Inheritance Law in Singapore
Understanding AMLA and the Intestate Succession Act
Singapore's Dual System
Singapore maintains separate inheritance frameworks for Muslims and non-Muslims. The Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) governs Muslim estates, while the Intestate Succession Act applies to non-Muslims who die without a valid Will.
Understanding which system applies to you helps ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes and the law.
For Muslims: AMLA
Administration of Muslim Law Act
As a Muslim in Singapore, your estate is administered under AMLA. The Syariah Court issues an Inheritance Certificate that specifies each heir's share according to Faraid principles.
The Syariah Court Process
1. Apply for Inheritance Certificate
Family applies to Syariah Court with death certificate and list of assets/heirs.
2. Court Determines Shares
The court calculates each heir's Faraid share based on family structure.
3. Certificate Issued
The Inheritance Certificate is used to distribute assets from banks, CPF, etc.
4. Estate Distribution
Assets are transferred to heirs according to their certified shares.
Faraid Shares Under AMLA
AMLA follows the same Faraid principles as Malaysia. The specific shares depend on which heirs survive the deceased.
Spouse
- Wife: 1/8 (with children) or 1/4 (no children)
- Husband: 1/4 (with children) or 1/2 (no children)
Children
- Sons: Double the share of daughters
- Daughters only: Share 2/3 equally
Nuzriah (Muslim Will)
Muslims in Singapore can make a Nuzriah (bequest) of up to 1/3 of their estate to non-heirs. This is similar to the Wasiat in Malaysia.
- • Cannot exceed 1/3 of the estate
- • Cannot benefit Faraid heirs (they already have prescribed shares)
- • Useful for adopted children, charities, or non-Muslim relatives
For Non-Muslims: Intestate Succession Act
Civil Intestate Succession
If you die without a valid Will, the Intestate Succession Act determines how your estate is distributed. The rules prioritize spouse and children, then parents and siblings.
Intestate Succession Act Shares
Make a Will
Non-Muslims can freely distribute their entire estate via a Will. This gives you complete control over who inherits your assets.
- • Provide for unmarried partners (no intestate rights)
- • Leave specific assets to specific people
- • Appoint guardians for minor children
- • Support charities or causes you care about
CPF and Insurance Nominations
CPF Nominations
Your CPF savings can be nominated to specific beneficiaries. For Muslims, nominees typically hold the funds as trustees for Faraid distribution.
- Non-Muslims: Nominees receive CPF directly
- Muslims: Nominees hold as trustees
- No nomination: Follows ISA or AMLA
Insurance Nominations
Life insurance proceeds go to your nominated beneficiaries. These typically bypass the estate entirely.
- Revocable vs irrevocable nominations
- Trust nominations for minors
- Review nominations after life changes
Key Considerations
HDB Flat Ownership
Joint tenancy HDB flats pass automatically to the surviving owner. For tenancy-in-common, the deceased's share follows intestate rules or the Will.
Foreign Assets
Assets located overseas may be subject to different inheritance laws. Consider consulting estate planners familiar with each jurisdiction.
Lasting Power of Attorney
While not inheritance-related, an LPA ensures someone you trust can make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity.