Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, simply writing a Will is not enough—storing it securely is just as crucial. Many people worry about where to keep their Will and often fall for expensive private Will custody services that charge hundreds of dollars per year for storage.
What many people don’t realize is that Singapore has a National Wills Registry, where you can register the details of your Will for a one-time fee of just $50, covering your record for 120 years!
Let’s break down why the National Wills Registry is the best option and why private Will storage services are often unnecessary and overpriced.
The Truth About Private Will Storage Services
Some companies charge hefty fees for Will custody services, advertising them as “secure vaults” or “professional Will safekeeping.” These services often cost:
- $200 – $500 per year for “secure” document storage.
- Additional fees for retrieval, administrative handling, or future updates.
Over 20–30 years, these costs add up to thousands of dollars, which is completely unnecessary when a government-backed registry exists for a fraction of the price.
Are Private Will Storage Services Necessary?
- No legal requirement – Singapore does not require Wills to be stored in expensive private vaults.
- Does not increase legal validity – Where you store your Will has no impact on its legality.
- Risk of losing access – If a private company shuts down or changes terms, retrieving your Will could become difficult.
What is the Singapore National Wills Registry?
The Singapore Wills Registry, managed by the Ministry of Law, is an official electronic database where individuals can register the existence and location of their Will. It does not store the actual Will but serves as a secure record to help executors and beneficiaries locate the document when needed.
Key Benefits of Registering with the National Wills Registry
- One-Time Fee of Just $50 – No hidden costs or annual fees.
- Secure Government Database – Maintained by the Ministry of Law, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Covers 120 Years – Your Will’s details remain accessible for over a century.
- Helps Executors Locate the Will – Avoids confusion and disputes after your passing.
- Peace of Mind – Ensures that your Will won’t be misplaced, lost, or forgotten.
How to Register Your Will with the National Wills Registry
Step 1: Prepare Your Will
Ensure that your Will is legally valid and properly signed with two witnesses. If you have made multiple Wills, only the latest version should be recorded.
Step 2: Submit Registration via the Ministry of Law Website
You can register your Will online through the Singapore Wills Registry at https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/.
- The registration process requires:
Your full name and NRIC - Date of the Will
- Location of the Will’s storage (e.g., at home, with a lawyer, or in a safe deposit box)
- Details of the law firm (if applicable)
Step 3: Pay a One-Time Fee of $50
This small fee ensures that your Will’s details are securely stored for 120 years.
Step 4: Keep Your Will in a Safe Place
Since the National Wills Registry does not store the actual Will, keep it in a secure but accessible location:
- At home in a fireproof safe
- With a trusted family member
- With your lawyer (if applicable)
Make sure your executor and trusted loved ones know where to find your Will.
Estate planning should be affordable and straightforward, but many private Will custody services take advantage of people’s fears by charging excessive fees. The Singapore National Wills Registry provides a low-cost, government-backed solution that ensures your Will is easily located when needed.
For just $50, you can secure your Will’s details for 120 years, making expensive private storage services completely unnecessary.
If you haven’t already, register your Will today with the Singapore Wills Registry and enjoy peace of mind knowing your estate is in safe hands.