If you believe Singapore is that special place for you, the next phase of your journey could be Singapore Citizenship. Is Singapore the heart of rising Asia? Is it the safe haven for you and your family? Can you commit to Singapore? Only you know the answers.
Of course, Citizens come first in Singapore, even though the benefits may be merely incidental should you decide to be part of this vibrant island nation. The differences between Citizens and PRs include:
Education
Payable School Fees (per year in S$)
- | Citizen | PR | Difference |
Government Schools | - | - | - |
Primary | S$0 | S$42 | NA |
Secondary | S$60 | S$72 | 20% |
| Pre-University | S$72 | S$84 | 20% |
| Independent Schools | - | - | - |
Secondary | S$1,800 - S$3,060 | S$2,160 - S$3,672 | 20% |
| Junior Colleges | S$2,700 - S$4,800 | S$3,240 - S$5,760 | 20% |
| Others | - | - | - |
| ITE | S$164 - S$496 | S$180 - S$546 | 10% |
| Polytechnics | S$2,100 | S$2,310 | 10% |
| Universities | S$6,110 | S$6,720 | 10% |
| | | |
Public Healthcare Subsidies
(% Subsidised)
- | PR | Citizen |
Class B1 | 10% | 20% |
Class B2 | 55% | 65% |
Class C | 70% | 80% |
Day Surgery | 55% | 65% |
Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) | 40% | 50% |
Medisave | 6 - 8% of Monthly Wage | 6 - 8% of Monthly Wage |
Primary Care Partnership Scheme | No | Yes |
*Note that the rates for PR will only take effect in 2008 Source: Ministry of Health Housing | - | PR | Citizen |
HDB Concessionary Loan (0.1% above CPF rate) | No | Yes |
Purchase of new flat from HDB | No | Yes |
Rental of flat from HDB | No | Yes |
Purchase of resale flats | Yes | Yes |
CPF Housing Grants | No | Yes |
Amount payable for HDB upgrading | Full | Subsised |
Source: Housing Development Board| - | PR | Citizen |
| Purchase of landed property | Restricted | Yes |
| Purchase of apartments not more than six storeys | Yes | Yes |
Source: Singapore Land Authority, Redas, news reportsThink about Citizenship if you believe in the Singapore story.
There is tremendous responsibility in being a Singaporean or a PR. Your sons will have to shoulder the responsibility of protecting and safeguarding the nation should you take up Singapore Citizenship or PR.
This is because all male Singapore Citizens and PRs need to register for National Service (NS) upon reaching 16 1/2 years of age. They are required to serve two years of full-time NS at 18 years of age. After which, they will be put on for a cycle of 10 years. Please visit the
Defence Ministry website for more details.
By virtue of its small land area and its small population, Singapore depends greatly upon its citizen-soldiers to defend and protect the country in times of crisis.
More importantly, NS is a rite of passage, in which boys become men and gain valuable life skills as well as forge life-long friendships.
Serving NS is a badge of honour for Singaporeans who believe in safeguarding the future of this island. It’s a collective responsibility for Citizens and PRs who believe in Singapore as home.
Total Defence
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| Playing a part to defend their country |
The military is only one aspect of Singapore’s defence. We believe in Total Defence to help safeguard our country from internal and external threats.
Other forms of defence are Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence.
This is our clarion call to counter security threats such as terrorism or a crisis like the SARS epidemic in 2003. Government agencies, private sector organisations and Singaporeans will be mobilised to help thwart such challenges should they arise.
Ultimately, every Citizen is expected to play a role, in however small a measure, to help ensure Singapore's continued survival and success.