FAQ
SAL Services & Online Requests
What are your operating hours?
Mondays - Fridays
9:00am to 4:30pm
Eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year
9:00am to 12:30pm
Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays
Closed
Does SAL provide authentication and legalisation services?
From 16 September 2021, the Apostille Convention will come into operation. SAL will affix an Apostille Certificate on every document which requires authentication and legalisation.
A document intended for use in a country or territory which is a Contracting Party to the Apostille Convention will no longer need to be legalised at the respective foreign consulate. Instead, members of the public can proceed to submit the document directly to the overseas recipient after the document has been legalised by SAL.
Those sending documents to non-Convention countries and territories will still require further legalisation through the relevant foreign missions in Singapore.
For more information on the Apostille Convention, please click here.
Do I need to make an appointment before coming to SAL for authentication services?
An appointment is not required. After notarisation of your documents, please proceed to the SAL Counter during the operating hours and present the notarised document for SAL's authentication, where SAL will affix an Apostille on your document.
Will SAL still issue an Authentication Certificate after 16 Sep 2021?
From 16 Sep 2021, the Legalisation process will be streamlined. SAL will affix Apostilles for ALL documents irrespective of which country the document is destined to be used.
When the notarised document is presented at the SAL counter an Apostille will be issued in place of the Authentication Certificate and Legalisation stamp. The notarised document is deemed as authenticated and legalised by SAL. This will cut down on processing/waiting time for each document.
What are the documents that I need to submit to Singapore Academy of Law for authentication?
For notarised documents, we will require only the Notarial Certificate issued by the Notary Public and the documents attached to this certificate. Documents not accompanied by a Notarial Certificate will not be accepted. With effect from 1 Oct 2019, all documents that require notarisation by a Notary Public in Singapore will have to be authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL).
Why is there a need for Notarisation and Authentication?
The notarisation of a document by the notary public is but one step in the whole chain of authentication towards legalisation of documents for use abroad.
Authentication of the signature of the notary public by SAL is also part of the legalisation process. At SAL, an officer appointed by the Senate will verify the authority (stamp of appointment) and signature of the Singapore notary public as stated in Notaries Public Rules and ensure that the notarised document is in compliance with the Notaries Public Rules.
With effect from 16 September 2021, a Notarial Certificate shall be deemed to be validly authenticated by the affixing of an Apostille to the back of the Notarial Certificate.
Is it mandatory to notarise ALL private documents (non-government issued) for use overseas?
Legalisation is not compulsory and the need for notarisation is determined entirely by the party receiving the documents. SAL is unable to advise what is or is not acceptable by a foreign recipient overseas.
There is no need for notarisation if parties to the transaction can mutually agree to dispense with it. However, if notarisation is desired, then these documents must be authenticated by SAL.
If a private document requires legalisation, please be advised that SAL is unable to legalise a private document that has not been notarised.
Is a notarised document without an SAL authentication certificate/Apostille valid for use overseas if the receiving authority does not require an Authentication Certificate/Apostille?
A notarised document without an authentication certificate/Apostille is INVALID for use overseas.
Mandating authentication will ensure that all notarised documents originate from properly appointed notaries and are in compliance with the Notaries Public Rules. It will also bring about greater certainty and standardisation of the legalisation process.
What is the processing time for the authentication of the signature of a Notary Public?
The processing time will depend on the number of documents being submitted for Authentication. The documents will be processed on-the-spot, over the counter.
What is the fee for authenticating the signature of a Notary Public?
When you request for your document to be notarised, please make the following payments upfront at the Notary Public's office to enable the transaction to proceed:
- Notarisation Fee to the Notary Public; and
- Authentication Fee of $87.20 (incl of GST) to the Singapore Academy of Law.
Do I need to submit the documents for authentication in person?
No. A representative may submit the document for authentication on your behalf.
Can I leave my documents with SAL to be processed and collect them at a later time or date?
No. The documents will be processed on-the-spot, over the counter and will be handed back to you immediately after processing.
How can I verify the authenticity of the notarised and authenticated documents?
Any recipient of the system-generated notarised document will be able to search and verify the authenticity of the notarised documents via a search register at https://legalisation.sal.sg/.
Am I allowed to bundle multiple documents together with one Notarial Certificate?
