How to legally own a car in the Singapore?

How to legally own a car in the Singapore? Owning a car in Singapore can be relatively expensive and challenging due to government policies aimed at reducing congestion and promoting public transportation.

How to legally own a car in the Singapore?

Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Certificate of Entitlement (COE): In Singapore, all vehicle owners must obtain a COE, which is essentially a license to own a car. The government controls the number of COEs issued each year, and they can be costly, making car ownership in Singapore more expensive.
  2. Vehicle taxes: Singapore also imposes high taxes on vehicles, making them more expensive to purchase and own. The taxes are based on the engine size and carbon emissions of the vehicle.
  3. Parking: Finding a parking spot in Singapore can be challenging, especially in popular areas like the Central Business District. The government imposes strict parking rules and charges high fees for parking in certain areas.
  4. Road tolls: Singapore has several road tolls and electronic road pricing systems in place, which can add to the cost of owning and driving a car.
  5. Public transportation: Singapore has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. Many people choose to use public transportation instead of owning a car.

Overall, owning a car in Singapore can be expensive and challenging due to government policies aimed at reducing congestion and promoting public transportation.

If I’m not a Singapore citizen, can I legally own a vehicle in the Singapore?

Yes, non-Singapore citizens can legally own a vehicle in Singapore. However, there are certain conditions and requirements that must be met, such as having a valid work permit, employment pass, or student pass. In addition, non-Singapore citizens may need to provide additional documentation or pay higher fees, such as a higher road tax or higher COE prices. It is important to check with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) or consult with a legal professional to understand the specific requirements and regulations for owning a car in Singapore as a non-citizen.

What conditions do I need to own a car in the Singapore for a non-Singapore citizen?

If you are a non-Singapore citizen and wish to own a car in Singapore, you must meet the following conditions:

  1. Valid residency status: You must have a valid work permit, employment pass, or student pass to be eligible to own a car in Singapore. Other types of passes may also be eligible, but it is best to check with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) or a legal professional to confirm.
  2. Obtaining a Certificate of Entitlement (COE): All vehicle owners in Singapore must obtain a COE, which is essentially a license to own a car. Non-Singapore citizens are eligible to bid for a COE, but the prices may be higher than for Singapore citizens.
  3. Purchasing car insurance: All vehicle owners in Singapore are required to have car insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements set by the LTA.
  4. Paying vehicle-related taxes and fees: Singapore imposes high taxes and fees on vehicle ownership, such as the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and road tax. Non-Singapore citizens may need to pay higher taxes and fees than Singapore citizens.
  5. Meeting safety and emissions standards: All vehicles in Singapore must meet safety and emissions standards set by the LTA. Non-Singapore citizens may need to provide additional documentation to prove that their vehicle meets these standards.

It is important to note that the requirements for owning a car in Singapore as a non-citizen can be complex and subject to change. It is best to check with the LTA or consult with a legal professional to ensure that you meet all the necessary conditions and requirements.

How to register a vehicle in Singapore?

To register a vehicle in Singapore, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE): All vehicle owners in Singapore must obtain a COE, which is essentially a license to own a car. You can obtain a COE through a bidding process or purchase it directly from the open market. The price of a COE can be quite high and varies depending on demand.
  2. Purchase car insurance: All vehicle owners in Singapore are required to have car insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements set by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). You can purchase car insurance from any insurance provider in Singapore.
  3. Register your vehicle with the LTA: You can register your vehicle with the LTA either online or in person at any SingPost branch. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a sales agreement or a receipt, and a valid COE.
  4. Pay the necessary taxes and fees: Singapore imposes high taxes and fees on vehicle ownership, such as the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and road tax. You will need to pay these fees before your vehicle can be registered.
  5. Pass an inspection: Before your vehicle can be registered, it must pass an inspection conducted by the LTA. The inspection will check for safety and emissions compliance.

Once your vehicle is registered, you will receive a registration card and license plates. It is important to keep these documents with you at all times when driving.

Car ownership in the Singapore FAQs

What is a Certificate of Entitlement (COE)?

A COE is essentially a license to own a car in Singapore. It is a mandatory certificate that vehicle owners must obtain before they can register their vehicle with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). COEs are issued through a bidding process or can be purchased directly from the open market.

What are the costs of owning a car in Singapore?

Owning a car in Singapore can be expensive due to high taxes and fees imposed by the government. Some of the costs include the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), Goods and Services Tax (GST), road tax, and ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) fees. In addition, the price of a COE can also be high, depending on demand.

Can non-Singapore citizens own a car in Singapore?

Yes, non-Singapore citizens can own a car in Singapore. However, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and obtain a valid work permit or employment pass.

How do I register a car in Singapore?

To register a car in Singapore, you will need to obtain a valid COE, purchase car insurance, and register your vehicle with the LTA. You will also need to pay the necessary taxes and fees and pass an inspection conducted by the LTA.

How often do I need to renew my car’s registration?

Vehicle registration in Singapore is valid for 10 years. After that, you will need to renew your car’s registration every 5 years.

Are there any restrictions on car ownership in Singapore?


Yes, there are some restrictions on car ownership in Singapore. For example, there is a quota system that limits the number of new cars that can be registered each year, and there are higher taxes and fees for larger cars. In addition, there are certain areas of the city where vehicles are subject to congestion charges or restricted from driving during certain times of the day.

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