What are Singapore NRIC and FIN Numbers? (Difference between NRIC and FIN)

In Singapore, both citizens and foreign residents need to have unique identification numbers to identify their personal identity. These numbers are the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and the Foreigner Identification Number (FIN). They play a very important role in Singapore society and are used for various administrative, legal, financial, and daily life activities. The following will explain in detail what NRIC and FIN are, as well as their differences.

What is Singapore NRIC?

The full name of Singapore National Registration Identity Card is National Registration Identity Card, abbreviated as NRIC or IC. This is the identity card number held by Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR), issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. NRIC is a permanent identification number that accompanies an individual throughout their life.

The NRIC number format begins with an English letter, followed by 7 digits, and ends with an English letter. For example: S1234567D. Where:

• S indicates citizens and permanent residents born before 1968.
• T indicates citizens and permanent residents born after 1968.
• The last letter is a check code used to verify the accuracy of the number.

NRIC is not just a series of numbers; it also serves as the holder's identity credential. In daily life, NRIC is used for:

• Opening bank accounts
• Handling government affairs (such as tax filing, medical subsidy applications, etc.)
• Registering at public hospitals
• Participating in election voting
• Applying for schools and jobs

What is Singapore FIN?

FIN is the abbreviation for Foreigner Identification Number. FIN is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore and is specifically used to identify non-Singapore citizens and permanent residents. It is similar to NRIC but only applies to foreigners who reside, work, or hold long-term visas in Singapore.

The FIN number format is similar to NRIC, also beginning with an English letter, followed by 7 digits, and ending with an English letter. For example: F1234567X. The FIN prefix is generally F or G, specifically distinguished as follows:

• F prefix is used for foreigners who obtained FIN earlier.
• G prefix is used for foreigners who obtained FIN after 2000.

Foreigners will receive FIN in the following situations:

• Holding work passes (such as EP, S Pass, Work Permit)
• Holding student passes
• Holding dependent passes
• Other long-term residence visa holders

It is worth noting that if a foreigner changes their visa type, or obtains a new visa or changes visa status type after an interruption, their FIN number will not change. Regardless of how the visa type changes, the FIN number remains consistent.

Differences between NRIC and FIN

Although NRIC and FIN have similar formats, their main differences lie in the applicable subjects and validity period:

1. Applicable subjects:
   • NRIC only applies to Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
   • FIN only applies to foreigners who are not Singapore citizens.
2. Validity period:
   • NRIC is a permanent identity number that will not be replaced or expire.
   • FIN is a number associated with the foreigner's residence status in Singapore and is usually no longer valid after the visa or residence permit expires.
3. Functions and uses:
   • NRIC is the credential for citizens and permanent residents to exercise civil rights (such as voting) and enjoy government benefits in Singapore.
   • FIN is the identification number used by foreigners to handle various affairs during their work, study, or long-term residence in Singapore.

Summary

NRIC and FIN are the identification systems used in Singapore to distinguish between citizens and foreigners. NRIC applies to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, while FIN is used for foreigners. Both have important identification functions in Singapore society, helping to manage and identify personal information of different groups. Whether you are a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or foreigner, having the correct identification number is crucial when handling various affairs.

If you are a foreigner planning to work or reside long-term in Singapore, you will be assigned a FIN number, and even if you change your visa type, the FIN number will not change. If you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, you will use NRIC as your lifelong identification number. Understanding the difference between NRIC and FIN will help you smoothly carry out life, work, and various administrative affairs in Singapore.