As we approach the end of 2025, Singapore remains the top choice for high-net-worth individuals (“HNWIs”) seeking stability, security, and strategic opportunities for their families and businesses. While the global landscape continues to shift — driven by geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformations, and changing tax policies — Singapore has cemented itself as the definitive safe haven […]

Introduction In a recent and significant ruling, the Singapore High Court has delivered a powerful message to families regarding property ownership: the law will generally follow what is written on paper, not what is said between family members. The case, Ng Chin Huay v Tan Tien Tuck and another, serves as a cautionary tale about […]

For many individuals, the act of signing a Will feels final — a decisive step towards ensuring that loved ones are cared for and that one’s intentions are honoured. Yet, few realise that even a properly executed Will can later lose its legal effect under the law. In some instances, this happens without any conscious […]

Introduction When a parent acquires property in their own name but formally states that they are holding it in trust for their child, the legal and beneficial ownership are split. The parent becomes the legal owner and trustee, responsible for managing the asset, while the child is the beneficial owner, entitled to the benefits arising […]

Introduction Singapore has established itself as a leading jurisdiction for family offices through a combination of attractive tax incentives schemes administered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), clear and robust regulatory framework, and a stable business environment as a global financial hub. However, the pathway for foreign investment professionals (“IPs”) in single‑family offices (“SFOs”) […]

Imagine this: a tragic accident claims the lives of a husband and wife just days apart. His will leaves everything to her, and if she does not survive, to his siblings. But because she lived two days longer, the law treats her as having inherited his entire estate. When she passes, both estates are swept […]

Introduction Recent court decisions have examined the use of 99:1 ownership structures with increased scrutiny, seeking to differentiate genuine property arrangements—where resulting trust principles may validly apply to reflect the parties’ true intentions—from artificial constructs primarily aimed at circumventing stamp duty obligations. Under this structure, two individuals (Person A and Person B) may acquire property […]

Introduction Singapore’s sustained economic dynamism is underpinned by a carefully calibrated and strategic approach to immigration. The nation’s policies are designed not merely to augment its population but to selectively attract and anchor foreign individuals who can contribute substantively to its economic and social fabric. Within this framework, two principal pathways exist for economically active […]

Introduction Singapore’s sustained economic dynamism is underpinned by a carefully calibrated and strategic approach to immigration. The nation’s policies are designed not merely to augment its population but to selectively attract and anchor foreign individuals who can contribute substantively to its economic and social fabric. Within this framework, two principal pathways exist for economically active […]

In the realm of estate planning, considerable attention is often paid to the substantive content of legal instruments—namely, the designation of beneficiaries, the distribution of assets, and the appointment of trusted individuals to act on one’s behalf. However, what is frequently overlooked is the significance of the process by which these instruments are executed. In […]

Introduction Be it through the Professionals, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme (“PTS Scheme”) or the Global Investor Programme (“GIP”), obtaining Singapore Permanent Residence (“SPR”) and its corresponding Re-Entry Permit (“REP”) is not the end of the line for SPR holders. SPR holders must take proactive steps to ensure a successful REP renewal, as a […]

Introduction The courts have the power to order the sale of real property in a variety of situations. Such court-ordered sales typically occur in cases involving matrimonial breakdown, co-ownership disputes or insolvency, where the property must be liquidated to resolve legal or financial issues and to ensure fairness between the parties involved. Matrimonial Proceedings In […]

Introduction Singapore’s robust economy, top-tier healthcare system, and world-class education make it an appealing destination for professionals and their families seeking new opportunities. For those planning to live and work in Singapore long-term, obtaining Singapore Permanent Resident (“SPR”) status is often a natural next step after acquiring an Employment Pass (“EP”). As Singapore continues to […]

Introduction In a judgment delivered by the Singapore High Court in Crystal Beauty Pte Ltd v Xu Jasmine and another [2025] SGHC 86, the court examined a claim by a commercial property purchaser against its appointed property agent. At the heart of the dispute was a discrepancy between the stated floor area of a property […]

Introduction Challenges to the validity of a will are not uncommon, and one of the most frequently raised issues is whether the testator had the requisite mental capacity at the time the will was executed. This is especially relevant in situations involving elderly individuals who may be experiencing cognitive decline. As people increasingly live longer […]