The short answer
To make a valid will in Singapore, you must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind, the will must be in writing, you must sign it at the foot of the document, and your signature must be made or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time and who then sign in your presence. These requirements come from section 6 of the Wills Act 1838. A will that fails any one of them is at risk of being invalid, in which case your estate may be distributed as if you never made a will at all.
Who can make a will in Singapore?
Any person aged 21 or above who has testamentary capacity can make a will. Testamentary capacity means, broadly, that you understand you are making a will, you know the nature and extent of your assets, and you can appreciate the claims of those who might expect to benefit from your estate. Capacity is the ground most often attacked when a will is challenged, particularly where the testator was elderly or unwell when the will was signed. Where there is any doubt, a contemporaneous medical opinion on capacity is prudent and is something we routinely arrange for clients.
What are the formal requirements for a valid will?
- In writing. Oral wills are not recognised for non-Muslim estates in Singapore.
- Signed by the testator at the foot or end of the will (or signed by someone at the testator’s direction and in the testator’s presence).
- Two witnesses, present at the same time, must see you sign or acknowledge your signature, and must each sign the will in your presence.
- Witnesses must not be beneficiaries. Under section 10 of the Wills Act 1838, a gift to an attesting witness, or to the spouse of an attesting witness, is void, although the will itself remains valid. This is one of the most common and costly DIY mistakes.
What should a will cover?
A well-drafted will typically appoints one or more executors, disposes of your assets to named beneficiaries, appoints testamentary guardians for children below 21, and includes a residuary clause covering everything not specifically gifted. It should also anticipate contingencies, such as a beneficiary predeceasing you. Certain assets do not pass under a will at all: CPF monies are distributed by CPF nomination and not by your will, insurance proceeds may be governed by nominations, and property held as joint tenants passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant. Estate planning should deal with these alongside the will itself.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die intestate (without a valid will), your estate is distributed according to the fixed rules in the Intestate Succession Act 1967. For example, if you leave a spouse and children, your spouse receives half and your children share the other half equally. Your parents, siblings and more remote relatives take only in default of closer classes. These rules apply regardless of your actual wishes, and your loved ones must apply for letters of administration, which is generally slower and more onerous than probate. Muslim estates are distributed under the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 instead.
Does marriage or divorce affect my will?
Yes. Under section 13 of the Wills Act 1838, marriage revokes a will, subject to limited exceptions such as a will expressed to be made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce, by contrast, does not automatically revoke a will, which means an ex-spouse named as beneficiary or executor may still take under an old will. You should review your will after any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or a significant change in assets.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a will?
Not legally, but the formal requirements are strict and errors usually surface only after death, when they can no longer be corrected. A lawyer also advises on capacity, undue influence risks, guardianship, and assets that fall outside the will.
How much does a will cost in Singapore?
Simple wills are typically a modest fixed fee; more complex estates (foreign assets, trusts, business interests) cost more. We provide a fee quote before any work begins.
Where should I keep my will?
Keep the original somewhere safe and tell your executor where it is. You may also register the existence of your will (not its contents) with the Wills Registry maintained by the Singapore Academy of Law.
Can I change my will later?
Yes, at any time while you have capacity, either by a codicil or, more commonly, by executing a fresh will that revokes all earlier wills.
Speak to a Singapore wills lawyer
Johnathan Lee has extensive experience drafting wills for Singaporeans and foreign nationals with Singapore assets, including mirror wills for couples and wills involving cross-border estates.
Johnathan Lee, Advocate & Solicitor · 81A Clemenceau Avenue Park, Clemenceau Suites, Suite No. 23, Level 4, Singapore 239918
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. The law stated is as at July 2026. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before acting on anything in this article.