SingaporeHow to File a Small Claims Case in Singapore
File online via the State Courts’ Integrated Case Management System (ICMS) if your claim is ≤ S$20,000 (or ≤ S$30,000 for SMEs), pay the fee, and serve the claim form on the respondent.
What the Law Says
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) operate under Part VIII of the State Courts Act (Cap. 321) and the Small Claims Tribunals Rules (Cap. 321, R 5). The SCT handles civil disputes involving goods or services, where the claim amount falls within statutory limits and meets jurisdictional requirements.
The SCT has exclusive jurisdiction over claims up to S$20,000 — or up to S$30,000 if both parties are businesses and at least one is an SME (as defined under the SME Portal criteria), per section 32(1) of the State Courts Act and Rule 4 of the Small Claims Tribunals Rules.
Claims must be filed within 6 months from the date the cause of action accrued (e.g., breach of contract, defective goods delivery), as stipulated in Rule 5(1) of the Small Claims Tribunals Rules. Late filings require Tribunal permission.
Statutory TextThe Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any claim… where the amount claimed does not exceed $20,000… or $30,000 in the case of a claim between businesses where at least one party is an SME.
— State Courts Act (Cap. 321), s 32(1); Small Claims Tribunals Rules (R 4)
What to Do
Register/log in to the State Courts’ Integrated Case Management System (ICMS) at https://www.statecourts.gov.sg/icms and select 'Small Claims Tribunal' → 'File New Claim'.
Complete the online claim form with details of parties, facts, relief sought, and supporting documents (e.g., invoices, correspondence, photos); pay the prescribed filing fee (S$20–S$140, depending on claim value).
Serve the sealed claim form and documents on the respondent personally or by registered post within 14 days of filing (Rule 12, Small Claims Tribunals Rules); file proof of service in ICMS.
Attend the mandatory mediation session first; if unresolved, proceed to an adjudication hearing before a Registrar.
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-03.