- Small Claims Tribunals: up to S$20,000, or S$30,000 if both parties agree.
- Magistrate's Court: up to S$60,000.
- District Court: above S$60,000 up to S$250,000.
- General Division of the High Court: above S$250,000.
The thresholds
For claims for money, the starting point is the amount claimed:
- Small Claims Tribunals (SCT): up to S$20,000, or up to S$30,000 if both parties sign a memorandum of consent.
- Magistrate's Court: up to S$60,000.
- District Court: more than S$60,000 and up to S$250,000.
- General Division of the High Court: more than S$250,000.
The Small Claims Tribunals
The SCT is designed to be quick and inexpensive, and lawyers cannot represent parties there. It mainly hears disputes over the sale of goods and the provision of services, and not every kind of claim can go there, so check before filing. Claims must be filed within 2 years.
An SCT order does not enforce itself: if the other side doesn't comply, you still need to take enforcement steps through the courts.
The courts
Claims beyond the SCT's reach, or of a kind it can't hear, start in the State Courts (Magistrate's Court or District Court) or the General Division of the High Court. Since April 2022, a court claim begins with an originating claim and a statement of claim under the Rules of Court 2021, and the defendant must respond within set deadlines (see our guide on default and summary judgment).
Many civil claims settle before trial, and the courts expect parties to consider settlement and mediation along the way.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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