Singapore is confronting a demographic crisis as its total fertility rate continues to decline, reaching a historic low of 0.87. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Gan Kim Yong warned that the nation faces an “existential challenge” to its long-term viability, necessitating a careful balance of pro-family policies and strategic immigration.
The declining birth rate, coupled with an aging population, poses significant economic and security risks for Singapore. DPM Gan emphasized that a shrinking citizen base will strain healthcare and social services, slow economic growth and potentially compromise national security. Addressing these concerns, the government is preparing to adjust its immigration policies to bolster the workforce and maintain a vibrant society, while acknowledging the anxieties surrounding immigration among Singaporeans.
Population Trends and Economic Impact
As of June 2025, Singapore’s total population stood at 6.11 million, a 1.2% increase from the previous year, according to the National Population and Talent Division. This growth was primarily driven by an increase in non-residents. Yet, the core issue remains the low birth rate, which at 0.97 in 2024, is well below the replacement rate of 2.1. DPM Gan highlighted that a smaller workforce will inevitably lead to slower economic and income growth, while simultaneously increasing the financial burden of supporting a growing elderly population.
“This tremendous strain will be felt at the national level, but also at the individual households,” DPM Gan stated. He further cautioned that a diminished citizen population could jeopardize Singapore’s ability to meet its national security and defense needs, raising fundamental questions about the nation’s future relevance and sustainability.
Immigration as a Necessary Supplement
While the government is committed to supporting Singaporeans in starting families, DPM Gan acknowledged that immigration will be crucial to offsetting the low birth rate. Singapore granted approximately 25,000 citizenships in 2025 and anticipates granting between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens each year over the next five years, dependent on demographic trends. The country also plans to increase its intake of permanent residents (PRs) to around 40,000 annually over the next five years, exceeding the 35,000 granted in 2025. In 2024, 22,766 people were granted citizenship and 35,264 individuals were granted permanent residency, continuing an upward trend since 2013.
DPM Gan addressed public concerns about the impact of immigration, stating, “Will bringing in immigrants mean fewer job opportunities for us? Will the Singapore that my children grow up in feel vastly different from the one that I grew up in? I understand these concerns.” He assured citizens that the government is taking these anxieties seriously and will continue to implement measures to mitigate potential negative consequences related to competition and social cohesion.
Current PR Population and Future Adjustments
The permanent resident population in Singapore has remained relatively stable at 540,000 in recent years. The government will adjust its PR intake as needed, recognizing that permanent residency serves as a pathway to citizenship. The overall population of Singapore as of June 2025 is 6.11 million, comprised of 4.20 million residents (3.66 million Singaporeans and 540,000 permanent residents) and 1.91 million non-residents. These figures reflect Singapore’s diverse population, which is broadly categorized as Chinese (75.5%), Malay (15.1%), Indian (7.6%), and Eurasian and others (1.8%).
The challenges facing Singapore are not unique, but the nation’s small size and reliance on a skilled workforce make it particularly vulnerable to demographic shifts. The government’s response will likely involve a multi-pronged approach, including enhanced pro-family policies, strategic immigration, and ongoing efforts to foster social cohesion.
Looking ahead, the success of Singapore’s efforts to address its demographic challenges will depend on its ability to balance economic needs with social concerns and to create a society that is both welcoming to newcomers and supportive of its citizens. The coming years will be critical in determining whether Singapore can navigate this “existential challenge” and secure its future as a vibrant, liveable, and relevant nation.
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