Singapore

I want to adopt a child. What is the legal process?

25 years old

Minimum age

21 years older

Age gap required

1 year residenc

For non-citizens

Family Court

Only court allowed

The Short Answer

To adopt a child in Singapore, you must apply to the Family Court under the Women's Charter, meet eligibility requirements (e.g., be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child), and complete mandatory pre-adoption counselling and home study assessments.

What the Law Says

The legal framework for adoption in Singapore is governed exclusively by Part VI of the Women's Charter. Only the Family Court has jurisdiction to grant adoption orders, and strict eligibility and procedural requirements apply.

You must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child you wish to adopt — unless you are the child’s parent or sibling, or the court waives the age requirement in exceptional circumstances.

If you are not a Singapore citizen, you must have resided in Singapore for at least one year before applying, and the court must be satisfied that the adoption is in the child’s best interests.

All prospective adopters must undergo pre-adoption counselling and a home study assessment conducted by an approved adoption agency or the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

The child must consent if aged 12 or older, and the biological parents (or guardian) must give written consent unless dispensed with by the court — for example, if they cannot be found or are unfit.

Statutory Text
No adoption shall be made except under an order of the Family Court made under this Part.
— Women's Charter, s. 125 — Adoption orders

What to Do

Confirm your eligibility (age, citizenship/residency, marital status if applying jointly)

Attend mandatory pre-adoption counselling with an MSF-approved agency

Complete a home study assessment

File an adoption application in the Family Court with required documents (consents, affidavits, medical reports, etc.)

Attend court hearings and comply with any directions (e.g., supervision period, post-adoption reporting)

Sources

statuteWomen's Charter, s. 125 — Adoption orders

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.