You may adopt a child if you satisfy the following requirements:

• Being a Resident of Singapore
• At least 25 years of age
• At least 21 years older than the child

Even if you are under 25 years old and less than 21 years older than the child, the adoption may be allowed if you and the child are related by blood, or if there are other special circumstances justifying the adoption.

If you are a single male, you will not be allowed to adopt a female child in the absence of special circumstances to justify the adoption.

A married person cannot on his/her own adopt a child unless the consent of his/her spouse is given. An exception is when the spouse cannot be found, or is incapable of giving consent, or is living apart and the separation is likely to be permanent. In such a case, the Court may dispense with such consent.

Foreign prospective adoptive parents (including permanent residents in Singapore) should consult their respective embassies and obtain a letter stating the embassies' support for the adoption and that the child will be conferred citizenship, or at least Entry Visas, upon application by the adoptive parents.

You can visit the website for more information on the legal requirements.