Settling a loved one’s estate is hard enough without borders getting in the way. If you are searching for practical guidance on resealing a foreign grant of probate in Singapore, you have come to the right place.
This guide strips away the jargon, shows you when a fresh Grant is needed, and explains how to reseal a foreign grant of probate so you can release funds faster and keep the family peace.
Read on for a clear, step‑by‑step path through the process the Court expects.
What Is Resealing A Foreign Grant Of Probate, And When Can You Use It?
If someone close to you has passed away, and their assets are located in Singapore, the first question to ask is: do I need a fresh Grant of Probate here?
You’ll need a fresh Grant of Probate in Singapore if the deceased was not domiciled in a Commonwealth country or Hong Kong, or if no Grant has been issued overseas. It’s also necessary if the existing foreign Grant was issued in a country not recognised for resealing under the Probate and Administration Act.
Another important factor is the value of the estate in Singapore. If the local assets exceed S$5 million, the case falls within the jurisdiction of the Family Division of the High Court, and a fresh Grant will be required even if a foreign Grant already exists.
A fresh Grant means you’re starting from scratch with the Singapore Court. The process involves submitting multiple documents, such as:
- An Ex Parte Originating Summons (Form 48)
This formally begins the probate application process with the Court. - A Statement for Probate/Administration (Form 51)
This outlines key details such as the deceased’s identity, the applicant’s relationship, and the estimated estate value. - A Certified True Copy of the Will and Death Certificate
These must be in English or translated by a certified translator if in another language. - A Supporting Affidavit (Form 225)
Sworn by the executor to confirm all facts and to exhibit the Will and death certificate. - An Administration Oath (Form 52)
The executor declares they will carry out their duties honestly and distribute the estate according to the Will. - A Schedule of Assets (Form 226)
A full list of the deceased’s assets and liabilities in Singapore and overseas, required by the Court.
This route is more time-consuming than resealing, but it’s necessary in certain circumstances. Knowing whether you fall into this category early on can save you months of delay and legal confusion. If you’re unsure, a probate lawyer can help you evaluate your options based on the deceased’s domicile, Will, and estate structure.
How To Reseal A Foreign Grant Of Probate
If a Grant of Probate has already been issued overseas, and the deceased has assets in Singapore, you may not need to start the whole process again. Instead, you can apply to reseal that foreign Grant in Singapore, but only if it was issued in a Commonwealth country or Hong Kong.
Knowing how to reseal a foreign Grant of Probate helps you avoid unnecessary legal work and speeds up estate administration. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
1. Confirm That Resealing Is Allowed
Start by checking where the original Grant of Probate was issued. Under Singapore’s Probate and Administration Act, resealing is only permitted for Grants issued in:
- A Commonwealth jurisdiction
- Or Hong Kong
If the Grant comes from a country outside this list (such as the US, China, or France), you’ll need to apply for a fresh Grant in Singapore instead.
2. Appoint A Singapore Lawyer
Only a Singapore-qualified lawyer can file the resealing application with the Family Division of the High Court. You won’t need to attend Court personally since your lawyer will handle the entire process through Singapore’s e-litigation system.
3. Prepare The Required Documents
To reseal a foreign Grant, you’ll need to provide:
-
- A certified true copy of the foreign Grant of Probate
- A certified true copy of the death certificate
- An English translation of either document is not available
- A Schedule of Assets listing all Singapore-based assets
- Passport of the deceased
- Passports of the beneficiaries
- Passport of the executor(s)
- An affidavit supporting the application and verifying all the above documents
4. Submit The Application To the Court
Once all documents are ready, your lawyer will file the application to the Family Division of the High Court. If everything is in order, the Court will issue an Order to Reseal — effectively giving the foreign Grant the same legal standing as a local one.
5. Access And Distribute The Assets
With the resealed Grant in hand, the executor can now deal with the Singapore-based assets. This includes closing bank accounts, transferring shares, or managing property according to the terms of the original Will.
Things To Watch Out For
- Delays may happen if the foreign Grant is incomplete or the Will is disputed.
- Some institutions may request additional notarised documents before releasing assets.
- If new assets are discovered later, a supplementary Schedule of Assets and affidavit must be filed.
Conclusion About Resealing Foreign Grant Of Probate In Singapore
Managing cross‑border estates does not need to feel like an endless maze. By understanding the difference between a fresh Grant and resealing a foreign grant of probate in Singapore, and by learning how to reseal a foreign grant of probate with the right documents and timing, you can settle affairs swiftly and with confidence.
If you would like seasoned support, contact Tembusu Law, home to the best Divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers in Singapore, and let our team guide you from the first affidavit to the final asset transfer today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resealing Foreign Grant Of Probate In Singapore
What Is A Grant Of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a Court order confirming the executor’s authority to gather and distribute assets according to the Will.
Who Can Apply For A Fresh Grant In Singapore?
Only the executor named in the Will, or if none exists, a person the Court considers fit, may apply for a fresh Grant.
How Long Does Resealing Take?
Most uncontested reseal applications finish in about three months for Grants of Probate and four months for Letters of Administration.
Do I Need To Attend Court Personally?
Executors usually instruct a solicitor who files documents through e‑Litigation, so personal attendance is rarely required.
What Happens If New Assets Surface After Resealing?
You may file a supplementary affidavit and updated Schedule of Assets to extend the resealed Grant’s coverage.
