Adoption Lawyers

Adopting a child in Singapore

Adoption is a legal process whereby parental rights over a child are conferred to the applicants. Once an adoption is complete, the parental ties to the original parents are severed. The adopters become the parents and take on all parental rights, duties, obligations, and liabilities concerning the child. Married spouses may jointly apply for the adoption of a child.

Child adoption in Singapore is primarily regulated by the Adoption of Children Act (ACA). IRB Law provides guidance and assistance on adoptive parents’ eligibility, procedural elements involved in adoption, legal implications, and other related adoption services.

Who can adopt in Singapore?

To adopt in Singapore, you must be a:

• Singapore citizen;
• Permanent resident;
• Holder of an Employment Pass;
• Dependant’s Pass; or
• Any pass which the family court deems as giving residential status in Singapore.

Other than residency status, what are the additional requirements to adopt?

Age

You and your spouse must be at least 25 years of age. Plus, you are required to be at least 21 years older than the adopted child. In some cases, the rules are relaxed if you are under 25 or less than 21 years older than the child but related by blood.

The adopting parent/s cannot be more than 50 years older than the child.

Does marital status make a difference?

Yes. If you are a single male, you cannot adopt a female child unless there are exceptional circumstances.

What else should I know about the process?

Anyone who wishes to adopt a child must first attend a pre-adoption briefing before formally beginning the legal process of adoption.

We offer comprehensive legal advice and services regarding all aspects of adoption law. Please get in touch to book your consultation so we can better understand your unique situation.