Subject to the requirements of the embassy and recipient country, bundling is allowed only for Certified True Copies, i.e. more than one document (i.e. Certified True Copy) can be bundled with one notary certificate.
Can I submit my documents to SAL or to any embassy without binding the documents in the SAL prescribed format?
No. A Notarial Certificate must be issued for ALL documents notarised by a Notary Public and be bound by a Red Ribbon in the SAL prescribed format. This is mandatory regardless of any embassy requirement. A notarised document that does not conform to the prescribed format is invalid.
Can a notary public issue one single notarial certificate for multiple documents?
Rule 8 of the Notaries Public Rules (Cap 208, R1) states that it is mandatory for all notaries public to issue a Notarial Certificate for each document attested by the notary public. For multiple copies of the same document, a separate Notarial Certificate is required for each copy. The only exception applies for Certified True Copies.
OVERVIEW OF LEGALISATION
What is Legalisation?
If you intend to use a document overseas, the receiving country may require that the document be legalised before it can be considered valid.
Legalisation is a process in which the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) certifies a document by affixing an Apostille Certificate, making it officially recognised in another country.
Verifiable Singapore Government issued documents can be directly legalised by SAL.
If your document is a private document, it must first be notarised by a Singapore Notary Public. After notarisation, the Notarial Certificate must be authenticated by SAL.
Do I need to legalise my documents?
Legalisation requirements are established by the receiving party/country where the document will be presented, not by SAL.
Each country has specific legalisation requirements based on the type of document and its intended use.
As requirements may change, please check with the recipient, local authorities, or embassy of the country where your documents are to be presented for the most up-to-date information.
Can I legalise publicly available government documents?
SAL does not legalise documents that are publicly available that can be searched or downloaded from official government websites.
These documents are considered public records and do not require legalisation.
These documents are considered public records and do not require legalisation.
Examples include:
- Acts and Rules
- Lists of government agencies or statutory boards
- Lists of registered societies or organisations
You may direct your receiving party to the official government website where the document is published.
When did SAL take over the Legalisation function from MFA?
Since 20 January 2021, the legalisation function of outgoing Singapore public documents , intended for use in States with legalisation requirements, has been transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to SAL.
Will Singapore Government issued documents legalised by SAL be accepted overseas?
Since 20 January 2021, SAL is the sole agency authorised to legalise Singapore public documents for international use. You should be able to use your SAL-legalised public documents abroad.
With the Apostille Convention coming into force on 16 September 2021, SAL has been appointed as Singapore's Competent Authority for authenticating the origin of Singapore public documents and notarial certificates under the Apostille Act.
I have a public document that was legalised by MFA. Can this still be used?
Yes, all documents legalised by MFA up to 19 January 2021 can still be used.
Will I still need to go to MFA after SAL legalises my public document?
Since 20 January 2021, the legalisation function of outgoing public documents issued in Singapore and intended for use in States with legalisation requirements has been transferred from MFA to SAL. You no longer need to go to MFA for further legalisation of your public document.
How can I verify the authenticity of the legalised document?
Any recipient of the Apostille certificate will be able to search and verify the authenticity of the legalised document via a search register at https://legalisation.sal.sg/
PAYMENTS & APPOINTMENTS
How do I make payment for Legalisation?
Payments can only be made online via Visa or Mastercard.
Please visit https://legalisation.sal.sg/BookNowTerm to make payments.
Cash payments are not accepted at the counter.
SAL staff cannot use their personal cards to make payments on behalf of customers.
If you do not have a Visa or Mastercard, please ask a trusted family member or friend to assist with the online payment.
Legalisation and photocopying fees paid are not refundable.
DO NOT pay legalisation fees for notarised documents at the SAL Service Counter, as all payments would have already been made upfront at the Notary Public's office.
Do I need to make an appointment before coming to SAL for legalisation services?
Appointments are not required.
Please make payment online before visiting the SAL Service Counter.
Once payment is completed, you may proceed to the SAL Service Counter during the operating hours and present the QR code on the invoice, together with your original document(s) or print out(s) of digitally issued document(s) for legalisation.
APPOINTING A PROXY
Can I appoint a proxy to carry out the Legalisation on my behalf?
You may appoint a proxy to complete the legalisation process on your behalf.
An authorisation letter is not required.
The proxy must present the original hardcopy of the Singapore Government issued document, or printout(s) of digitally issued documents at the SAL Service Counter for legalisation.
