Singapore denies reports 3,500 rich persons to get citizenship

Pedestrians at ION Orchard in Singapore. Photographer: Edwin Koo/Bloomberg
Pedestrians at ION Orchard in Singapore. Photographer: Edwin Koo/Bloomberg (Bloomberg)

By Harry Suhartono

(Bloomberg) — Singapore refuted reports that it could grant citizenship this year to 3,500 high-net-worth individuals with assets of at least $6 million.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said citizenship applications for the rest of 2023 have not been decided. The government will consider various factors including the benefits to Singapore, the business and jobs created in the city-state in deciding the eligibility of an individual to become a citizen.

“Having high net worth does not guarantee citizenship,” the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

Singapore’s infrastructure and stability has attracted a growing number of ultra-wealthy individuals. Residence and citizenship planning provider Henley & Partners estimated last year about 250,000 residents in the city-state have a net worth of at least $1 million, making it the world’s fifth wealthiest city.

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