Quick answer: Document legalisation in Singapore proves that a signature or seal on a paper is real. Private papers go to a notary public first. Then the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) adds an Apostille, which is enough for Apostille countries. Other countries, such as the UAE, also want a stamp from their embassy in Singapore.
Document legalisation in Singapore (also spelled legalization) can look hard at first. This guide shows each step, the fees and the timing. It also helps you pick the right route for your country.
What Is Document Legalisation in Singapore?
Legalisation is a check on a paper’s signature, stamp or seal. It does not check if the words are true. It only tells the foreign office that the signer had the right to sign.
Some countries call this step “attestation”. People also mix up a notary’s stamp with legalisation. They are two separate steps. Our guide on which papers need a notary first lists the common ones.
Singapore joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 16 September 2021. This is a treaty between many countries. Under it, one certificate, called an Apostille, replaces the old chain of stamps.
How to Legalise or Apostille a Document in Singapore: 3 Steps
Most papers pass through up to three stops. Not every paper needs all three.
- Notary public. A notary is a senior lawyer who certifies papers for use overseas. Private papers, such as a company letter or a translation, start here.
- Singapore Academy of Law. SAL checks the notary’s signature or the officer’s seal. Since 16 September 2021, SAL adds an Apostille to every paper it legalises, for any country.
- Foreign embassy. Some countries are not in the Apostille Convention. For them, their embassy in Singapore adds the last stamp.
For a notarised paper, SAL puts the Apostille on the back of the notary’s certificate. Is the paper headed to a member country? Then an apostille for overseas use is usually the final step.
Not Sure Which Legalisation Route Your Document Needs? Tell Us the Country and We Check
Apostille vs Legalisation: What Is the Difference?
Both prove a signature or seal is real. The difference is how many stamps you need.
| Apostille | Full legalisation |
|---|
| Used for | Countries in the Apostille Convention | Countries outside the Convention |
| Who issues it in Singapore | SAL | SAL, then the foreign embassy |
| Number of stops after the notary | One | Two |
| Can it be checked online? | Yes, on SAL’s website | The SAL part, yes. The embassy part depends on the embassy. |
In Singapore, the SAL step always gives an Apostille. So “SAL apostille” and “SAL legalisation” mean the same stamp. Only the embassy step is extra.
New members change the route. Vietnam’s membership took effect on 11 September 2026. Read what changed for papers going to Vietnam if you used the embassy route before.
Which Route Applies to Your Document?
The route depends on two things. Who issued the paper, and where is it going?
| Your document | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|
| Singapore public document, such as a birth or marriage certificate or court paper | Not needed | SAL Apostille | Only for non-Apostille countries |
| Private document, such as a letter, contract, affidavit or translation | Notary public | SAL checks the notary and adds the Apostille | Only for non-Apostille countries |
| Trade paper, such as an invoice or certificate of origin | A listed Chamber of Commerce | SAL Apostille | Only for non-Apostille countries |
For trade papers, SAL lists six chambers: SCCI, SCCCI, SICCI, SICC, SMCCI and SMF.
To check step 3, look at the HCCH status table. HCCH is the group that runs the Convention. China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Vietnam are members.
Thailand joins on 28 February 2027 (status checked October 2026). Until then, Thai offices still need the embassy step. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Malaysia are not on the list.
Three quick examples
- A Singapore birth certificate for China. China is a member. SAL adds the Apostille, and you are done.
- A signed company letter for the UAE. A notary certifies it first. SAL then checks the notary and adds the Apostille. Last, the UAE Embassy adds its stamp.
- A Singapore court order for an Indonesian office that wants Indonesian. First, get an Indonesian translation. A notary then certifies it. After that, SAL adds the Apostille.
Is your paper in another language? Talk to specialists in foreign-language papers before you book the notary.
Document Legalisation in Singapore: Fees and Total Cost
SAL’s fees are fixed and include GST. Notary fees follow a schedule in the Notaries Public Rules.
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|
| SAL authentication of a notarised paper | S$87.20 | SAL, paid at the notary’s office |
| Legalising a Singapore public document | S$10.70 per document | SAL, paid online |
| Legalising a certified photocopy | S$11.77 (S$10.70 plus S$1.07 copy fee) | SAL, paid online |
| Notarial certificate and seal | S$75 | Notary public |
| Notary witnessing one person’s signature | S$40 | Notary public |
| Embassy stamp | Set by each embassy | Foreign embassy |
So a typical notarised paper costs about S$200 before any embassy fee. That is S$75 plus S$40 for the notary, and S$87.20 for SAL. Ask the notary for a quote, since extra pages or exhibits add small fees.
