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Buying Residential Property in Singapore as a Foreigner (ABSD + LDAU)
Document Checklist
Passport (original)
Where to get: Issued by your home country
Required: Original of the buyer's current passport; for US-passport-holder FTA claimants, the photo page is the primary nationality evidence
ABSD remission under the USSFTA is available only to US passport holders. US Lawful Permanent Residents (green-card holders) who are not US passport holders do not qualify.
Option to Purchase
Option to Purchase (OTP)
Where to get: Issued by the seller (resale) or developer (new launch); negotiated through a CEA-licensed property agent
Required: Original OTP signed by the seller; option fee typically 1% of price for resale, 5% for new launches
The OTP gives the buyer a defined period (usually 14 days) to exercise. For landed property, secure LDAU in-principle approval before signing the OTP so the binding commitment is not made before approval risk is resolved.
Sale and Purchase Agreement
Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P)
Where to get: Drafted by the buyer's Singapore-qualified conveyancing lawyer based on the exercised OTP
Required: Executed S&P — triggers the 14-day stamping clock (Singapore-signed) or 30-day clock (overseas-signed)
Foreign-buyer transactions require a Singapore-qualified lawyer to handle conveyancing. For landed property, the S&P should include a condition precedent that LDAU substantive approval is obtained within a stated window (often 8-12 weeks).
Singpass
Singpass account
Where to get: Register at singpass.gov.sg once a Singapore pass or NRIC/FIN is held
Required: Active Singpass login to use IRAS e-Stamping and the SLA LDAU e-Application centre
Singpass is the authentication layer for the IRAS e-Stamping portal, the myTax Portal (where FTA remission is filed), and the SLA LDAU online application. Foreigners can register once they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant's Pass.
Evidence of nationality and residency (FTA remission)
Where to get: US passport (USSFTA) or passport plus permanent-residency document of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland (EFTA)
Required: Colour copy of the photo page; for EFTA permanent-resident claimants, the EFTA-state residency document in addition to the passport
Filed via the myTax Portal under Request > Apply for Assessment / Appeal / Waiver, alongside the ABSD Declaration Form and supporting documents.
Land Dealings Approval Unit
LDAU supporting file (landed-property buyers)
Where to get: Online via the SLA LDAU e-Application centre at app.sla.gov.sg/ldau1
Required: Identification, curriculum vitae showing economic contribution to Singapore, Notice of Assessment from IRAS, evidence of residency duration, OTP or S&P (or unsigned indicative offer for in-principle approval), land title and survey details
Mainland landed: applicant must be a Singapore Permanent Resident for at least 5 years and demonstrate exceptional economic contribution to Singapore. Sentosa Cove: the 5-year-PR + economic-contribution gate does not apply; assessment is fit-and-proper-person grounds and ability to fund the purchase.
Singapore residential address
Where to get: A current Singapore address recorded on the OTP, S&P, and stamping submission
Required: Address where the buyer can receive IRAS correspondence, stamp certificate, and (for landed) LDAU determination
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