On this page:
The following is general information only. For detailed legal information or advice regarding your specific circumstances, please contact a lawyer.
Singapore's legal processes can be quite different to those in Australia. You are subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards.
Police investigations and formal arrests in Singapore may involve a lengthy exit ban from Singapore before a case is finalised. There is no set timeline for investigations, which can take several weeks or months. For serious offences, investigations and court proceedings can take years. You won't be allowed to leave Singapore until the investigation is completed. You can't get a replacement passport until legal matters are settled. You must be able to support yourself financially during this time. This can have a dramatic effect on your current and future employment, family relationships and financial circumstances.
Singaporean authorities generally do not allow consular officers to visit outside of normal public visiting hours. Visits are not permitted on public holidays or weekends.
Local law
Under Singaporean law, the police can detain you for up to 48 hours without charge (including for minors). You may be questioned by police during this period and based on the questioning, the police will decide whether to charge you or release you. During this period, you may not be allowed to speak with anyone else, not even a lawyer or the High Commission. The police are not required to notify anyone of your arrest during this period, including the High Commission. These laws also apply to minors.
If you are charged, the police will bring you to the court and the court will decide if you will face further detention or if you can be placed on bail.
Even if you are not charged, police may still confiscate your passport and prevent you from departing Singapore while they undertake further investigations.
Information on the criminal court process in Singapore is available on the Singapore Courts website: Charged with a crime
Court hearing schedules can be confirmed directly on the Singapore Courts website: Hearing list
Information on visiting individuals in detention is available on the Singapore Prison Service website: How to visit
List of local lawyers
The names and contact details of law firms in Singapore (non-exhaustive) are available on the following websites:
Law Society of Singapore: Find a Lawyer – The Law Society of Singapore
Ministry of Law Singapore: Find a Lawyer – Ministry of Law
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) does not endorse any of the lawyers appearing in these lists, provides no guarantees as to its currency and does not accept any liability if you choose to engage one of these lawyers to provide legal services.
Legal aid (pro bono lawyers)
If you require a lawyer to represent you regarding a legal matter and cannot afford a private lawyer, you can apply for the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS). CLAS provides criminal legal assistance to foreign applicants who are unable to afford a lawyer, and are facing charges in a Singapore court for non-death penalty offences under statutes covered by CLAS. More information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the Pro Bono SG website: Legal Representation | Pro Bono SG
Other information
Useful information regarding local laws in Singapore can also be found on our Travel Advice. For more information on what consular staff in Australia and overseas can do to assist arrestees, prisoners and their families, please read the following information on Smartraveller:
Arrested or Jailed Overseas | Smartraveller
Fact Sheet: Arrested or Jailed Overseas | Smartraveller
External links
The Law Society of Singapore
Pro Bono SG
Singapore Courts
Singapore Prison Service
Ministry of Law
International transfer of prisoners | Australian Attorney-General's Department