Family Offices in Singapore: Choosing the Office
The family office tax incentive schemes require real operations and people in Singapore; plan the office around the team and privacy.
Updated 12 November 2026 · CBD Office Space · General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Short answer
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) notes that funds qualifying for tax exemption under Sections 13O, 13U and related provisions, managed by Singapore-based fund managers, are already required to meet economic substance requirements, including minimum headcount. A family office therefore needs a real investment team in Singapore, and usually a private physical office to house it.
13O / 13U and economic substance
Sections 13O and 13U of Singapore's Income Tax Act are fund tax-exemption schemes commonly used by single family offices. The detailed conditions on fund size, investment professionals, local business spending and local investment are set and updated by MAS. In October 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said MAS is considering single family offices' feedback in its regular review of the tax policy framework, and will announce the updated Designated Investment list and implementation date in due course.
This page does not list specific thresholds, because they change. Check the current MAS and IRAS documents and confirm with your tax adviser or fund administrator before applying.
How much space do you need?
Plan from headcount rather than floor area:
- Investment team: investment professionals, research and trading desks.
- Operations: finance, compliance and administration.
- Private space: family members' offices, meeting rooms and document storage.
- Reception: a meeting area for banks, lawyers and investee companies.
A common first estimate in the industry is about 100–150 sq ft per person; more private rooms and meeting rooms need more space. Small teams can start in a serviced office and lease or buy a dedicated unit once the team is settled.
Districts family offices often choose
- Raffles Place / Marina Bay: close to banks, law firms and fund managers, with the densest supply of Grade A towers.
- Orchard Road: a lower-profile setting that suits teams that value privacy.
- City Hall / Marina Centre: good transport, hotels and conference facilities.
Compare buildings by district in the building directory.
Lease or buy?
| Lease | Buy a strata office | |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Easy to adjust as the team changes | Less flexible; selling takes time |
| Upfront cost | Deposit and fit-out | Down payment, stamp duty, possibly GST |
| Privacy | Depends on building and floor | Whole floors or self-contained units possible |
| Asset holding | None | Singapore commercial property on the balance sheet |
For approval and tax when a foreign family buys commercial property, see Can foreigners buy commercial property in Singapore?
Registered office and work passes
The family office's management company must also meet ACRA's registered-office rules and obtain Employment Passes for foreign investment professionals. See company registered office and office requirements.
How CBD Office Space can help
We shortlist offices for family offices confidentially, compare leasing and buying options and coordinate viewings. Tax planning and scheme applications should go to your tax adviser, lawyer or fund administrator.
Official references
- MAS: Measures to strengthen Singapore's competitiveness as a leading asset management hub (19 Aug 2026)
- MAS: Keynote speech by DPM Gan Kim Yong at the WMI GFOC Summit (5 Oct 2026)
- ACRA: Setting up a local company
- MOM: Employment Pass
Ask about your actual requirement.
Send your budget, size, preferred district and timing and we will compare suitable options.
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