Singapore's Population Cools in 2025: Deeper Insights for Residency Applicants
Singapore, October 6, 2025 – The Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS) has released its annual Population Trends 2025 report, confirming that population growth has moderated after the post-pandemic surge. As at end-June 2025, Singapore’s total population is 6.111 million (+1.2% y/y), comprising 4.205 million residents (of which 3.661 million citizens and 0.544 million PRs) and 1.907 million non-residents. Year-on-year growth by segment: Residents +0.6%, Citizens +0.7%, PRs −0.2%, Non-residents +2.7%. These figures reflect a return toward Singapore’s long-run, calibrated trajectory.
This in-depth analysis breaks down what the latest figures mean for your immigration journey.
| Data Series | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population Levels | |||||
| Total Population | 6,111,175 | 6,036,860 | 5,917,648 | 5,637,022 | 5,453,566 |
| Resident Population | 4,204,515 | 4,180,868 | 4,149,253 | 4,073,239 | 3,986,842 |
| Singapore Citizen Population | 3,660,683 | 3,635,937 | 3,610,658 | 3,553,749 | 3,498,191 |
| Permanent Resident Population | 543,832 | 544,931 | 538,595 | 519,490 | 488,651 |
| Non-Resident Population | 1,906,660 | 1,855,992 | 1,768,395 | 1,563,783 | 1,466,724 |
| Year-on-Year Change (Number) | |||||
| Total Population | 74,315 | 119,212 | 280,626 | 183,456 | -232,241 |
| Resident Population | 23,647 | 31,615 | 76,014 | 86,397 | -57,368 |
| Singapore Citizen Population | 24,746 | 25,279 | 56,909 | 55,558 | -25,000 |
| Permanent Resident Population | -1,099 | 6,336 | 19,105 | 30,839 | -32,368 |
| Non-Resident Population | 50,668 | 87,597 | 204,612 | 97,059 | -174,873 |
| Note: Values are counts (as at end-June) negative changes shown in red. | |||||
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics
1) Unpacking the Numbers: Growth, Grants, and Attrition
After a post-pandemic rebound (peaking at ~5% y/y in 2023), overall growth has cooled to +1.23% y/y in 2025 (end-June vs. end-June), nearer the post-2009 average (~1–1.5%). Over the last five years (2020–2025), annualised growth averaged ~1.5%, above ~0.5% in 2015–2020—underscoring that the 2023 spike has normalised rather than reversed. (Population Singapore)
Two drivers explain most of this moderation:
Non-resident deceleration. The non-resident population grew +2.7% y/y in 2025, down from about +5% a year earlier—consistent with steadier hiring after catch-up gains in 2023–2024 and a more cautious economic backdrop.
A small dip in the PR stock. PRs fell by ~1,100 to 543,800 (−0.2% y/y). This mainly reflects PR attrition (e.g., some PRs not renewing or residing overseas for ≥12 months), even as approvals continue. Mid-year estimates exclude residents away from Singapore for 12 consecutive months or more.
Approvals remain steady. In 2024, Singapore granted 35,264 PRs and 22,766 citizenships. The five-year averages (2020–2024) are ~33,000 PRs and ~21,300 citizenships annually—slightly higher than the preceding five years—signalling a measured but durable intake.
Citizen growth tracks approvals. The citizen population rose +0.7% y/y (+24,800, to 3.6607m), reflecting continued naturalisation and births.
Thinking about applying? If you’re weighing PR vs. citizenship, a short consult can surface which pathway (and timing) best fits your profile, sector, and family plans. Book a 20-minute complimentary assessment
2) The Demographic Imperative: An Ageing Nation Seeks New Blood
Singapore is ageing quickly. The resident old-age support ratio—working-age (20–64 years) residents per 65+ resident—fell to 3.3 in June 2025 (from 3.5 in 2024 and ~7.4 in 2010). Residents aged 65+ now comprise 18.8% (up from 11.8% in 2015). Among citizens, the median age rose from 43.4 to 43.7 between June 2024 and June 2025, and 20.7% are now 65+.
Government statistics indicate notable cohort shifts beneath the headline numbers in 2025:
Net declines in 0–4 year olds (−4.9k), 20–24 year olds (−5.9k) and 25–29 year olds (−3.9k)—consistent with more young adults studying/working abroad and fewer very young children.
