iceland

Icelandic Investors: Invest in Singapore Property
— Without the 60% Foreign Stamp Duty

Maximize Your Investment. Avoid the Extra 60%.

Looking to expand your investment portfolio or relocate to Asia’s most stable property market? As an Icelandic citizen, you enjoy full remission of Singapore’s Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) under the EFTA–Singapore Free Trade Agreement. That means you pay only the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) — the same rates Singapore citizens pay.

🏠 Save up to S$600,000 on a S$1M property
🏠 Save up to S$1.8M on a S$3M investment

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Why Icelandic Investors Are Buying Property in Singapore

✅ Icelandic Króna Buys More in Singapore

With a favorable exchange rate (1 SGD ≈ 100 ISK), your Icelandic earnings stretch further.
A 1-bedroom condominium in a good location starts at S$750,000, approximately:

  • ISK 75,000,000
  • USD 550,000
  • EUR 515,000

With no ABSD, more of your investment goes into property — not tax.

✅ Strategic Entry into Asia’s Property Market

Singapore offers stability, high rental yields, and long-term growth. With zero ABSD, Icelandic investors gain a rare edge in one of Asia’s most sought-after real estate markets.

✅ Efficient Global Wealth Diversification

Singapore has no capital gains tax, a robust legal framework, and investor-friendly policies — making it ideal for Icelanders looking to grow and protect their wealth abroad.

✅ Efficient Global Wealth Diversification

Singapore’s stable government, strong rule of law, and fully transparent real estate system make it one of the safest places to invest.

Benefits for Icelandic Investors Owning
Property in Singapore

Pay Local Tax Rates — Not Foreign Premiums
As an Icelandic citizen, you’re exempt from Singapore’s 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). You pay the same stamp duty rates as Singapore citizens, giving you a powerful advantage over other foreign buyers.
 Invest with Legal Certainty
Singapore’s robust legal system and full property ownership rights offer security and clarity for Icelandic investors. Trust structures, estate planning, and international transfers are fully supported and widely recognized.
 Strengthen Your
Global Portfolio
Singapore property is a reliable, appreciating asset — ideal for global wealth diversification. Whether you’re building a legacy, relocating, or planning for retirement, this is a strong foundation in a safe, tax-efficient jurisdiction.
Keep It Private
Singapore allows for confidential ownership structures, avoiding the public disclosure often required in other countries. Your real estate investment can be held discreetly and securely.
 Avoid Wealth Erosion
from Taxes
With no capital gains tax in Singapore and your ABSD exemption, more of your investment stays with you. This protects your returns and supports long-term income or succession strategies.
Full Ownership, No Local Middleman Required
Unlike some other countries, Singapore allows foreigners — including Icelandic nationals — to own residential properties directly with full title. No nominee or local partner is needed.

Common Misconceptions About Investing Singapore Property as an Icelandic Citizen

❌ “All foreigners must pay high stamp duties in Singapore.”

Truth: While this applies to most foreign buyers, Icelandic citizens are exempt from Singapore’s Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) under the EFTA–Singapore Free Trade Agreement. You pay the same property tax rates as local citizens — not the 60% foreign buyer surcharge.

❌ “Investing overseas is too complex and risky.”

Truth:Singapore is one of the most secure and transparent places in the world to invest in real estate. With a strong legal framework, English-speaking professionals, and clear regulations, Icelandic investors can buy with peace of mind.

❌ “I need to live or work in Singapore to qualify for tax benefits.”

Truth: Not at all. The ABSD exemption is based solely on your Icelandic citizenship. You don’t need PR status or local employment — your passport is your key to tax-free eligibility.

How Icelandic Nationals Benefit from ABSD Exemption When Investing Property in Singapore

Example 1: Icelandic Executive Saves Over S$500K on a Prime Singapore Home

Scenario:
Ms. Jónsdóttir, a senior executive from Reykjavík, wanted to purchase a high-end condominium in Singapore’s Orchard Road area as part of her retirement plan and future relocation strategy. She initially hesitated, thinking the 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) would make the investment unattractive.

Outcome:
After consulting with a property advisor, she discovered that Icelandic citizens are fully exempt from ABSD under the EFTA–Singapore FTA. She moved forward with the purchase and paid only the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), saving more than S$500,000 in taxes.

Key Takeaway:
Thanks to ABSD exemption, Icelandic nationals like Ms. Jónsdóttir can invest in Singapore property just like locals — with significant upfront tax savings.

