Child Adoption Lawyers

Adoption in Singapore: Guide to Child Adoption

“PKWA Law offers friendly services and affordable fees in addition to legal excellence.”

– The Straits Times

Adoption is a life-changing decision that allows a child to become a permanent and legal member of a new family. In Singapore, adoption is governed by the Adoption of Children Act 2022 (ACA 2022), which modernised and strengthened the adoption framework to safeguard children’s best interests.

At PKWA Law, our family lawyers have over 30 years of experience guiding families through the adoption process with care, professionalism, and clear fees. This article explains the adoption requirements, process, and legal implications – and highlights the differences between adopting a Singapore child and a foreign child.

What Does Adoption Mean in Singapore?

When the Court grants an Adoption Order, all legal rights and responsibilities of the child’s birth parents are transferred to the adoptive parents. The child is treated as if born to the adoptive parents. A new birth certificate is issued, the adoptive parents assume full parental rights and duties, and the child’s legal ties with the birth parents are severed.

Who Can Adopt in Singapore?

Under the ACA 2022, you may adopt if:

• You are at least 25 years old, and at least 21 years older (but not more than 50 years older) than the child.
• You are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (foreigners may apply, but stricter rules apply).
• Married couples may adopt jointly. Single applicants may adopt, but single males cannot adopt a female child unless special approval is granted.

The Court may grant exceptions in limited circumstances, such as when the child and applicant are close relatives.

Who Can Be Adopted?

• The child must be below 21 years old.
• The child must be a resident in Singapore — meaning a Singapore Citizen, PR, or Dependant’s Pass holder.
• Children on Visit Passes, Student Passes, or Special Passes are generally not eligible unless special approval is granted.

For foreign children, adoption must usually be done through an MSF-accredited adoption agency and is subject to additional checks, including the Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA).

Adoption Process in Singapore

1. Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)

All prospective adopters must attend a compulsory Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB) by an MSF-appointed agency. This session educates applicants on adoption procedures and responsibilities.

2. Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA)

For non-related adoptions and foreign child adoptions, applicants must undergo an Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA) conducted by MSF-accredited agencies. This assessment examines financial, emotional, and caregiving readiness.

3.  Filing the Adoption Application

The application is filed in the Family Justice Courts (FJC), with supporting documents such as:

• Originating Summons for Adoption
• Adoption Statement and Affidavit
• Child’s birth certificate or passport
• Parents’ or guardian’s consent (unless waived by the Court)

4. Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA) and MSF Investigations

The Court will appoint a Guardian-in-Adoption (GIA) to represent the child’s interests. A Child Welfare Officer from MSF will conduct interviews and a home visit, before submitting a confidential report to the Court.

5.  Court Hearing and Adoption Order

If the Court is satisfied that adoption is in the child’s best interests, it will grant an Adoption Order. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will then issue a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parents.

Timeline: Most uncontested adoptions take about 4 to 6 months.

Local Child Adoption vs Foreign Child Adoption

Local child adoption applies when the child is a Singapore Citizen, PR, or Dependant’s Pass holder. The process is generally faster and simpler, and the ASA may not always be required (for example, in stepchild adoptions).

Foreign child adoption applies when the child is not a Citizen or PR, usually from overseas. The process is stricter, must go through MSF-accredited agencies, and the ASA is mandatory. Additional safeguards exist to prevent child trafficking and to ensure the adoptive parents are suitable.

Adoption Costs in Singapore

Adoption involves:

• Court filing fees (about $250).
• Agency fees if adopting through an accredited agency (this forms the bulk of your costs).
• Legal fees for preparing and filing documents, advising on consent, and representing you in Court.

At PKWA Law, we keep adoption fees transparent and affordable, so families can focus on what matters most – welcoming their child.

Why Choose PKWA Law for Adoption

PKWA Law has been helping families with adoption for over 30 years, combining deep legal expertise with a warm, compassionate approach. Our family law team is consistently recognised by publications such as The Straits Times, Doyles Guide, and Benchmark Litigation as one of Singapore’s leading practices in family law. Clients trust us because we make the process clear, straightforward, and affordable, with fixed fees and no hidden charges.

We have handled both local and foreign adoptions, giving us the experience to anticipate challenges and guide families through each step with confidence. Most importantly, we understand that adoption is not just a legal process, but a personal journey. That’s why we take the time to listen, to explain, and to support you in this personal journey. 

Speak to Our Adoption Lawyers

Adoption is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make, but the legal process can be complex. At PKWA Law, our adoption lawyers will provide clear advice, ensure compliance with all requirements, and make the journey as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you take the next step toward building your family.