Imagine this: you moved halfway across the world to build a life with your spouse, but now the marriage is breaking down. Do you return home, or remain in Singapore for work? What about your children who hold dual citizenship, or assets spread across multiple countries?
For expats, divorce is not just the end of a relationship – it is the start of a complex legal journey shaped by both Singapore law and international realities.
If you are an expatriate navigating divorce in Singapore, understanding the key legal steps can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
The Singapore courts will only hear a divorce case if they have jurisdiction. Either you or your spouse must be a Singaporean Citizen, or have lived here continuously for at least three years. You must also have been married for at least 3 years, unless you can prove exceptional hardship and obtain permission from the court.
Note: Couples married under Syariah Law must file in the Syariah Court
Beyond these basic eligibility rules, expatriate couples often ask whether it matters where they were married or what their nationalities are.
Many expatriate couples wonder whether they can file for divorce in Singapore – especially if they married overseas or if only one spouse is a Singapore citizen.
The short answer is yes, but it depends on how strongly you or your spouse are connected to Singapore.
Two foreigners who married outside Singapore can file for divorce here if one of them meets the requirements under Section 93 of the Women’s Charter
Example:
A French couple wed in Paris but have lived and worked in Singapore for the last four years may apply for divorce in Singapore, as long as they have sufficient legal and factual connection to Singapore at the time of filing.
If one spouse is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, the connection to Singapore is usually clear – citizens are presumed permanently residing in Singapore.
That means the Singapore courts generally have jurisdiction, even if the foreign spouse wishes to return home.
Example:
A Singaporean married to an Australian who both live in Singapore can file for divorce here. Even if the foreign spouse later relocates, the Singapore court can still hear the case, as long as requirements were met at the time of filing.
However, if most assets or family life are overseas, the court will consider whether Singapore is the most appropriate forum to handle the matter.
No. A marriage solemnised overseas can still be dissolved in Singapore as long as the court has jurisdiction. However, if the marriage was conducted under religious or foreign law (for example, under Syariah Law), the process differs. Muslim couples must file in the Syariah Court.
Regardless whether both parties are foreign or if only one spouse is Singaporean, what matters is your legal connection to Singapore.
If you have been living, working, or building your family life here, the Singapore courts can likely hear your divorce.
If you meet these requirements, the next step is to establish the legal grounds for divorce in Singapore.
There is only one legal ground for divorce in Singapore: the irretrievable breakdown of marriage. This may be proven through:
The process begins with an Originating Application filed through eLitigation.
Divorce in Singapore has two stages.
The court reviews the case and if, satisfied, grants an Interim judgement confirming that the marriage has broken down.
The court the addresses related issues, including:
Only when all matters are resolved does the court issue a Final Judgement of Divorce, formally ending the marriage.
Expat divorces often involve:
These complexities make legal guidance essential for expatriates.
At LP Law Corporation, we know that expat divorces carry unique challenges – from diving assets across borders to ensuring your children’s future is secure. We provide more than legal advice: we offer clarity, strategy, and support at every step. Our goal is to safeguard your rights while reducing the stress of a process that can feel overwhelming.
With LP Law by your side, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today and let us help you move forward with confidence.