Only appoint a proxy if the document can be easily verified by SAL.
If the verification requires logging into the issuing agency's portal using your SingPass or your email account, you will need to visit the SAL Service counter in person.
Please ensure your proxy is well-informed about:
- the type of document to be legalised
- whether legalisation is to be done on original or photocopy
- the country the documents will be presented to
SAL will not be able to assist proxies who are not briefed on the necessary details.
PRINTING AND PHOTOCOPYING SERVICES
Does SAL provide printing services?
SAL does not provide printing services.
If you need to legalise documents that are issued digitally by the issuing agency, you must print the document before submission.
If you do not have access to a printer, you may visit a printing service provider to print your digital documents.
What is SAL's photocopying service?
It is not a printing service.
SAL's photocopying service allows SAL staff to make duplicates of physical documents (including printed digital documents) at the SAL Service Counter for legalisation purposes.
TRANSLATION SERVICE
Does SAL provide Translation services?
No, SAL does not provide Translation Services.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Is there a hotline number I can call for further enquiries?
If you have more questions about the legalisation process, please call our hotline at +65 6332 4388.
Please be aware that our hotline staff can only provide general guidance on the legalisation process.
Our hotline staff cannot make decisions regarding the final legalisation of your documents as they are unable to examine or verify the physical documents over the phone.
The final decision to legalise documents can only be made at the SAL Service Counter, where the documents will be physically examined and verified by SAL Service Counter Staff.
Customers are requested to understand that the counter's decision takes precedence and may differ from any guidance provided over the hotline.
Alternatively, you may come down to the SAL Service Counter for any clarifications if you have the physical documents with you. Please note that this may delay the eventual legalisation of your documents.
For more FAQs, please click here
What is an e-Apostille?
An e-Apostille is an apostille that is issued in digital form. Like the paper apostille, it authenticates the origin of a public document that will be used abroad.
The e-Apostille is verifiable at https://legalisation.sal.sg/
What types of documents are eligible for the e-Apostille service?
The e-Apostille service is currently only available for the following Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority documents:
- Business Profiles
- Business Certificates (Incorporation/Registration)
The documents must be in Open Attestation format (OA) and issued from 4 March 2023 onwards.
What is the fee for the e-Apostille for an Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Business Profile or Business Certificate (Incorporation/Registration)?
The fee chargeable is S$10.70 per e-Apostille.
Please note that fees paid are not refundable.
Will the overseas recipient accept my e-Apostille, and what should I take note of when applying for the e-Apostille service?
Before using the e-Apostille service, please ensure that the recipient agrees to accept the e-Apostille for the intended purpose.
Please also ensure that the email provided during the request process is accurate, as an email containing the e-Apostille link will be sent to the email provided. Please note that fees paid are not refundable.
Do I need to visit your office to legalise this document?
No, you can complete this process remotely from any location of your choice.
How do I request an e-Apostille for an Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) document?
Simply upload the Open Attestation format (OA) issued by ACRA to the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) website.
Can I request for an e-Apostille at the Singapore Academy of Law office?
No, the e-Apostille service is currently an online service.
I have an Apostille certificate issued by Singapore Academy of Law. Can I convert it to an e-Apostille?
No, you will need to submit a request for an e-Apostille.
Can I request a single e-Apostille to be issued for multiple documents purchased on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) website?
No, a single e-Apostille is issued for each Open Attestation format (OA) document purchased on the ACRA website.
Please note that the following ACRA documents are accepted:
- Business Profiles
- Business Certificates (Incorporation/Registration)
The documents must be in Open Attestation format (OA) and issued from 4 March 2023 onwards.
How do I obtain the Open Attestation format of the following Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) documents:
- Business Profiles
- Business Certificates (Incorporation/Registration)
You may purchase the Open Attestation format of ACRA Business Profiles and Business Certificates (Incorporation/Registration) via the ACRA website (https://www.acra.gov.sg/). Please note that the Open Attestation format must be issued from 4 March 2023 onwards.
How does the recipient verify the e-Apostille?
A recipient can verify SAL's e-Apostille at https://legalisation.sal.sg/
Notary Public Services
Does Singapore Academy of Law provide the services of a Notary Public?
