Exit Permit and bond

Understand Exit Permit requirements after 13 years of age for National Service (NS)-liable male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Last updated 13 April 2026

Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 13 years and above are required to comply with the Exit Permit requirements. We will send you a letter informing you of these requirements when you turn 13 years old.

Exit Permit requirements are necessary to ensure that National Service (NS)-liable males who reside overseas at a young age or have gone overseas to study will return to Singapore to fulfil their NS responsibilities.

Exit Permit and bond requirements

Exit Permit and bond requirements based on age and duration overseas

Age	Duration overseas	Requirements
13 to 16.5 years old ¹	3 months to less than 2 years	Apply for Exit Permit (opens in new tab)
2 years or longer	Apply for Exit Permit (opens in new tab) Provide bond: The bond amount is S$75,000 or an amount equivalent to 50% of the combined annual gross income of both your parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher. It is provided in the form of a Banker's Guarantee. You will be required to submit documentary proof of: Your overseas study status. Your parents’ employment status and income tax assessment notices for the preceding year to us for the preparation of the bond. The Exit Permit will only be issued after the bond process has been completed.
Above 16.5 years old to enlistment ²	3 months or longer

Age

Duration overseas

Requirements

13 to 16.5 years old ¹

3 months to less than 2 years

Apply for Exit Permit (opens in new tab)

2 years or longer

Apply for Exit Permit (opens in new tab)

Provide bond:

The bond amount is S$75,000 or an amount equivalent to 50% of the combined annual gross income of both your parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher.
It is provided in the form of a Banker's Guarantee.

You will be required to submit documentary proof of:

Your overseas study status.
Your parents’ employment status and income tax assessment notices for the preceding year to us for the preparation of the bond.

The Exit Permit will only be issued after the bond process has been completed.

Above 16.5 years old to enlistment ²

3 months or longer

After an Exit Permit has been granted

Take note that:

If you are studying overseas, an Exit Permit can be granted for the full duration of your course. Where an Exit Permit has been granted for a course of study and there is a change in the details such as the course, place of study, institution that you are studying at, please refer to our FAQ on Exit Permit for more information.
If you are unable to return to Singapore before the expiry of your Exit Permit, you will be required to apply for an extension. We will consider your request on a case-by-case basis. Please note that failure to return to Singapore before the expiry of your Exit Permit may result in your bond being forfeited and you having committed an offence.

You can apply, renew, extend, cancel or check the status of your Exit Permit through OneNS (opens in new tab).

Exit Permit offences

¹Any NS-liable male aged between 13 years old and 16.5 years old who is in breach of the Enlistment Act 1970 may be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. Any such persons may not be sufficiently mature to understand their obligations under the Enlistment Act 1970. Each parent, guardian or person having actual custody will also be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

²Any NS-liable male above the age of 16.5 years who remains outside Singapore without a valid Exit Permit shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.