Last updated: 2026-09-26
Do former Chinese citizens need to renounce Chinese nationality after becoming Singapore citizens?
Usually not. Under Article 9 of the PRC Nationality Law, a Chinese citizen settled abroad who voluntarily acquires foreign nationality loses Chinese nationality automatically. If you became a Singapore PR first and then a citizen, the Chinese Embassy will not accept a formal renunciation application. You need a document proving automatic loss instead.
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Which document you need
A Singapore PR who is applying for Singapore citizenship uses the Consular Certificate of Automatic Loss of Chinese Nationality upon Acquiring Foreign Nationality (加入外国国籍后即自动丧失中国国籍领事证明). Once you hold the Singapore Citizenship Certificate, the Embassy's document is the Notarisation of Non-Possession of Chinese Nationality (不具有中国国籍公证).
Who still needs formal renunciation
Formal renunciation is for the narrower group China still treats as Chinese, such as some people who held Chinese and Singapore citizenship from birth, where Article 9 may not apply. Those applications are reviewed by the Embassy and decided by the Ministry of Public Security, and nationality ends only on approval. Hong Kong SAR Chinese citizens follow the HKSAR Immigration Department process. Renouncing Chinese nationality does not change Singapore National Service liability.
Related questions
- When should I renounce my current citizenship after Singapore Citizenship approval?
- Does Singapore allow a citizen to keep dual citizenship?
- Can I renew my Singapore passport if I am in the midst of renouncing my foreign citizenship?
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