Singapore’s population soared to a fresh high of 6.11 million as of June 2025. This represents a 1.2% year-on-year increase and the largest population jump in recent years. In fact, the figure includes 3.66 million citizens and 0.54 million permanent residents, with the remaining 1.91 million made up of non-residents. The non-resident category—which grew 2.7% from the previous year’s 1.86 million—is largely compromised of foreign workers hired primarily to support major infrastructure projects. This means these people make up the most of the recent Singapore population growth. Here’s what we know.
How non-residents are shaping Singapore’s population
The 5-year annualized growth rate has increased to 1.5%—triple the rate seen from 2015 to 2020. This surge is directly tied to a rise in work permit holders especially in the construction, marine shipyard, and domestic work sectors. This includes foreign workers who have supported major projects such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 and expanded public housing—sectors that have driven economic growth and aided Singapore’s post-COVID recovery. Overall, this group now accounts for about two-thirds of all non-residents.
Meanwhile, the citizen population edged up only 0.7%, revealing slower long-term resident growth despite a modest increase in births. For instance, there were 29,237 citizen births in 2024 which is just 1.2% higher than 2023 and a total fertility rate remained at 0.97. Plus, seniors aged 65 and above also climbed steeply to 20.7%—highlighting Singapore’s rapidly aging demographic and straining social services.
Additionally, marriage and family trends continue to shape the nation’s future. In 2024, 22,955 citizen marriages took place—a 5.7% drop from the previous year and lower than pre-pandemic numbers, mirroring a steady decline in average marriages over the past decade within the Singapore population.
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