How much ABSD do foreigners pay in Singapore?
Foreigners pay 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on any residential property purchase in Singapore, regardless of whether it is your first or subsequent home. This is charged on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty. One key exception: nationals of certain countries covered by free trade agreements are treated as Singapore Citizens and pay lower rates.
The full rules
ABSD rates for foreigners
Foreign buyers pay a flat 60% ABSD on every residential property purchase, with no lower rate for a first home.
| Buyer profile | 1st property | 2nd property | 3rd+ property |
| Singapore Citizen | 0% | 20% | 30% |
| Permanent Resident | 5% | 30% | 35% |
| Foreigner | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Entity | 65% | 65% | 65% |
Free trade agreement exception
Under free trade agreements, the following buyers are treated as Singapore Citizens for ABSD:
- Nationals of the USA
- Nationals and PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
This means they pay 0% on a first residential property rather than 60%.
ABSD is charged on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty. These rates apply to purchases made on or after 27 April 2023.
Worked example
Worked example
A foreign buyer purchases a condominium for $2,000,000.
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
| Property price | — | $2,000,000 |
| ABSD rate (foreigner) | 60% | — |
| ABSD payable | $2,000,000 × 60% | $1,200,000 |
The buyer pays $1,200,000 in ABSD, on top of the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty. This applies whether or not it is their first property in Singapore.
What this means for you
Foreign national buying a first home
You pay 60% ABSD on the purchase price, even though it is your first property here. There is no first-home discount for foreigners.
US national, or Swiss/Icelandic/Liechtenstein/Norwegian national or PR
Under a free trade agreement, you are treated as a Singapore Citizen for ABSD. That means 0% on your first residential property, 20% on your second and 30% on your third or more.
Buying through a company or entity
Entities pay 65% ABSD on any residential purchase — higher than the foreigner rate. Confirm your structure's treatment with IRAS before committing.
Related questions
Do foreigners pay less ABSD on a first home?
No. Foreigners pay 60% ABSD on any residential property, including a first home. Unlike citizens and PRs, there is no reduced rate for a first purchase.
Are any foreigners exempt from the 60% rate?
Yes. Under free trade agreements, US nationals and nationals or PRs of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are treated as Singapore Citizens, paying 0% on a first home.
Is ABSD charged on top of other stamp duties?
Yes. ABSD is paid in addition to the standard Buyer's Stamp Duty. The 60% foreigner rate applies to the property's purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.
What ABSD does a company pay?
An entity pays 65% ABSD on any residential property purchase — higher than the 60% foreigner rate. Check your specific situation with IRAS.
When did the 60% foreigner rate take effect?
The current ABSD rates, including 60% for foreigners, apply to purchases made on or after 27 April 2023.
More answers: Can a foreigner buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a condo in Singapore? · Can a PR buy a resale HDB flat? · Can I buy a condo while owning an HDB flat?
Sources: IRAS — Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty · Last verified 2026-10-19