---
title: Grants Where Deceased Died Domiciled Outside Singapore
description: "Applications for grants where the deceased died [domiciled outside Singapore](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/what-is-the-meaning-of-domicile-of-a-deceased-person/) are governed by Part 6, rule 22 of the Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024, subject to the applicable saving and transitional provisions for older proceedings. ## What…"
url: "https://help.law.com.sg/faq/grants-where-deceased-died-domiciled-outside-singapore/"
updated: "2026-10-10"
category: Probate / Probate Procedures
---

# Grants Where Deceased Died Domiciled Outside Singapore

Applications for grants where the deceased died [domiciled outside Singapore](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/what-is-the-meaning-of-domicile-of-a-deceased-person/) are governed by Part 6, rule 22 of the Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024, subject to the applicable saving and transitional provisions for older proceedings.

## What grants apply where the deceased died domiciled outside Singapore?

When a person dies domiciled outside Singapore but leaves assets in Singapore, special rules apply.

From 15 October 2024, these situations are governed by **[Part 6, rule 22](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/FJA2014-S723-2024/?ProvIds=P16-#pr22-) of the Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024** (“**FJ (Probate) Rules 2024**”).

This provision replaces former **[rule 227](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL-Supp/S813-2014/Published/20141215?DocDate=20141215&ProvIds=P114-#pr227-) of the Family Justice Rules 2014**, which applied to foreign-domiciled deceased estates before the new rules took effect.

> **Note:** Because of saving and transitional provisions, the old 2014 Rules may still apply to some older cases filed before 15 October 2024.

## Which Singapore rule now covers foreign-domiciled deceased?

The relevant rule is:

- **Part 6, rule 22 – “Grants where deceased died domiciled outside Singapore”** in the FJ (Probate) Rules 2024.

Rule 22 applies where:

- The **deceased died domiciled outside Singapore**; and
- You seek a **grant of probate or letters of administration in Singapore** in respect of assets here.

## Who may apply for a grant under rule 22(1)?

Where the deceased died domiciled outside Singapore, **an application to the Registrar for an order for a grant** may be made in favour of the following persons: [Singapore Statutes Online](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/FJA2014-S723-2024/?ProvIds=P16-)

1. **Person appointed by foreign probate court or authority**
   - The person entrusted with the administration of the estate by the **court or authority having jurisdiction in matters of probate** in the country of domicile.
2. **Person entitled under the law of the place of domicile**
   - The person who is **entitled to administer the estate by the law of the place where the deceased was domiciled**.
3. **Person directed by the Registrar (discretionary)**
   - If such a person does not exist,
   - Or if, in the Registrar’s opinion, the **circumstances justify a different arrangement**,
   - The Registrar may direct that the grant be made to **another suitable person**.
4. **Where at least 2 administrators are required (section 6 Probate and Administration Act)**
   - In some cases, **at least 2 administrators** must be appointed, for example where there is a minor or a life interest.
   - In such situations, the Registrar may direct that the grant be made **jointly**:
     - to a person mentioned in (1) or (2) above **together with** another person; or
     - to such other persons as the Registrar may direct.

In short, the rule respects **foreign appointments and foreign law**, but the **Registrar retains discretion** to ensure proper administration in Singapore.

## What happens if there is no application under rule 22(1)?

Sometimes, no foreign-appointed administrator or other eligible person applies under rule 22(1).

In that case, **rule 22(2) allows alternative routes**, despite paragraph (1):

#### (a) Probate of a will that is admissible to proof

If the deceased left a will that is **admissible to proof** in Singapore:

- **If the will is in English**
  - Probate may be granted to the **executor named in the will**.
- **Executor “according to the tenor”**
  - Even if the person is not expressly called “executor”,
  - Probate may still be granted to a **named person whose duties in the will are described clearly enough** to make that person an executor “according to the tenor” of the will.

This provides a route for a **named executor (or equivalent)** to obtain probate in Singapore, even if no one has first obtained a foreign grant.

## What if the Singapore estate only consists of immovable property?

Rule 22(2)(b) deals with cases where **all the deceased’s assets in Singapore are immovable property** (for example, a condominium or landed property):

- The court may grant a **limited grant** restricted to the **immovable property in Singapore** only.
- This limited grant is made **in accordance with the law that would have applied if the deceased had died domiciled in Singapore**.

This allows the Singapore court to **deal efficiently with local real property**, without needing to administer a wider foreign estate.

## How does this differ from the old rule 227 FJR 2014?

The **substance** of the law is broadly similar, but there are important updates:

- The current rule refers to the **“court or authority having jurisdiction in matters of probate”** at the place of domicile, which clarifies the type of foreign body recognised.
- Drafting has been modernised to use **gender-inclusive language** (“him or her”, “his or her discretion”).
- The rule now sits within the new **Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024 framework**, which replaced the Family Justice Rules 2014 from 15 October 2024.

For **older proceedings filed before 15 October 2024**, rule 227 FJR 2014 may still apply because of the transitional provisions.

## Practical points for foreign-domiciled estates with Singapore assets

In practice, you should expect:

- **Evidence of foreign domicile**
  - The court may require evidence of the deceased’s **domicile at the time of death**, such as foreign identity documents, residence records, or expert evidence of foreign law.
- **Evidence of foreign appointment or entitlement**
  - If you rely on paragraph (1)(a) or (b), you usually need to show:
    - the **foreign grant or order**, or
    - relevant **foreign law provisions** establishing your right to administer.
- **Registrar’s discretion**
  - The Registrar may still direct that the grant be made to **another person or persons**, especially where:
    - minors or life interests are involved (section 6 of the Probate and Administration Act);
    - there is a dispute between family members; or
    - there are concerns about proper administration.

Because foreign-domiciled estates often involve **conflicts of law** and **procedural nuances**, professional advice is usually advisable.

## Should I consult a Singapore probate lawyer?

Yes.

Rule 22 interacts with:

- the **Probate and Administration Act 1934**;
- the broader **Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024** structure; and
- any **foreign law or foreign court orders** relating to the estate.

A Singapore probate lawyer can:

- Review the **deceased’s domicile and connections**.
- Identify **who is best placed to apply** under rule 22.
- Advise whether a **limited grant over immovable property** is appropriate.
- Draft the necessary court documents in line with the latest rules and practice directions.

## 📌 **Legal Disclaimer**

For informational purposes only and based on Singapore law at the time of writing. It is **not legal advice** and does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Laws, rules, and court practices may change, and their application depends on specific facts. Always consult a qualified Singapore lawyer or contact Loh Eben Ong LLP for advice on your particular situation.

## Related Links

> [Documents required for Probate matters from Clients](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/documents-required-for-probate-matters-from-clients/)

[“Documents required for Probate matters from Clients” — Singapore Law Help](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/documents-required-for-probate-matters-from-clients/embed/#?secret=DcYQ0xJvLL#?secret=d6OmbvHPXR)