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Who Can Adopt?

  • If you and your spouse are applying to adopt a child – one of you must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or both of you must be Permanent Residents (PRs).
  • If you are applying to adopt a child as a sole applicant – you must be either a SC or PR.

  • You and your spouse must be habitually resident in Singapore.

  • You and your spouse must have resided in Singapore for a continuous period of at least one year immediately preceding the application for an Adoption Suitability Assessment.

  • You and your spouse must not be convicted of serious crimes.

If you are a foreigner applying to adopt a child with your spouse who is a Singapore Citizen:

  • You do not need a Letter of Support.

  • You should ensure that your home country will recognise Singapore’s adoption order (if granted); and the adoption will meet the country’s legal or immigration requirements (where relevant).

If both you and your spouse are PRs, or if you are a PR adopting as a sole applicant:

  • You should ensure that your home country will recognise Singapore’s adoption order (if granted), and the adoption will meet the country’s legal or immigration requirements (where relevant).

  • Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

    • At least 25 years old

    • Must be at least 21 years older than the child to be adopted

  • Only married couples can adopt as joint applicants.

  • Married applicants who wish to adopt as a sole applicant must obtain the consent of their spouse, unless the Court grants the dispensation of such consent.

  • Single males are not allowed to adopt a girl, unless there are special circumstances that justify the making of an adoption order.

  • All applicants are required to attend (a) a Pre-Adoption Briefing and (b) a Disclosure Briefing conducted by authorised adoption agencies and, (c) obtain a favourable Adoption Suitability Assessment from these agencies, before making an application to Court.

    • Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB) - This is to help you better understand the adoption process in Singapore.

    • Disclosure Briefing (DB) - Early disclosure of adoption is important as it impacts the child’s confidence, self-esteem, and bonding with the adoptive parents.

  • You may check the websites of the authorised adoption agencies to find the fees they charge for the PAB and DB.

If you are applying to adopt a child from the PRC, please contact either TOUCH Community Services or Fei Yue Community Services.