Net declines near retirement: 55–59 year olds (−6.4k) and 60–64 year olds (−1.8k).
Net increases in 35–39 to 45–49 year olds, consistent with returnee families moving back with older kids.
Outcome: the median age of citizens moved up to 43.7 in 2025.
Resident Old-Age Support Ratio
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics
Implication for applicants: Younger working-age adults and families directly strengthen the support ratio. Applications that add to the 20–49 talent pool—and bring or plan for school-age children—align with core demographic needs.
3) The Talent Equation: Education, Gender Trends, and Diversity
Education levels keep rising. Among residents aged 25+, the share with post-secondary or higher reached 64.4% in 2024 (up from 51.2% in 2014). Within that, university graduates rose to 37.3% (from 27.7% in 2014). Mean years of schooling climbed to 11.8 years in 2024 (12.2 for males; 11.5 for females).
Gender angle. Post-secondary attainment stands at 67.6% for males vs. 61.5% for females (25+, 2024). Among younger cohorts, women have made strong gains in university attainment—important for family applications, since both spouses’ qualifications are assessed.
Diversity remains steady with a subtle shift. The resident ethnic mix in June 2025: Chinese 73.9%, Malays 13.5%, Indians 9.0%, Others 3.5%. This underscores Singapore’s openness to global talent that integrates well.
| Qualification | 2010 | 2020 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below Secondary | 34.5 | 25.5 | 21.4 | 20.3 |
| Secondary | 19.0 | 16.3 | 15.5 | 15.3 |
| Post-Secondary (Non-Tertiary) | 9.5 | 10.5 | 10.0 | 10.3 |
| Diploma & Professional Qualification | 13.3 | 15.3 | 16.6 | 16.8 |
| University | 23.7 | 33.0 | 36.6 | 37.3 |
| Note: Figures are percentages of residents aged 25+; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding. | ||||
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics
What This Means for PR & Citizenship Applicants
Age & family composition help. Younger profiles (20s–40s) and families with children map cleanly to demographic priorities.
Education is the baseline. With 64.4% of residents (25+) holding post-secondary or higher and 37.3% holding degrees, you’re competing in a highly credentialled field. Document degree-level skills, industry certifications, and ongoing upskilling aligned to Singapore’s economy (e.g., advanced manufacturing, healthcare, green infrastructure, financial risk, AI/data).
Show durable roots to counter attrition. Because mid-year counts exclude residents away ≥12 months, continuity matters. Emphasise stable residence, local employment, community contribution, and a clear pathway to citizenship.
Grants remain steady. 2024 saw 35,264 PRs and 22,766 citizenships granted. Five-year averages (2020–2024) are ~33k PRs and ~21.3k citizenships—supportive for strong, well-documented applications.
Sector timing matters. With non-resident growth at +2.7% (and concentrated in construction and essential services to support major projects), applicants in priority or shortage sectors should foreground employer letters, project portfolios, licenses/certs, and public impact to demonstrate economic value.
Ready to Apply with Confidence?
If you plan to apply in the next 6–12 months, a profile review can materially raise your odds. We’ll benchmark your education, sector fit, family profile, and residency history against recent approvals—and map the documents to prove it.
Conclusion
Singapore’s population growth has eased to +1.2% y/y in 2025, but the structural needs are clear: replenishing the working-age base, sustaining skills intensity, and deepening roots among residents who intend to stay. For well-qualified applicants—particularly young professionals and families—the policy environment remains supportive, provided your case is evidence-rich and future-focused.
Want a tailored action plan (timing, document list, sector positioning, and integration evidence)? Book a consultation with one of our consultants at E&H Immigration Consultancy—and convert today’s data into a compelling case for PR or citizenship.
Sources
Population Trends 2025 (DOS) — headline population by segment; y/y changes; education and schooling; OASR; ethnic composition.
Population in Brief 2025 (NPTD) — context on 2025 totals and the citizen median age 43.7 (June-to-June). (Population Singapore)
NPTD People & Society — 2024 PR/SC grants and 5-year averages. (Population Singapore)
(Government statistics used for age-cohort shifts refer to official published tables corresponding to the 2025 release.)
