until the age of 18, at which point the child has to choose one. However, if your child is male, you have to be very careful about your NS obligations -- do a search to find the horror stories and how to avoid the trap.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sorry JP, you are way off base there.

They have to choose within 12 months of their 21st birthday. Males however, cannot renounce unless they have either followed proper protocol to be exempted from NS after having left the country prior to their 11 birthday, never had and NRIC nor have a passport that was valid after their 11 birthday (whether used for travel or not). Additionally, they still must register for NS but request a deferment and obtain an exit permit from the age of 13. (see referred to threads for more details) or they have complete their 21 months of National Service.

[jpatokal]

Sorry JP, you are way off base there.

I stand corrected on 21 vs 18, but...

They have to choose within 12 months of their 21st birthday. Males however, cannot renounce unless they have either followed proper protocol to be exempted from NS after having left the country prior to their 11 birthday, never had and NRIC nor have a passport that was valid after their 11 birthday (whether used for travel or not). Additionally, they still must register for NS but request a deferment and obtain an exit permit from the age of 13. (see referred to threads for more details) or they have complete their 21 months of National Service.

...this is precisely what I meant by the "NS obligation horror stories"!