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Is a Will Made in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong Valid in Victoria?

  • November 5, 2026

Home " Legal blog " Uncategorised " Is a Will Made in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong Valid in Victoria?

The direct answer: A will made overseas under local law can generally be recognised as valid in Victoria, but using an overseas will to deal with Victorian property is usually slower and harder: the grant may first need to be obtained there and resealed in Victoria, or a fresh application made in Victoria, with translations and legal opinions. Most families with Victorian property consider a separate Victorian will that deals only with their Australian assets.

How Victoria treats overseas wills

Victorian law recognises a will made in accordance with the law of the place where it was signed, or where the will-maker was domiciled, habitually resident or a national. A will signed in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong in line with local requirements is therefore generally accepted as to its form.

Practical difficulties

  • Grants from some countries can be resealed in Victoria; in other cases a fresh application must be made in Victoria
  • A will not in English needs a certified translation
  • The court may require an opinion on the overseas law
  • Executors overseas need to sign and notarise documents remotely
  • The whole process usually takes longer than with a Victorian will

Making two wills work together

If you make a separate Victorian will, the wording needs care: many wills begin by revoking all earlier wills, so a later will can accidentally revoke the overseas one. The two wills should clearly divide the assets each deals with, and lawyers in both places should check them against each other.

See: Overseas executors applying for probate in Victoria, Malaysian Executors Applying for Victorian Probate: The Documents Most Often Missing.

Talk to a lawyer about your situation

Every family’s situation is different, and so are the taxes and procedures that apply. Please book a paid consultation and a lawyer will go through your situation and explain the options. Related service: Wills and Estates Lawyers Melbourne | Chua Tan Associates.

This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Do not rely on it. Please book a consultation for advice on your situation.

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