ABSD by Nationality in Singapore: Who Pays 60 Percent and Who Does Not
By Winfred Quek ยท Last reviewed October 2026
Which nationalities get Singapore Citizen rates?
IRAS lists two groups. Nationals and permanent residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are treated as Singapore Citizens (see how this works for citizens of the four European countries). US nationals are treated the same way, but the list covers US nationals only, so a US green card on its own does not qualify.
ABSD rates by nationality
| Buyer profile | First residential property | Second residential property | Third and subsequent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen, or FTA national (US, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Singapore Permanent Resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner who is not a Permanent Resident and not covered by an FTA (for example, Australia or Malaysia) | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Company or trust buyer | 65% | 65% | 65% |
These are IRAS rates for residential property, shown as four rate levels by buyer profile: Singapore Citizen or FTA national, Permanent Resident, foreigner and entity.
What this means for a foreign buyer
If you are an Australian or Malaysian national, the ABSD on your first home is 60 percent. A Singapore Citizen pays nothing on the first home, so the nationality gap is large. The gap also matters for the second property, where the FTA rate is 20 percent and the foreigner rate stays at 60 percent.
What does the buyer need to show?
The FTA treatment applies to the individual buyer in their own name. A purchase through a company or trust falls under the 65 percent entity rate, whatever the owner's nationality. Proof of nationality is typically needed when the duty is stamped, so have it ready and let your conveyancing lawyer confirm what is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can Australians buy property in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can buy residential property, but Australian nationals pay 60 percent ABSD on each residential purchase. Australia is not one of the free trade agreement countries for ABSD.
Does a US green card give the same ABSD treatment?
No. The treatment depends on US nationality, not on permanent residence in the US.
Do I pay 60 percent if I buy through a company?
A company or trust pays the 65 percent entity rate, so the nationality of the owner does not change the rate for the company.
Winfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant, CEA R073319H, Crestbrick Pte Ltd. This article is general information, not personal advice on tax, legal or financial matters. Speak to a licensed salesperson, a conveyancing lawyer or a tax adviser before you make a purchase.
Sources and References
How does this apply to your own numbers?
General rules only take you so far. What decides your move is your financing, your timeline, and what you already own. A Property Portfolio Analysis maps your real position, so you decide on your own figures rather than a rule of thumb.
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