Losing someone

Losing a loved one is never easy and dealing with their financial matters during this challenging period can be overwhelming. We are sorry for your loss and we are here to assist you to manage the account(s) of your deceased loved ones.

A step-by-step guide to close bank account(s)

Step 1:

Step 1:

Check if there is a will

Step 2:

Step 2:

Apply for grant of probate or letter of administration (as applicable)

Step 3:

Step 3:

Visit any of the UOB branches to inform the bank and close the account(s)

What do I apply

With a Will
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If your loved one left behind a will, the executor(s) named in the will have to apply for a Grant of Probate.

Grant of Probate is a court order granting person(s) named as executor(s) in the will of the deceased person, the authority to administer the estate of the deceased.

If your loved one did not leave a will, the spouse or a next-of-kin who inherits a share of the estate will have to apply for a Letter of Administration to become an administrator of the estate:

Letter of Administration gives the administrator(s) legal authority to manage and distribute the deceased's assets according to the Intestate Succession Act 1967.

How do I apply

Click here to find out more about the application process.

Click here to find out more about the application process.

You may wish to engage a qualified lawyer to assist you with the application. If you choose to apply on your own, you may refer to the Probate and Administration toolkit on the Family Justice Courts website.

Which court to file the application in

For estates worth up to S$5 million: The Family Courts.
For estates worth above $5 million: The Family Division of the High Court.

If the deceased did not make a will and the value of the estate does not exceed $50,000, consider applying to the Public Trustee for the Public Trustee to administer the estate. A grant is not needed if the Public Trustee agrees to administer an estate.

How do I close account(s)

All appointed Executors/Administrators of the deceased customer must be present in person with the following documents for the account closure:

  • Original / Digital Death Certificate
  • Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration
  • Identity Document(s) of all Executors/Administrators (NRIC – Singaporean/ PR, Passport – Foreigner)


The Executor(s)/Administrator(s) will need to sign the necessary instructions and forms; and we may request for additional documents, or exercise special handling (dependent on the account type), where required.


You may visit any UOB Bank branch for more information.

The processing time for account(s) closure will vary according to the type and number of accounts held by your loved one.

Note: Once the Bank is notified of the passing of your loved one, all operations of his/her account(s) will be restricted (including withdrawals and GIRO arrangements).

The surviving joint account holder(s) must be present in person with the following documents for the account closure:

  • Original / Digital Death Certificate
  • Identity Document(s) of the surviving joint account holder(s) (NRIC – Singaporean/ PR, Passport – Foreigner)


The surviving joint account holder(s) will need to sign the necessary instructions and forms; and we may request for additional documents, or exercise special handling (dependent on the account type), where required.


You may visit any UOB Bank branch for more information.

The processing time for account(s) closure will vary according to the type and number of accounts held by your loved one.

Note: Once the Bank is notified of the passing of your loved one, all operations of his/her account(s) will be restricted (including withdrawals and GIRO arrangements).

How do I open Estate Account

You may visit any UOB Bank Branch for more information.

We will need all appointed Executors/Administrators of the deceased customer to be present in person with the following documents:

Documents Required:

  • Original / Digital Death Certificate
  • Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration
  • Identity Document(s) of all Executors/Administrators (NRIC – Singaporean/ PR, Passport – Foreigner)
  • Proof of Residential Address (applicable to foreigner only)

FAQs

Common questions on Estate accounts
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Useful information on Estate Account

Disclaimer

Disclaimer
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The information herein is provided for general information only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, financial, tax or other advice. You should seek advice from your professional advisors (including legal advisors) on estate matters. The information contained herein are subject to change at any time without notice. United Overseas Bank Limited (“UOB”) and its employees make no representation or warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, and shall not be responsible or liable for the completeness or accuracy of the information provided herein. As such, UOB and its employees accept no liability for any error, inaccuracy, omission or any consequence or any loss/damage howsoever suffered by any person, arising from any reliance by any person on the information provided herein.