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For Permanent Resident (PR) holders with families living in Singapore, you may choose to apply PR for your spouse and children under the age of 21 too. However, if you have a son under 21, you should be informed that he will be required to serve up to two years of national service (NS) as a second-generation PR. This requirement may seem mind-boggling to some, as most countries worldwide with compulsory military service only require male citizens to serve and not Permanent Residences. The main reason behind this requirement is Singapore’s small population size and the need to have sufficient defence in the country. Serving NS in Singapore will also build a much closer relationship with the country and other local Singaporeans.

What is NS?

NS stands for national service which every male citizen and PR in Singapore has to go through, unless exempted. Eligible males will be employed to serve in either Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Most of the enlistees will join SAF, with the remaining joining the other forces. After completing around 2 years of service as a Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), they will become official national servicemen (NSmen).

Although spending two years in NS may seem like an unproductive two years of time for some, there are many benefits to serving NS. NSFs enjoy a wide range of benefits including; monthly allowances, annual leaves, amazing medical and dental benefits, great insurance coverage and a variety of discounts at recreational facilities across Singapore. Depending on the rank, the NS allowance of one can range up to SGD 1280 a month, and this is not yet inclusive of the additional monthly vocation allowances of up to SGD 400 one can receive. This allowance will likely continue to increase over the years as the government policies are constantly reviewed and renewed. Medical fees for outpatient treatment are also fully subsidised at public hospitals and polyclinics, and dental treatment is completely free at SAF Dental Clinics. The list of benefits goes on and NSFs should remember to utilise it well, as one can save quite a bit of money from that. Besides the financial and health benefits NSFs can enjoy, NS also provides an excellent platform for young adults to gain invaluable experiences that are not taught in classrooms. These lessons include office politics, teamwork, leadership, discipline, respect for others regardless of race, religion and social status, and countless more essential life-skills. Therefore, dreading the need to serve NS should not be a hindrance to applying for PR for your son, should your family wish to do so.