HOW TO WRITE A WILL IN SINGAPORE: COST BREAKDOWN & SERVICE GUIDE
Thinking of writing a will? This guide breaks down how much it costs, where to get it done in Singapore, and what you need to know before starting.
LOOKING FOR WILL WRITING SERVICE?
Writing a will is a simple and cost-effective way to safeguard your legacy and avoid future family disputes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the actual cost of will writing in Singapore, your options for secure will storage, and how to choose the right executor.
Thanks to decades of TV tropes, many people still associate wills with messy family feuds and power struggles. But in reality, writing a will does the exact opposite: it brings order, not chaos.
At its core, a will is a practical tool. It spells out who should receive what, and how your assets should be handled after you’re gone. Instead of leaving loved ones to guess—or argue—it offers clarity during an already emotional time.
Because a will is legally binding, it minimises disputes. When your wishes are clearly documented and enforceable in court, there’s little room for anyone to contest or misinterpret them. And when combined with other estate planning tools, a will can even offer long-term control over how your legacy is managed.
Most of the time, wills aren’t used to settle family battles—they’re used to avoid them altogether. Without a will, your estate is distributed according to Singapore’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your intentions and can lead to unexpected conflicts among family members.
Think of it this way: a will isn’t just paperwork. It’s peace of mind—for you, and for the people you care about. It’s one final gesture of love and responsibility, ensuring they’re taken care of without confusion or complications.
And no, you don’t have to be rich to write one. These days, will writing is not only accessible but also incredibly affordable. In some cases, it can even be done for free.
What Exactly Is a Will—and When Is It Valid?
Before diving into the how-tos, it’s important to understand what a will really is.
A will is a legally recognised document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It can also include instructions for the care of your children (if they’re still minors) and other specific wishes—like who should receive sentimental heirlooms or how your pets should be looked after.
For a will to be legally valid in Singapore, certain conditions must be met. You’ll also need to appoint an executor—someone you trust to carry out your instructions and manage your estate according to what’s written in your will.
In short, a will gives you the power to decide what happens to your life’s work, even after you’re gone.
What Should Be Included in a Will?
To be legally valid in Singapore, your will must meet specific requirements. Here’s what it should contain:
Your personal details: Full name, NRIC number, address, citizenship, and gender
Executor information: Name and particulars of the person you appoint to manage and carry out the terms of your will
Beneficiaries’ details: Names, contact information, and your relationship to each beneficiary
List of assets: A clear breakdown of the assets you wish to distribute—this can include property, savings, investments, personal belongings, and more
Distribution instructions: How you want your assets to be divided among your beneficiaries
Your signature: To confirm the will reflects your intentions
Signatures of at least two witnesses: They must be at least 21 years old and must not be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries
Other important requirements:
You must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind when writing your will
Your will must be in writing—oral or audio recordings are not legally recognised and could be challenged in court
Making sure your will meets these requirements ensures your wishes are honoured and helps avoid complications for your loved ones later on.
What Assets Are Not Covered by a Will in Singapore?
While a will gives you control over most of your assets, there are a few exceptions you should be aware of:
CPF Savings
Your CPF monies are not part of your estate and cannot be included in your will. Instead, they are distributed based on CPF Board’s rules. To decide who receives your CPF savings, you’ll need to make a CPF Nomination.Assets Held in a Trust
If you’ve placed any assets into a trust, they won’t be governed by your will either. These assets will be managed and distributed according to the terms set out in the trust deed.
Understanding what falls outside your will ensures you take the right steps—like making nominations or setting up trusts—to ensure your wishes are fully carried out.
How much does it cost to write a will?
Now that we know what a will is, let’s move on to how much it costs to get one written. The good news is, will writing is quite affordable, costing anywhere from S$0 to S$500.
Write Your Own Will—For Free
Yes, it’s entirely possible to write a legally valid will without spending a cent. If you’re comfortable drafting it yourself, you can do so for free. Not confident? Online templates can help—and they’re also free to use.
Here are two popular options in Singapore:
OCBC’s Online Will Generator
A straightforward, no-cost tool that guides you through creating a basic will.MoneyOwl’s Free Will Writing Service
Usually priced at S$160.50, this service is now free—just sign up for their mailing list to receive a promo code.
These options are great if your estate is relatively simple. For more complex arrangements, you may still want to consult a professional.
Getting a Will Done by a Lawyer — From S$200 to S$500
If you prefer peace of mind, hiring a lawyer is a reliable way to ensure your will is properly written, signed, witnessed, and stored or registered (note: storage and registration may come with additional fees, which we’ll cover later).
For a straightforward will, legal fees typically range from S$200 to S$500. This usually covers consultation, drafting, and witnessing.
However, if your estate is more complex—think multiple properties, business interests, or high-value assets—fees may exceed this range. The more intricate your instructions, the more time and expertise your lawyer will need to ensure everything is done right.
Let’s be honest: if you’re planning to distribute S$50 million, it’s unlikely you’ll get away with a basic S$500 job.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Writing a will is only the beginning. To ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly, you’ll need to plan for its proper execution and secure storage.
Here are some additional costs you may need to consider:
Appointing an Executor — Free, or Up to 5% of Your Estate
Since you won’t be around to carry out your will, you’ll need to appoint someone to do it on your behalf—this person is known as the executor.
Executors generally fall into two categories:
Someone you trust: This could be a family member, relative, or close friend. There’s no legal requirement to compensate them, but you may choose to include a token of appreciation or gratuity in your will.
A professional executor: Typically a lawyer or trust company with financial expertise. They’re especially useful if your estate is complex, or if you want to avoid family disputes by appointing a neutral third party.
Professional executors aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. Even in modest estates, having an impartial party can ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly and legally.
There’s no fixed fee structure for professional executors, but under Singapore law, they may charge up to 5% of the total assets collected for their services. It’s important to clarify fees upfront if you’re considering this option.
Registering & Storing Your Will — From S$50 to S$200
Creating your will is one thing—keeping it safe until it’s needed is another.
Over time, physical copies of your will can be lost, damaged, or replaced by newer versions, making it crucial to store it securely and clearly identify the valid one. You have a couple of options:
Bank safe deposit box or will custody service: These options offer secure, long-term storage and protection from wear, tampering, or misplacement. Costs typically range from S$50 to S$200 per year, depending on the provider.
Register with the Wills Registry of Singapore: For a one-time fee of S$50, you can register details of your will (not the will itself) with the official registry. This helps your family or executor locate the right document and serves as added proof if disputes arise.
Note: The Wills Registry does not store the physical will, so you’ll still need to arrange for proper storage elsewhere.
Storing and registering your will ensures it can be found, verified, and executed as you intended—when the time comes.