Singapore Guide · Family Arrangements
Family arrangements involve legal and tax rules. The Q&As below are general knowledge; please consult a professional lawyer and tax adviser for your own situation.
FAQ
How do I make a will in Singapore?
Under Singapore's Wills Act, the testator must be at least 21 years old, and the will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who also sign; witnesses should not be beneficiaries. CPF savings are not covered by a will and must be arranged separately through a CPF nomination.
Source: Singapore legal information (新加坡法律信息); CPF Board (website: cpf.gov.sg, sso.agc.gov.sg)
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
An LPA allows a person aged 21 or above with mental capacity to appoint donees in advance to make decisions on their personal welfare and property if they later lose mental capacity. Applications are made to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Source: OPG (msf.gov.sg/opg) (website: msf.gov.sg/opg)
How much Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty do foreigners pay on Singapore property?
Since 27 April 2023, foreigners buying any residential property pay 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD), in addition to Buyer's Stamp Duty. Citizens buying their first residential property do not pay ABSD.
Source: IRAS (website: iras.gov.sg)
What happens to CPF savings after a member passes away? Can they be included in a will?
CPF savings are not covered by a will. Members can make a CPF nomination to name beneficiaries and their shares; without a nomination, the savings are distributed by the Public Trustee according to the law, which takes longer.
Source: CPF Board; Public Trustee's Office (website: cpf.gov.sg, mlaw.gov.sg)
Data as read on 1 October 2026. Policies may change; please refer to the latest official announcements, and consult a professional for your own situation.
See your own family's numbers.
Legacy plannerOfficial references
- OPG: Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) www.msf.gov.sg/opg
- Ministry of Law: Public Trustee www.mlaw.gov.sg (Search the site for: Public Trustee)
- CPF Board: CPF Board (accounts, nomination, CPF LIFE) www.cpf.gov.sg (Search the site for: CPF accounts / CPF nomination / CPF LIFE)
- IRAS: Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) www.iras.gov.sg (Search the site for: Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty)
Policies may change; please refer to the latest official announcements.
Other categories
Financial Planning Basics · CPF · Healthcare · Tax · Work Passes and Residency · Setting Up a Company · Bank Accounts · Children's Education · Family Offices · Insurance guides
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