Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore (2026): Where to Get Help
If your elderly parent or spouse loses mental capacity tomorrow — through a stroke, dementia, or a sudden accident — you may not be able to make financial or medical decisions for them, even as a next-of-kin. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) fixes this, and in Singapore it is now free to apply for Singapore Citizens. This guide covers exactly where to go, what it costs, and what to do if you're already too late.
- LPA Form 1 application fee: FREE for Singapore Citizens (permanently waived from 1 April 2026)
- Certificate Issuer fee: SGD 25–80 at clinics (most common: ~SGD 50)
- Must be made while the person still has mental capacity — cannot do it after
- OPG hotline: 1800-111-2222
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA is a legal document where you (the Donor) appoint one or more trusted people (your Donees) to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose mental capacity. The Donee can be a spouse, adult child, sibling, or any trusted person — they do not have to be a lawyer.
There are two types of decisions your Donee can be given power over:
- Personal welfare — where you live, your daily care, medical consent
- Property and financial affairs — bank accounts, property, bills, investments
LPA Form 1 (the standard form) covers both. Most people use Form 1. Form 2 is for more customised arrangements — it requires a lawyer to certify, and is less commonly needed.
Who should get an LPA?
The common assumption is that LPA is only for the elderly. It isn't. MSF specifically notes that accidents and sudden illness can affect anyone at any age. The practical reality in Singapore:
- Anyone 21 and above is eligible to make an LPA
- Elderly parents who are still mentally well should make one now — dementia is gradual and often not caught until capacity is already impaired
- Adults caring for aging parents: encourage them to make an LPA before they need it — once they need it, it may be too late
- Anyone with assets (property, CPF, bank accounts) who wants their family to be able to manage things if something happens
If you already have a will, you still need an LPA. A will only takes effect after death — an LPA covers the period where you are alive but unable to make decisions.
Where to get help applying for an LPA
Five routes, roughly from easiest to most assisted:
Do it yourself — OPGO online portal
Best for: tech-comfortable applicants
Log in to the OPG Online (OPGO) portal using Singpass. Fill in the LPA Form 1, appoint your Donee(s), and specify the powers. Your Donees then log into OPGO via their own Singpass to accept. After that, you book an appointment with a Certificate Issuer (CI) to certify — see Route 3 below.
This is the fastest and cheapest option if both you and your Donees are comfortable with Singpass and online forms.
ServiceSG Centres — assisted drafting
Best for: seniors who are less comfortable with technology
ServiceSG Centres have officers trained to assist with LPA applications. They can help the Donor (and Donee) navigate the OPGO portal, fill in the form, and understand what they're signing. This is the recommended route for elderly parents who are not comfortable doing it online alone.
ServiceSG Centres are located at major community hubs including Nee Soon Central, Tampines West, Bukit Merah, Jurong East, and others. Check go.gov.sg/servicesg-centres for the full list and opening hours. Bring your IC and your Donee's details.
Note: ServiceSG helps with the drafting and online submission. The CI certification (Step 3) still needs to happen separately at a clinic or lawyer's office.
GP clinic — Certificate Issuer (CI) appointment
Best for: most applicants — this is the final step everyone needs
After the LPA is drafted online, the Donor must visit a Certificate Issuer (CI) in person. The CI checks that the Donor understands the LPA, is signing voluntarily, and has mental capacity. They then certify the document digitally via Singpass.
The cheapest and most convenient option is an accredited GP clinic. MSF reports the 10 most-visited CIs charge SGD 25–80, with most around SGD 50. Some clinics like Kingsway Medical charge SGD 30. Use book.health.gov.sg — search for LPA — to see a list of participating clinics near you, their fee, and available appointment slots.
Bring your mobile phone with Singpass installed — you'll need it for digital signing at the appointment.
SATA CommHealth / Parkway Shenton clinics
Best for: those who prefer larger clinic networks with fixed pricing
Both SATA CommHealth and Parkway Shenton are accredited Certificate Issuers with multiple branches around Singapore. They're suitable if you want a familiar, well-staffed clinic environment — particularly for elderly parents who may feel more comfortable at a larger clinic than a small GP.
Parkway Shenton charges a fixed SGD 55 (after GST) for LPA certification across its network. SATA CommHealth is a non-profit healthcare organisation with a focus on eldercare — their LPA CI service is well-suited to helping seniors through the process.
Lawyer — for LPA Form 2 or full-service help
Best for: complex situations, Form 2 LPA, or those who want a lawyer to manage everything
A lawyer can both draft and certify the LPA. For straightforward Form 1 applications, using a lawyer is unnecessary — it's significantly more expensive than a GP CI with no legal benefit for standard cases. However, if you want Form 2 (customised powers not covered by Form 1, such as restricting the Donee's financial powers or adding specific conditions), a lawyer must certify it.
