CPFB | Closing your account when you leave Singapore

Longer processing time due to surge in applications

In view of the recent surge in applications, the average processing duration to close CPF accounts is about 18 weeks. The longer processing time is needed as the Board conducts thorough checks to ensure that CPF savings are disbursed correctly. This is to safeguard your savings and maintain the security of your CPF account.

We seek your understanding that we will not be providing updates on the processing status of your application, if it is still within our general processing time.

Overview
What to consider
Take action
Resources
FAQs

Overview

Why the need to close your CPF account?

Core objective of CPF

The purpose of the CPF system is to cater to the retirement, housing and healthcare needs of all Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR).

ln line with this, CPF members who are no longer SC or PR will have to close their CPF accounts.

Avoid the need to manage your CPF matters

For non-SC and non-PR who are no longer residing in Singapore, closing one’s CPF account will reduce the need to handle any CPF-related matters in future.

When can you close your CPF account?

Renunciation of Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency before 1 April 2024

Your CPF account will be automatically closed in April 2024 and any remaining CPF savings will stop earning the prevailing CPF interest.

As a concession, the savings will earn interest similar to commercial bank interest rates until 31 March 2027. You are encouraged to transfer your savings to your bank account as soon as possible.

Renunciation of Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency from 1 April 2024

You may close your CPF account and transfer your CPF savings to your bank account once your renunciation is completed.

Otherwise, your CPF account will be automatically closed in the following month and any remaining savings will stop earning the prevailing CPF interest.

Ensure that you meet the eligibility condition

Not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

What to consider

Understanding the impact on your savings and other CPF-related matters if you do not close your account

CPF interest will cease

Once your CPF account is closed, any remaining savings in your account will stop earning the prevailing CPF interest.

As a concession, these savings will earn interest similar to commercial bank interest rates until 31 March 2027.

Your participation in CPF schemes will cease

Examples of such schemes include:

CPF LIFE
MediShield Life
CPF Investments
Discounted Singtel Shares

Find out more

Take action

Closing your CPF account

For Malaysia Citizens only

Please complete the online form, which is the fastest mode of application. The Board may request additional supporting documents to assess your eligibility.

You will need your CPF Account Number if you are submitting the online form. If you do not have your CPF Account Number, please refer to the next section, under “For all other non-Singapore Citizens and non-Permanent Residents” for other ways to close your CPF account. We are unable to disclose your CPF Account Number over the phone and email.

Complete the online form

For all other non-Singapore Citizens and non-Permanent Residents

a. If you have Singpass

Submit your completed form and supporting documents via My Mailbox. We strongly encourage you to submit via My Mailbox as it is the fastest mode of application.

Click here for more details Complete the form

Submit via My Mailbox

b. If you are not in Singapore and you do not have Singpass

Submit your completed form and supporting documents by post. All documents must be witnessed and certified true by an official from a Singapore Overseas Mission, with the official seal/stamp duly affixed. Please make an appointment in advance before you visit the SOM. Walk-in applicants may not be served.

Alternatively, if you are residing in a country which is part of the Apostille Convention:

Your documents must first be witnessed and certified true by a Notary Public;
Thereafter, the notarised documents must be certified by the designated Competent Authority of your country via the issuance of an apostille certificate.

Documents you’ll need Complete the form

c. If you are in Singapore and you do not have Singpass

To facilitate faster processing, you are strongly encouraged to close your CPF account and transfer your CPF savings to your bank account before leaving Singapore. Once you have left the country, additional verification will be required for forms completed overseas as certification at a Singapore Overseas Mission is required. These may incur additional administrative charges.

Please remember to:

Make an appointment to visit the CPF Service Centre to submit your form in person
Bring along your completed form and all required supporting documents

Make an appointment Documents you’ll need

Need more help?

Please refer to our FAQs or contact us at +65 6776 6776.

Resources

Need more information?

FAQs

Common questions

How can I get the letter from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority confirming the cancellation of my Singapore Permanent Residency?

Do I have to go to Singapore to cancel my Permanent Resident status if I am closing my CPF account upon leaving Singapore?

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