Example 2: First-Time Icelandic Buyer Enters the Singapore Market Without Extra Tax

Scenario:
Mr. Einarsson, a young professional based in Akureyri, wanted to buy a property in Singapore as his first overseas investment. He assumed that, like most foreigners, he would have to pay ABSD — a 60% surcharge on top of property prices.

Outcome:
Upon researching, he learned about the ABSD exemption for Iceland citizens through the EFTA agreement. He was able to purchase a new launch condominium in the city fringe without paying the foreign buyer tax, giving him a strong start to building his international property portfolio.

Key Takeaway:
First-time Icelandic investors can enter Singapore’s market tax-efficiently, gaining access to global property growth without the barriers others face.

Example 3: Icelandic Property Investor Expands Portfolio ABSD-Free

Scenario:
Mr. Magnússon, an experienced property investor from Iceland, wanted to diversify his holdings into Asia and identified Singapore as a stable, high-potential market. However, the 60% ABSD on foreign buyers seemed like a major cost obstacle.

Outcome:
Thanks to his Icelandic nationality and the EFTA agreement, Mr. Magnússon was fully exempt from ABSD. He proceeded to purchase two investment properties in Singapore, redirecting the saved tax amount into renovations and marketing. His properties quickly attracted high-quality tenants, generating strong rental yields.

Key Takeaway:
Icelandic investors can expand their portfolios in Singapore confidently and cost-effectively — with no ABSD barrier limiting their strategy.

USSFTA vs EFTA-Singapore FTA: What’s the Difference?

Both Free Trade Agreements grant Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty remission for eligible foreign buyers,
but there are key distinctions in coverage and considerations.

USSFTA
Citizens of the United States of America
Bilateral trade agreement
Article 15.1 of the USSFTA
EFTA–Singapore FTA
Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
Multilateral trade agreement (EFTA bloc)
Chapter 41 of the EFTA–Singapore FTA

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Am I really exempt from Singapore’s Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) as an Icelandic citizen?

Yes. Under the EFTA–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, Icelandic citizens are fully exempt from the 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). You only pay the standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), just like Singapore citizens.

❓ Do Icelandic citizens pay ABSD on their first Singapore property?

No. Icelandic citizens are exempt from Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on their first residential property due to the EFTA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, treating them like locals.

❓ What property types can I buy?

You can freely buy condominiums and apartments. Landed properties require special approval from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), and HDB flats are generally restricted.

❓ Do I still have to pay other taxes or fees when buying property in Singapore?

You’ll pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and annual Property Tax. The ABSD exemption applies only to your first residential property.

❓ What's the buying process?

Typically: Secure loan pre-approval, engage an agent, get an Option to Purchase (OTP), appoint a lawyer, exercise the OTP, pay stamp duties, and complete the transaction.

❓ Are there rental restrictions for my property?

Generally no restrictions for private residential properties. However, if you’ve obtained approval for a landed property, there might be specific occupancy conditions.

Testimonials

“As an Icelandic family planning our move to Singapore, we were initially daunted by the property market and especially the thought of the high Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty. We heard so many stories about it. But discovering that our Icelandic citizenship meant we were exempt from ABSD on our first home was a game-changer! It saved us a substantial amount, allowing us to put that money directly into furnishing our new apartment and ensuring our kids settled in comfortably. The process was much smoother than we anticipated, feeling just like a local purchase. We couldn’t be happier with our new home in Singapore, thanks to this amazing benefit!”
— Sigridur & Björn Karlsson, Reykjavik, Iceland (Now residing in Singapore)

“I’ve always been interested in Singapore’s vibrant real estate market for a second home, but the ABSD for foreign buyers was a significant hurdle. When I learned about the EFTA-Singapore FTA and the ‘national treatment’ for Icelandic citizens, it immediately opened up a new avenue for me. The exemption on ABSD for my first purchase meant I could acquire a beautiful condominium in a prime area without that extra heavy tax burden. This allowed me to secure a property that truly met my desires and enjoy the financial benefits. It’s a huge advantage that truly makes Singapore a viable and attractive option for Icelandic buyers.”
— Gunnar Ólafsson, Akureyri, Iceland

Secure Your Family’s Future & Investments

Protect your loved ones and financial plans by leveraging your Icelandic citizenship to buy ABSD-free property in Singapore.

Ready to Invest and Save on Stamp Duty?

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