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Fewer but more stable marriages in Singapore, with nearly one in five civil divorces granted by mutual agreement

Published July 10, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC

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In recent years, Singapore has seen a decline in the number of marriages, alongside a notable increase in marital stability. In 2024, 26,328 couples registered their marriages, down from 28,310 in 2023 and 29,389 in 2022. This downward trend is especially pronounced among people aged 25 to 34, with significant decreases in civil marriages for both brides and grooms in the 25 to 29 and 30 to 34 age brackets. Despite fewer marriage registrations, the stability of these unions has improved. The average number of marital dissolutions per year from 2020 to 2024 was 7,291, lower than the annual average of 7,536 between 2015 and 2019. Furthermore, the median age at marriage remained stable in 2024, with grooms averaging 31.1 years and brides 29.6 years. A key development in divorce procedures is the introduction of divorce by mutual agreement (DMA) as a sixth fact of divorce. This provision enables couples to end their marriage without assigning fault, provided they have been married for at least three years and have lived apart for at least three months. The intention is to reduce hostility between divorcing spouses and simplify the process. By 2024, nearly one in five civil divorces were granted by mutual agreement, signaling a move toward more amicable separations. Experts suggest this reflects a more mature approach to relationships, with individuals emphasizing compatibility and personal growth over societal expectations. The combination of fewer marriages, greater marital stability, and the adoption of DMA indicates a shift in Singapore's approach to marriage and divorce. While fewer people choose to marry, those who do tend to experience more stable and harmonious unions.