Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Singapore Population Reaches Record 6.21 Million as Foreign Residents Rise
Singapore’s population grew to 6.21 million people in June 2026.
This was 1.6% more than a year earlier.
A large part of the increase came from foreign residents, whose number rose to 1.98 million.
More foreigners returned after pandemic travel restrictions were removed.
Population growth can be a sensitive issue because Singapore has limited land and living costs are a concern.
Singapore also has more older people than before.
Nearly one in five citizens and permanent residents is now at least 65 years old.
The government plans to welcome more new citizens to help address low birth rates and an ageing population.
Singapore’s population rose 1.6% year-on-year in June 2026 to a record 6.21 million.
Foreign residents increased 3.7% to 1.98 million, driving much of the population growth.
Population growth resumed after Singapore lifted pandemic restrictions that had limited foreign arrivals.
The share of citizens and permanent residents aged 65 and above reached 19.5%, up from 18.8% in 2025.
Singapore plans to grant citizenship to up to 30,000 people annually for five years amid low birth rates and an ageing population.
- Who
- Singapore’s population, including citizens, permanent residents, and foreign residents.
- What
- The population reached a record 6.21 million, with growth driven mainly by an increase in foreign residents.
- When
- The figures were recorded in June 2026 and released on Friday.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- Growth followed the lifting of pandemic restrictions and reflected a rise in foreign residents; citizenship expansion is also intended to address low birth rates and population ageing.
- Total population
- 6.21 million in June 2026
- Annual population growth
- 1.6% compared with a year earlier
- Foreign residents
- 1.98 million, up 3.7%
- Older citizens and permanent residents
- 19.5% were aged 65 or older in 2026
- Previous older-population share
- 18.8% in 2025 and 12.4% in 2016
- Unemployment
- 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026
- Economic growth forecast
- Raised to 4.5%-5.5% from 2.0%-4.0%