Singapore’s total population reached a record 6.11 million as of June 2025, according to the Population in Brief 2025 report released on 29 September.
The figure represents a 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year, driven largely by immigration inflows and the return of foreign labour.
Notably, 22,766 individuals were granted Singapore citizenship in 2024 — the highest annual intake on record.
In addition, 35,264 new permanent residencies (PRs) were issued, the highest annual total since 2010, when 59,460 PRs were granted before immigration policies were tightened.
Non-Residents Drive Population Growth
The rise in total population was led by non-residents, who increased by 2.7 per cent, from 1.86 million in 2024 to 1.91 million in 2025.
This group includes foreign workers on various passes, dependants, migrant domestic workers, and international students.
Work Permit holders, particularly in the construction sector, were the main contributors, followed by migrant domestic workers.
Their presence supports large-scale projects such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 and expanded housing developments.
By contrast, the resident population — comprising citizens and PRs — grew only marginally, from 4.18 million in 2024 to 4.20 million in 2025.
Singapore’s de jure population measurement excludes citizens and PRs who have been abroad for more than 12 months.
Ageing Citizens and a Shrinking Workforce
Singapore’s citizen population grew by 0.7 per cent to 3.66 million in 2025.
However, the ageing trend continues, with 20.7 per cent of citizens now aged 65 and above, up from 13.1 per cent a decade earlier.
The median age of citizens rose from 43.4 to 43.7 years.
Meanwhile, the proportion of working-age citizens (20 to 64 years) declined from 64.5 per cent in 2015 to 59.8 per cent in 2025.
The number of citizens aged 80 and above has surged by 60 per cent over the past decade, reaching 145,000.
Fertility Remains Below Replacement Level
Singapore’s resident total fertility rate (TFR) remained at 0.97 in 2024, well below the replacement level of 2.1.
There were 29,237 citizen births in 2024, a 1.2 per cent rise from 2023.
However, the five-year average of 30,400 births (2020–2024) remains below the previous five-year average of 32,900.
The median age of mothers at first birth has risen to 31.6 years, reflecting a trend towards later parenthood.
Fewer Marriages and Later Unions
Citizen marriages fell to 22,955 in 2024, down 5.7 per cent from 24,355 in 2023.
The median age at first marriage was 30.8 years for grooms and 29.1 years for brides.
More citizens are remaining single into their 30s, contributing to fewer and later marriages.
Surveys indicate that 80 per cent of young Singaporeans intend to marry, while over one-third of married couples aspire to have three or more children.
To support these aspirations, the government has introduced measures such as the Large Families Scheme, which provides up to S$16,000 for a third or subsequent child.
Immigration as a Population Strategy
The report highlights immigration as a key strategy to counteract low fertility and an ageing population.
The annual average number of new citizens rose from 20,500 between 2015 and 2019 to 21,300 between 2020 and 2024.
For PRs, the five-year average increased from 31,700 to 33,000 annually over the same periods.
The 35,264 PRs granted in 2024 marked the highest figure since 2010, when 59,460 were approved before tighter policies were introduced.
Adult citizenship applicants are drawn from the PR pool, with most having lived, worked, or studied in Singapore, or having family ties to citizens.
Public Reaction: “How Many Real Singaporeans?”
The report’s release has triggered extensive discussion online.
Across platforms such as Reddit, CNA, Mothership and The Straits Times’ Facebook page, netizens generated more than 1,700 comments, reflecting a wide range of concerns.
A recurring theme centred on the number of “real” Singaporeans.
One user asked, “How many are native Singaporeans? That’s more important.”
Another compared Singapore to Dubai, where only 20 to 30 per cent of residents are citizens.
Other netizens expressed unease about identity and belonging, with one commenting, “Don’t even feel like a local in our own country. Can’t even go out without hearing foreign accents all over the place.”
Concerns Over Crowding and Infrastructure
Some users raised concerns about overcrowding in Singapore, highlighting the island’s limited space and resources.
One questioned whether infrastructure could cope with a growing population, citing frequent MRT breakdowns, high housing costs, and the overall strain on local services.
Another user stressed the need for population control, warning that overpopulation could exacerbate stress on residents.
The comment noted that with many foreigners studying, working, and living in Singapore, the situation could worsen.
The user predicted that in ten years, the country would be even more crowded.
Non-Resident Growth and Cultural Impact
One netizen voiced support for population growth if it is driven by citizen births but expressed concern that the increase is primarily among non-residents, which could dilute the citizen base and erode local culture.
“Based on the graph, there are 3.66 million Singaporeans out of a total population of 6.11 million, meaning citizens make up only 59.9 per cent. This is likely the lowest proportion since independence. Will it fall below 50 per cent by the 2030s?” the user asked.
Another user replied that the figure could be even lower if only births from one or both Singaporean parents were counted.
Netizens Recall Leaders’ Past Remarks
The population figures have also prompted netizens to recall past statements by Singaporean leaders.
One comment cited Lee Hsien Loong’s 2012 remark that the government would “think more carefully” if the population exceeded six million.
The user also referenced Lee Kuan Yew, who had suggested that a population of 5 to 5.5 million would be ideal.
Supporting the comment, one user called for greater parliamentary accountability, questioning the sustainability of current population growth and the government’s long-term plans.
“Someone in Parliament needs to be held accountable for why and how population growth has reached this stage, how sustainable it is, and what concrete future plans exist,” the comment read.
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