Lawyers are also appropriate where there are family disputes about who should be the Donee, or where the Donor has unusual assets (overseas property, complex business interests). The Law Society of Singapore can help you find a suitable lawyer.
What does an LPA cost in Singapore (2026)?
| Expense | Singapore Citizen | Permanent Resident | Foreigner |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPA Form 1 application fee (OPG) | Free (since 1 Apr 2026) | SGD 30 | SGD 160 |
| Certificate Issuer fee (GP clinic) | SGD 25–80 | SGD 25–80 | SGD 25–80 |
| Certificate Issuer fee (lawyer) | SGD 200–600+ | SGD 200–600+ | SGD 200–600+ |
| Typical total (SC via GP clinic) | SGD 30–80 | ||
LPA Form 2 has a separate OPG application fee. All CI fees are set by the CI independently — use book.health.gov.sg to compare before booking.
How to apply — step by step
- Draft the LPA online — Log in to opg-eservice.msf.gov.sg via Singpass. Select LPA Form 1. Choose your Donees and the powers you want to grant. If you need help, visit a ServiceSG Centre (Route 2 above).
- Donee(s) accept online — Your appointed Donees will receive a notification. They log into OPGO via their own Singpass to review and accept the appointment. This can be done from home.
- Book a Certificate Issuer appointment — Go to book.health.gov.sg, search for LPA CI clinics near you. The system shows the CI fee and earliest slots. Book directly.
- Visit the Certificate Issuer — Bring your IC and your mobile phone with Singpass installed. The CI will verify your understanding and mental capacity, then certify the LPA digitally. This appointment typically takes 15–30 minutes.
- LPA is registered — OPG processes the application. Processing typically takes a few weeks. You'll receive confirmation when registered. The LPA is only activated if and when the Donor loses mental capacity — it has no effect while the Donor still has capacity.
What if a parent has already lost mental capacity?
In this situation, the family must apply to the Family Courts of Singapore for a Deputyship Order. A Deputy is court-appointed and has similar powers to an LPA Donee — but the process is significantly more involved:
- Application is made to the Family Courts
- A medical report confirming lack of mental capacity is required
- A lawyer is typically needed (legal fees apply)
- The process takes weeks to months
- Deputies must file annual reports with OPG
- Total costs are substantially higher than an LPA
The Family Courts have an Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (ADAP) for cases involving less complex assets — this provides legal assistance and reduces costs somewhat. Check the Family Courts website or call the Community Justice Centre for more information.
The clear lesson: an LPA done early costs SGD 30–80 and a morning. Deputyship is thousands of dollars and months of stress. The time to make an LPA is when your parent is healthy — not when they need it.
Common questions
Can I appoint more than one Donee?
Yes. You can appoint up to two Donees under Form 1, and specify whether they act jointly (both must agree) or jointly and severally (either can act alone). Most people appoint an adult child as Donee for the parent's LPA.
Does my Donee need to be present at the CI appointment?
No — the Donee does not need to attend the Certificate Issuer appointment. They accept the appointment separately online via OPGO.
Can the LPA be used right away?
No. The LPA is registered but dormant — it can only be activated when the Donor loses mental capacity. Until then, the Donor continues to make their own decisions. The Donee has no power to act while the Donor has capacity.
What if my parent doesn't have a Singpass account?
Singpass is required to use OPGO. Elderly parents who don't have Singpass can set it up at any ServiceSG Centre. Officers there can also help them complete the LPA application at the same visit.
Can an LPA be revoked?
Yes, as long as the Donor still has mental capacity. From August 2026, Donors can submit a notice of revocation directly through OPGO. Once mental capacity is lost, the LPA cannot be revoked.
I already have a will. Do I still need an LPA?
Yes. A will only takes effect after you die — it has no effect while you are alive but incapacitated. An LPA covers the period where you are alive but cannot make decisions. Both documents serve different purposes and you need both.
Quick reference: where to go
- Start the LPA online: opg-eservice.msf.gov.sg (Singpass required)
- Need help with the form: Visit a ServiceSG Centre — go.gov.sg/servicesg-centres
- Book a Certificate Issuer: book.health.gov.sg (search "LPA" — shows fee and availability)
- OPG hotline (queries / in-person appointment): 1800-111-2222
- OPG office: 3 Bishan Place #03-00, CPF Bishan Building — appointment required
- Deputyship (parent already lacks capacity): Family Courts — judiciary.gov.sg/family/deputyship
- Assisted Deputyship Programme: enablingguide.sg or Community Justice Centre