Can I withdraw my CPF if I move to the US?
Short answer: Singapore citizens cannot withdraw their CPF simply because they move to the US; the savings stay in Singapore until the normal withdrawal ages. Singapore permanent residents who renounce PR and leave Singapore permanently can generally withdraw their CPF in full. Either way, US reporting applies to the balances once you are a US tax resident.
Written and reviewed by Anthony Walsh, Selanis. Last reviewed 2026-10-06.
Why it works this way
CPF withdrawal rules are set by the CPF Board and are based on citizenship and age, not residence. A citizen living in California is treated the same as one living in Tampines until age 55.
Permanent residents who give up PR and emigrate can usually withdraw. Timing matters: withdrawing before becoming a US tax resident keeps the withdrawal outside US tax.
For citizens, the balances keep earning CPF interest. That interest may be taxable by the US each year depending on the reporting position chosen.
The expensive mistake: Withdrawing PR CPF after becoming a US tax resident
A full withdrawal after US residency starts can be taxable in the US. Done before, it generally is not.
What to do
- Check your eligibility with the CPF Board — Confirm whether you can withdraw and what documents are needed.
- Line it up with your US start date — If you can withdraw, do it before US tax residency where possible.
- Report remaining balances — Include CPF on FBAR and Form 8938 once you are a US person.