Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are liable for National Service (NS). Since its introduction in 1967, NS has been providing defence for our nation and helping our people bond. By bringing Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds together, NS has helped foster greater cohesiveness and understanding across the different ethnic groups. It has become a way of life and the common experience binding male Singaporeans. The acquisition of foreign citizenship (dual citizenship) does not exempt a Singapore citizen from his NS obligations.

Like all other male Singapore citizens, dual citizens are required to register for full-time National Service (NSF) upon reaching 16 ½ years of age, and to enlist for Full-time NS (NSF) upon reaching 18 years of age.

It is an offence to evade NS (Section 32 of the Enlistment Act). Anyone attempting to do so shall be liable, on conviction, for imprisonment of a term of up to three years, or a maximum fine of S$5,000, or both.

For more information, visit these websites:

• Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)
• Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
• MyeCitizen

Registration for National Service

All male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents must register for National Service (NS) upon reaching the age of 16½ years.

Registration for Male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have been living and/or studying overseas

You will be sent registration notices to register for NS overseas.

e-Registration for Male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents studying/living in Singapore

You will receive a Registration Notice from the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) regarding the date of online registration. The mass media in Singapore will also carry announcements to inform NS-liable persons to register. The Registration Notice will be sent about one week in advance to prepare you for e-Registration.

If you are studying in Singapore in a local government school/institution, you can also apply for deferment from Full-Time NS pending completion of studies.

Pre-Enlistment Documentation and Booking of Medical Appointment Dates

Students nearing completion of their present courses of study and/or cannot be further deferred from NS will be asked to complete the pre-enlistment documentation online, as well as book their medical appointment.

They will be required to update the following:

• Personal Particulars
• Particulars of Family Members

• Educational Background
• Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
• Awards
• Language Proficiency
• Bank and Bank Account Number
• Medical Appointment Date

When you report to CMPB for your medical examination, you will go through:

• Image capturing
• Medical examination
• Aptitude assessment

Deferment of Full-Time National Service (NSF)

Registrants who wish to apply for deferment of Full-Time National Service (NSF) to continue their studies may do so online at the MINDEF website. If you meet the deferment guidelines, your application to defer NS will be approved.

When applying for deferment, please provide:

• Documentary proof of your study status
• Parents’ income tax return

For more details, you can visit these websites:

• The NSmen website
• The NS Portal

Operational Ready National Servicemen

Upon completion of your Full-Time National Service (NSF), you will proceed to serve as operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen).

NSmen are liable to be called up for a maximum of 40 days of national service every year until the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for others).

NSmen going overseas for more than 24 hours and less than six months need to notify the MINDEF Notification Centre. Only those who go overseas for more than six months need to apply for an exit permit.

More information is available at these websites:

• The NSmen website
• The NS Portal