Where To Get Notarized Translations For ACRA Setup in Singapore

The best place to get notarised translations for ACRA setup in Singapore is a certified translation agency that handles both the translation and notarization in one place. Singapore Translators is one such agency — operating since 2003, trusted by hundreds of foreign companies registering with ACRA every year.

When you are setting up a company, branch office, or subsidiary in Singapore as a foreign entity, ACRA only accepts documents in English. If your Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, director records, or financial statements are in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, or any other language — you need a notarized English translation before you can file on BizFile+.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from which agency to choose and which documents need notarised translation, to the exact process, costs, timelines, and mistakes to avoid before your ACRA filing.

Get Your ACRA Documents Translated and Notarized in Singapore

There are three main options people consider when looking for notary translation for ACRA setup in Singapore.

Option 1 — A certified translation agency with notarization support

This is the most convenient option. A professional translation agency handles the full process — translation, certification, and coordination with a Notary Public — all in one place. You do not need to run between different service providers.

Singapore Translators has been providing this combined service since 2003 and is one of the most trusted names for ACRA document translation in Singapore.

Option 2 — A freelance translator plus a separate Notary Public

Some people hire a freelance translator first and then take the translated document separately to a Notary Public. This can work, but it takes more time and coordination. You also need to make sure the freelance translator is qualified and that their certification format is acceptable for ACRA submission.

Option 3 — A law firm or corporate secretarial firm

Some corporate service providers offer notarised translation as part of their incorporation package. However, they typically outsource the actual translation work to a third party, which adds cost and time. Going directly to a specialized translation agency is usually faster and more affordable.

For most foreign companies setting up in Singapore, Option 1 is the fastest, most reliable, and most cost-effective route.

Step by Step Process To Get ACRA Translation Notarized in Singapore

Getting your ACRA documents translated and notarised in Singapore is a straightforward process when you work with the right agency. Here is how it works at Singapore Translators.

Step 1 — Send your documents
Share clear scans or digital copies of your foreign-language documents via WhatsApp, email, or our online form. You do not need to send physical originals at this stage.

Step 2 — Get a free quote
Our team reviews your documents, checks the language pair and page count, and gives you a fixed price quote. No hidden charges. You confirm before we begin.

Step 3 — Translation by a certified expert
A qualified translator who specializes in corporate and legal documents prepares the accurate English translation. Every term — from share capital to company constitution — is handled with precision. Our notarized translation services cover all major languages used in ACRA submissions.

Step 4 — Certification and notarisation
The translator signs the certification statement. A Notary Public in Singapore then witnesses the signature and stamps the document with a notarial certificate. Your translation is now legally notarised and ready for ACRA.

Step 5 — Delivery
You receive the completed notarised translation as a PDF. Physical printed copies are also available if needed. Both the original document and the English translation should be submitted together to ACRA via BizFile+.

ACRA Company Setup — Documents That Require Notary Public Translation Service

When you are registering a foreign company, branch office, or subsidiary with ACRA, the documents that typically require translation and notary services  include the following.

Articles of Association or Company Charter
The founding document of your overseas parent company. If it is in a foreign language, a full English translation is required before ACRA submission.

Certificate of Incorporation of the Overseas Parent Company
Proof that your parent company is legally registered in its home country. If this document is not in English, a notary translation is needed.

Certificate of Change of Company Name
If your parent company has ever changed its registered name, ACRA may ask for this document. A notarized translation is required if it is not in English.

Director and Shareholder Consent Forms
Any declarations or consent letters signed by overseas directors in a foreign language must be translated and notarised before filing.

Financial Statements for Annual Filing
Foreign companies filing annual returns with ACRA must submit their financial statements in English. If the originals are in another language, a full notarised English translation must be filed alongside the original version.

One important rule to remember: all notarised documents must be certified within three months before the date of submission to ACRA. Documents older than three months will not be accepted.

ACRA Notarised Translation Turnaround Time in Singapore

Turnaround time is one of the first things people ask when they need notarised translation for ACRA setup. The good news is that it does not take long.

For most standard corporate documents — Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, director consent forms — the standard turnaround is 2 to 3 working days. This covers translation, certification, and the notarization step together.

If you have an urgent deadline, same-day or next-day service is available for straightforward documents. An urgency surcharge applies for this.

For large document packages — a full branch office incorporation set with multiple documents across different languages — allow 3 to 5 working days for the full set to be completed.

Plan your ACRA submission timeline carefully. Keep in mind that notarised documents are valid for only three months from the date of notarization. Do not commission them too early.

Cost of Getting Documents Notarized and Translated for ACRA in Singapore

Cost is always an important factor, especially when you are already spending on incorporation fees, corporate secretarial services, and regulatory filings.

Here is a general guide to pricing:

• Notarized translation: From SGD 75 per document — includes translation and notarization
• Standard certified translation: From SGD 40 per page
• Urgent or same-day service: Additional surcharge applies
• Financial statements or complex corporate documents: Custom quote based on volume and language pair

At Singapore Translators, you get a confirmed quote before any work begins. The price you agree to is the price you pay. No surprises after the job is done.

For complex corporate document needs — including financial statements and business agreements for ACRA filings — our business translation services team handle these with full accuracy and confidentiality.

Mistakes To Avoid When Submitting  Notary Translated Documents to ACRA

Many foreign companies face delays in their ACRA registration because of avoidable translation mistakes. Here are the most common ones to watch out for.

Using an uncertified or unqualified translator
ACRA will not accept translations from unqualified individuals. Always use a certified professional agency with experience in corporate document translation.

Submitting only the translated document without the original
ACRA requires both — the original foreign-language document and the notarised English translation. Always submit them together as a pair.

Getting documents notarised too early
The three-month validity window is strict. If your ACRA filing gets delayed for any reason, your notarised translation may expire and you will need to redo the whole process.

Choosing the cheapest option without checking quality
A cheap translation that gets rejected costs more in the end — in time, re-translation fees, and delayed registration. Getting it right the first time is always the better choice.

Not confirming in advance which documents need notarisation
Some documents need full notarisation. Others only need certified translation. Confirm with your ACRA filing agent or with Singapore Translators before commissioning the work, so you do not pay for more than you need or end up with less than required.

To understand more about why notarisation is a legal requirement in Singapore, read our blog: Why Legal Documents Are Required to Be Notarized in Singapore

Conclusion

If you are setting up a company, branch office, or subsidiary in Singapore and your documents are not in English, do not let translation delays hold up your registration.

Singapore Translators has been providing certified and notarized translation services. We know exactly what ACRA requires, and we make sure your documents are ready for submission without errors or rejections — the first time.

Send us your documents today for a free quote. Turnaround from 24 hours. Accepted by ACRA, ICA, MOM, and all major Singapore government authorities.