The context
A city-state where a large share of residents are foreign nationals and binational couples are routine. Everything is online, fast and strictly applied — which cuts both ways.
Entering the country
Visa-free entry for most nationalities, with an electronic arrival card. Immigration is efficient and firm; overstaying carries severe penalties.
Marrying, and having it recognised
Civil marriages are solemnised by the Registry of Marriages and Muslim marriages by the Registry of Muslim Marriages. Notice is filed online, with a minimum waiting period, and at least one party must have been physically present in Singapore for a set number of days before filing. See civil marriage in Singapore.
Getting there
One of Asia's main hubs, with direct flights from everywhere. Warm and humid all year; there is no cheap season as such.
Customs and family
Guo da li gifts, the tea ceremony, door games and, in Malay weddings, the bersanding, sit alongside the registry appointment. See wedding customs in Singapore.
Points to watch
- The presence requirement before filing catches out couples planning a short trip.
- A Long-Term Visit Pass for a spouse is not automatic and is assessed case by case.
- Public conduct rules are stricter than visitors expect; read them before arriving.
Two absolute prohibitions, wherever you live
Sex tourism and any relationship with a minor are punished here as everywhere, and your own country's law follows you abroad. For sexual offences against a child, almost every state sets aside dual criminality and dispenses with any complaint: you can be prosecuted and tried at home whatever the local law says and whatever the local authorities do. See sexual offences committed abroad.
If you met online
The warning signs are the same everywhere: a very fast escalation, a systematic refusal of video, a request for money for an urgent reason, pressure to leave the platform. The rule holds here as anywhere: you do not send money to someone you have never met face to face. Someone genuine will happily take a video call, meet in a public place and introduce you to their family.
Spotting and reporting a romance scam — Singapore
Singapore: everything on this site
This country appears on 35 other pages of this site, across every section. Here they all are, in one place.
Sexuality
Health
- Assisted reproduction
- Abortion
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Contraception
- HIV and AIDS
- HPV
- Hepatitis B
- Mental health
- Pregnancy
Advice
Marriage
- Same-sex marriage
- Divorce
- Marriage
- Matrimonial property and inheritance
- Partnerships and cohabitation
- Religious ceremony
- Wedding customs and ceremonies
Names
Rights
- Adoption
- Copyright
- Data protection
- Fundamental rights
- Identity theft
- Image rights
- Online shopping
- Privacy
- Sexual offences committed abroad
- Speech and online harassment
Official sources and links
- Your own foreign ministry's travel advice — read it before each departure: it also conditions your travel insurance. Official portals: United Kingdom · United States · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Ireland
- Your consular post there, or the one covering the country — civil status, marriage, emergencies; note the number before you go. Official directories: United Kingdom · United States · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Ireland
- World Health Organization — health recommendations by destination
- Hague Conference on Private International Law — celebration and recognition of the validity of marriages