If you apply and got your application for a Singapore PR approved, do you have to serve NS or national service?
What is National Service or NS?
National service in the context of Singapore is otherwise known as enrolling in the military in SG.
Only male permanent residents are potentially affected
In this country, only males are affected by NS, and depending on your situation, could be mandatory. However, if you are a woman, it does not matter, you are not required to, though you are more than free to join if you wish to.
Are you a first generation PR?
The definition of first generation means that you were or are the main candidate, and you earned it yourself, such as through the PTS scheme as a working professional or as an investor under the Global Investor scheme.
In such a case, you are not required to serve NS or National Service in Singapore. The answer to the question as to whether first generation PR need to serve NS is no. There is no need for you to serve NS.
Or are you considered second generation?
Second generation means that you are a child who has acquired a local permanent residence due to the sponsorship by one or both of your parents.
If you are considered second generation, then yes you will be legally required to serve National Service if you are a guy. There is no other option. The only way you can avoid it is to renounce your status. That will legally and permanently remove you from being required to serve Singapore’s National Service if you do so below the age of 16.5.
If you intend to leave SG for good, and perhaps only ever return for leisure purposes, then you simply need to cancel your status before the age of 16.5, and you will be legally cleared of all conscription requirements. While it is publicly stated that you may face repercussions if you wish to work in our country again in future after doing this, in practice and in reality, it almost never ever happens.
So there you go – the above is an in-depth explanation of your NS liabilities and options you have.