Bail Rights in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bail is the right to be released from custody pending trial, subject to conditions:
- Bailable offences: If arrested for a bailable offence, you have the right to be released on bail. The police or court must offer bail (CPC s92).
- Non-bailable offences: For serious offences (e.g., murder, drug trafficking), bail is at the court's discretion.
- Types of bail: Personal bond (your own promise), bail with a surety (someone pledges money), or cash bail (money deposited with the court).
- Bail amount: Must not be excessive — the court considers the seriousness of the offence, the accused's background, and the risk of flight.
- Conditions: The court may impose conditions such as surrender of passport, reporting to police, or electronic monitoring.
When does it apply?
- You have been arrested and charged with a criminal offence.
- For bailable offences, the right to bail arises immediately upon arrest — you can be offered bail at the police station.
- For non-bailable offences, you must apply to the court for bail.
What to Do If You Are Denied Bail or Cannot Afford Bail After Arrest in Singapore
- Ask the police if your offence is bailable — they must inform you.
- If bailable, you or your surety must sign a bail bond and (if required) furnish cash security.
- If bail is refused for a non-bailable offence, your lawyer can apply to the High Court for bail.
- If you cannot afford bail, inform your lawyer — the court may reduce the amount or allow a personal bond.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip bail — failure to appear in court will result in a warrant of arrest and forfeiture of the bail amount.
- Don't breach bail conditions — this can result in bail being revoked and you being remanded in custody.
- Don't assume non-bailable means no bail — the court still has discretion to grant bail for most non-bailable offences (except certain capital offences).
Common Questions
What is the difference between bailable and non-bailable offences in Singapore?
For bailable offences, the police or court must offer bail — you have the right to be released (s92 CPC). For non-bailable offences, such as murder or drug trafficking, bail is at the court's discretion. Types of bail include personal bond, bail with a surety, or cash bail. Bail cannot be excessive — the court considers seriousness, background, and flight risk.
Does non-bailable mean no bail in Singapore?
Not necessarily. The court still has discretion to grant bail for most non-bailable offences, except certain capital offences. If bail is refused, your lawyer can apply to the High Court. If you cannot afford bail, inform your lawyer — the court may reduce the amount or allow a personal bond.
What conditions can be attached to bail in Singapore?
The court may impose conditions such as surrender of passport, reporting to police, or electronic monitoring. Do not breach bail conditions — this can result in bail being revoked and remand in custody. Do not skip bail — failure to appear triggers a warrant of arrest and forfeiture of the bail amount.
When does it apply — bail rights?
You have been arrested and charged with a criminal offence.For bailable offences, the right to bail arises immediately upon arrest — you can be offered bail at the police station.For non-bailable offences, you must apply to the court for bail.
What should I do if bail is refused or the bail amount is too high for me to pay after being arrested in Singapore?
Ask the police if your offence is bailable — they must inform you.If bailable, you or your surety must sign a bail bond and (if required) furnish cash security.If bail is refused for a non-bailable offence, your lawyer can apply to the High Court for bail.If you cannot afford bail, inform your lawyer — the court may reduce the amount or allow a personal bond.
What should you NOT do — bail rights?
Don't skip bail — failure to appear in court will result in a warrant of arrest and forfeiture of the bail amount.Don't breach bail conditions — this can result in bail being revoked and you being remanded in custody.Don't assume non-bailable means no bail — the court still has discretion to grant bail for most non-bailable offences (except certain capital offences).