Singapore’s population reached a record 6.21 million in June 2026, up 1.6% year on year, as foreign residents rose 3.7% to 1.98 million, government statistics showed. Growth has continued since pandemic restrictions that kept foreigners away were lifted.
Singapore has said it wants to grant citizenship to up to 30,000 people a year over the next five years to address demographic issues, including low birth rates and an ageing population. Singaporeans and permanent residents aged over 65 made up 19.5% of the population in June 2026, up from 18.8% in 2025 and 12.4% in 2016.
The report said increases in foreign residents can be politically sensitive, particularly when voters are concerned about jobs and living costs. Unemployment was 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, while retrenchments during the period reached their highest level since mid-2020.
