Apostille Services in Singapore: What It Is and When You Need One
15.01.2026
When dealing with overseas authorities, one of the most common questions we receive from clients is:
“I’ve been told I need an apostille — what does that mean?”
In simple terms, an apostille is an official certification that allows a Singapore-issued document to be recognised and accepted overseas, without the need for further embassy legalisation provided the destination country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
As a Singapore law firm offering notarisation and apostille services, we regularly assist individuals and businesses with this process from start to finish.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a standardised form of authentication used internationally. It confirms that:
- The document is genuine
- The signature or seal on the document is valid
- The document was properly executed in Singapore
Once apostilled, the document can be used directly in other Hague Convention countries without additional verification. You can think of an apostille as an international validation stamp that removes red tape when documents cross borders.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You will typically need an apostille when submitting Singapore documents to a foreign authority, such as:
- Government departments
- Courts
- Universities
- Banks
- Immigration authorities
Common scenarios include:
- Overseas employment or relocation
- Marriage or divorce proceedings abroad
- Foreign property purchases
- Immigration or visa applications
- Overseas education or professional licensing
- Cross-border business transactions
Common Documents That Require an Apostille
We frequently assist clients with apostilles for:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Powers of attorney
- Statutory declarations and affidavits
- Court documents
- Company documents (e.g. ACRA extracts, resolutions, authorisations)
How the Apostille Process Works in Singapore
In Singapore, apostilles are issued by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL).
The typical process is as follows:
1. Notarisation
Most private documents must first be notarised by a Singapore Notary Public, who verifies the identity of the signatory and the authenticity of the document.
2. Authentication
The notary’s signature is authenticated for official recognition.
3. Apostille Issuance
SAL then issues the apostille, certifying the document for international use.
JCP Law is experienced in handling this entire process on your behalf, including notarisation and submission to SAL, so you do not need to manage multiple steps or appointments.
Apostille vs Embassy Legalisation: Know the Difference
It is important to determine whether an apostille is sufficient.
Apostille
- Applicable for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention
- No embassy visit required
Embassy or Consular Legalisation
- Required for countries not part of the Convention
- Involves additional steps through the relevant foreign embassy
Using the wrong process can lead to rejected documents and costly delays. We advise clients upfront on the correct route based on the destination country.
Why Use a Law Firm for Apostille Services?
Engaging a law firm ensures that:
- Your documents are correctly prepared and notarised
- The correct authentication pathway is followed
- Common mistakes are avoided
- Turnaround time is minimised
- Sensitive or high-value documents are handled professionally
For business and legal documents in particular, accuracy and compliance are critical.
Our Apostille & Notarisation Services
We provide a one-stop solution for:
- Notarisation by a Singapore Notary Public
- Support on notary translations where needed
- Apostille processing with SAL
- Advice on whether apostille or embassy legalisation is required
- Assistance for both individual and corporate documents
If you have been told that you “need an apostille” and are unsure what to do next, we can guide you clearly and efficiently through the process.
