Apostille and Document Legalisation in Singapore
Understand when you need a Notary Public and when you can apply directly to the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) for an Apostille.
Understand when you need a Notary Public and when you can apply directly to the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) for an Apostille.
An Apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention that authenticates the origin of a public document. In Singapore, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) is the sole competent authority for issuing Apostilles.
The Apostille replaces the traditional chain of legalisation (embassy/consulate authentication) for countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.
Prior to the Apostille system, documents intended for use overseas had to undergo a lengthy multi-step process involving authentication by the issuing authority, certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and further legalisation by the embassy or consulate of the receiving country. The Apostille simplifies this process into a single certificate issued by a designated competent authority — in Singapore’s case, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL).
Under Singapore law, the Apostille is mandatory for all notarised documents. You cannot opt out of the Apostille when obtaining notarisation.
This means that every document notarised by a Notary Public in Singapore must be accompanied by an Apostille issued by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). The Apostille is applied for by the Notary Public on behalf of the client as part of the notarisation process.
There are two ways to obtain an Apostille in Singapore, depending on the type of document you have.
For non-government documents
Per Apostille certificate, paid to SAL by the Notary Public. This is in addition to the Notary Public’s own prescribed fees for the notarisation.
Book Notary AppointmentFor Singapore government documents — no Notary Public needed
Per Apostille certificate, paid directly to SAL.
Singapore Academy of Law
1 Coleman Street, #08-06
Singapore 179803
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
An e-Apostille is available for ACRA documents in Open Attestation format issued from 4 March 2023 onwards. A separate e-Apostille via e-Notarisation is also available for all notarised documents. Learn more about e-Apostille.
SAL now offers e-Apostille as an alternative to the physical Apostille certificate.
The e-Apostille is an electronic version of the Apostille certificate issued by SAL. It serves the same legal purpose as a physical Apostille and can be verified electronically by the overseas recipient.
Before opting for the e-Apostille, please confirm with the overseas recipient that they will accept the e-Apostille for the intended purpose. If the recipient has not confirmed acceptance, a physical Apostille will be issued instead. Physical Apostilles remain available.
For ACRA documents in Open Attestation format issued from 4 March 2023 onwards. No Notary Public is needed. Apply directly at the SAL Legalisation Portal.
For all notarised documents. Requires a Notary Public participating in SAL's e-Apostille pilot programme. The Notary Public creates an electronic Notarial Certificate (e-NC) and the e-Apostille is issued electronically by SAL.
Learn More About e-Apostille SAL Legalisation Portal
Use this flowchart to determine whether you need a Notary Public or whether you can apply directly to SAL for an Apostille.
Singapore government documents include: Singapore Police Force (SPF) certificates, ICA documents, birth/death/marriage certificates, ACRA documents, and educational certificates from recognised institutions (NUS, NTU, SMU, Polytechnics, ITE).
Yes Proceed to Step 2.
No You need a Notary Public. Book an appointment.
Yes You can apply directly to SAL for an Apostille at $10 + GST per certificate. No Notary Public is needed. Visit SAL at 1 Coleman Street, #08-06, Singapore 179803.
No The recipient requires both notarisation and an Apostille. You need a Notary Public. Book an appointment.
Yes Visit SAL directly at 1 Coleman Street, #08-06, Singapore 179803 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm).
No Contact a Notary Public for assistance. Book an appointment.
Countries that are parties to the Hague Convention on Apostille generally accept an Apostille issued in Singapore without requiring further legalisation.
China is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention and can generally accept Apostille without further legalisation. This is a significant development for individuals and businesses that frequently require documents for use in China.
Requirements may vary by authority or institution. Always confirm with the receiving party whether an Apostille alone is sufficient or whether additional legalisation or notarisation is required.
For the full list of member countries, please refer to the Hague Conference on Private International Law — Status Table.