Foreigners in Singapore to be assigned new 'M' FIN series from 1 January 2022

While it will be used to register and identify foreigners who are on long-term stay in Singapore, this new series will not apply to foreigners who are currently assigned to the F and G FIN series.

Starting 1 January 2022, foreigners on long-term immigration or work passes in Singapore will have in place a new Foreign Identification Number (FIN) series with the prefix M.

While it will be used to register and identify foreigners who are on long-term stay in Singapore, this new series will not apply to foreigners who are currently assigned the F and G FIN series, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced on Monday (12 July 2021). 

Similar to the format of the F (assigned to FINs issued before year 2000) and the G (assigned to FINs issued from year 2000), the  new M FIN series will start with the prefix M, followed by seven digits and a checksum letter. For example - M1234567B.

The ICA has stated that all government agencies will make the necessary enhancements to their systems to accept the new series by 1 January 2022. Private entities that require FIN from their customers or employees as part of their business processes are advised to make the necessary changes to their systems early, to minimise disruption to their businesses, it added.

The G series will continue to be issued until 31 December 2021.

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