You do not pay SAL’s S$10.70 again for a notarised paper. The S$87.20 covers it. SAL does not refund its fees.
How to Submit at SAL: Address, Hours and Timing
SAL processes papers on the spot, over the counter. You get them back the same visit. The wait depends on how many papers you bring.
- First, make an online request on SAL’s legalisation website and pay.
- Then go to the SAL counter at 1 Coleman Street, #08-06 The Adelphi.
- The counter opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
- On the eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, it closes at 12.30pm.
- It is closed on weekends and public holidays.
- You do not need an appointment, and a friend can go for you.
- SAL does not take papers by post or courier.
So how long does it take in total? The notary step depends on when the notary has a free slot. SAL is the same day. The embassy step adds its own days, set by each embassy. For a country outside the Convention, plan document authentication through foreign embassies well before your deadline.
Does MFA Still Legalise Documents?
No, not in Singapore. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) used to do this job. Since 20 January 2021, SAL has done it instead.
So you do not need to visit MFA after SAL. Papers that MFA legalised up to 19 January 2021 can still be used.
SAL also issues e-Apostilles. This is a digital Apostille sent by email. It covers ACRA Business Profiles and Business Certificates in digital format, for S$10.70. A notary can also arrange an e-Apostille for a notarised paper. The receiving office must agree to accept the digital version first.
Need a Foreign-Language Document Translated Before the Notary and SAL Steps? Send It Today
Where Translation Fits In
SAL only accepts papers in English. A bilingual paper is fine if one language is English. SAL does not translate.
So a paper in Chinese, Thai or Arabic needs an English version first. The translator signs a statement, and a notary then notarises it. After that, SAL adds the Apostille.
The order also matters when a paper leaves Singapore. Some countries want the paper in their own language. Then the translation must come before the notary step. That way, it gets legalised along with the original.
A common problem we see is a contract translated after it was legalised. The translation then has no stamp, so the foreign office rejects it. When your file needs translating contracts and court papers, do that part first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small slips can cost you a second trip. Watch out for these.
- Bringing a plain photocopy. SAL only takes original papers.
- Bringing a laminated original. SAL cannot legalise it. Ask the issuing office for a certified true copy or an extract.
- Skipping the issuing office. A computer-printed paper must first be certified by the office that issued it.
- Thinking every country is the same. The receiving country sets the rules, not SAL.
- Paying twice. For notarised papers, pay the S$87.20 at the notary’s office only.
What if the original must stay with you? A notary can certify a copy instead. For this reason, many families get notarised copies of original certificates for their school papers.
What Happens After Legalisation
Once SAL is done, your paper carries an Apostille with its own number. The foreign office can check it online on SAL’s website.
For an Apostille country, you can now send the paper. For other countries, take it to that country’s embassy in Singapore. Keep a scan of every page, including the back.
Many of the clients we help keep one legalised set for each country. That saves time if two offices ask for the same paper.
Sending Papers Abroad Soon? Let Us Prepare the Translation and Legalisation Paperwork With You
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SAL apostille a certificate issued in another country?
No. SAL covers Singapore public documents and papers notarised by a Singapore notary. A foreign certificate is normally apostilled or legalised in the country that issued it. Ask the receiving office what it needs before you start.
Can I legalise a digital certificate that was emailed to me?
Yes, but SAL asks you to print it out first. Bring the printout to the counter with the QR code from your SAL invoice.
Can I pay SAL in cash at the counter?
No. SAL does not accept cash at the counter. You pay online when you make your request, using a Visa or Mastercard card.
Do I still need the embassy step for the UAE?
Yes. The UAE is not a member of the Apostille Convention. After SAL, the UAE Embassy in Singapore must add its stamp. Ask the receiving office in the UAE if it needs any further step there.
Conclusion
Document legalisation in Singapore follows a clear order. Private papers go to a notary, then SAL adds the Apostille. For countries outside the Convention, the foreign embassy gives the final stamp.
Check the country’s rules first. Translate any foreign-language paper before the notary step. This simple order saves time, fees and repeat visits.