Singapore Academy of Law is the statutory body that appoints Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths who practise in Singapore. Singapore Academy of Law provides authentication services for the signatures of Notaries Public and does not provide notarial services. You are required to contact a Notary Public directly if you would like your documents notarised. Click here for a list of Notaries Public in Singapore.
What are the documents needed for notarisation?
Please check with a Notary Public directly. Click here for a list of Notaries Public.
What should be stated on a Notarial Certificate?
Please check with a Notary Public directly. Click here for a list of Notaries Public.
What are the fees charged by a Notary Public?
The information on fees charged by a Notary Public can be found in the fees schedule in the Notaries Public rules. Alternatively, please check with a Notary Public directly. Click here for a list of Notaries Public.
What is an e-Apostille?
An e-Apostille is an apostille that is issued in digital form. Like the paper apostille, it authenticates the origin of a public document that will be used abroad.
What type of documents are eligible for the e-Apostille service?
Documents notarised by a Notary Public are eligible for the e-Apostille service.
Before using the e-Apostille service, please ensure that the recipient agrees to accept the e-Apostille for the intended purpose.
What are the fees for an e-Apostille for Notarised Documents?
When a request is made for a document to be notarised, the following payments are to be made upfront at the Notary Public's office to enable the transaction to proceed:
- Notarisation Fee to the Notary Public; and
- Authentication Fee of $87.20 (incl of GST) to the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL).
The Notary Public will ONLY be able to issue the e-Notarial Certificate upon payment of SAL's Authentication Fee of $87.20 (incl. of GST) at the Notary Public's office. A Notarisation Fee will continue to be payable to the Notary Public for the notarisation of the documents.
Once the e-Notarisation is complete, the e-Apostille can be emailed directly to the Notary Public's client. There is no need to make a visit to the SAL office. Please note that fees paid are not refundable.
What happens if the e-Notarial Certificate is printed? Are there measures to prevent misuse?
The e-Notarial Certificate is valid only in its digital form. Any printed copy is for reference purposes only and has no legal effect. This limitation is expressly stated on the certificate itself.
What happens if the person who requests an e-Apostille but later realises they need a paper-based Apostille?
He/she will need to make a separate request for a paper-based Apostille, as the two formats are issued independently.
Will the e-Apostille be accepted by any overseas recipient, and what should I take note of when applying for the e-Apostille service?
Before using the e-Apostille service, please ensure that the recipient agrees to accept the e-Apostille for the intended purpose.
Please also ensure that the email address provided during the request process is accurate, as an email containing the e-Apostille link will be sent to the email provided. Please note that fees paid are not refundable.
Can I request for an e-Notarial Certificate / e-Apostille at the Singapore Academy of Law office?
No, the e-Notarial Certificate and e-Apostille is an online service provided at the Notary Public's office. As of October 2025, the Notary Public's client will need to make a request for the e-Apostille for Notarised Document at the Notary Public's office.
The client will need to make a request for a paper-based Notary Certificate at the Notary Public's office if a hardcopy Notarial Certificate is required.
I have an Apostille certificate issued by Singapore Academy of Law. Can I convert it to an e-Apostille?
No, you will need to submit a request for an e-Apostille.
Is it possible for multiple individuals within the same organisation to verify an e-Apostille?
Currently, the e-Apostille link can be sent to only one intended recipient. If there is a need for additional parties within the same organisation to review or verify the document, it is recommended that the additional parties refer to the PDF version of the e-Apostilled documents for reference purposes.
How does the recipient verify the e-Apostille for the Notarised Document?
A recipient can verify SAL's e-Apostille via the mail with a link to access the e-Apostilled documents.
Commissioner for Oaths Services
Does Singapore Academy of Law provide the services of a Commissioner for Oaths?
Singapore Academy of Law is the statutory body that appoints Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths who practise in Singapore. Singapore Academy of Law provides authentication services for the signatures of Notaries Public and does not provide commissioning services. Click here for a list of Commissioners for Oaths in Singapore.
What are the documents needed for commissioning?
Please check with a Commissioner for Oaths directly. Click here for a list of Commissioners for Oaths.
What are the fees charged by a Commissioner for Oaths?
The information on fees charged by a Commissioner for Oaths can be found in the fees schedule in the Commissioners for Oaths rules. Alternatively, please check with a Commissioner for Oaths directly. Click here for a list of Commissioners for Oaths.
More Information
What is the procedure for making a statutory declaration?
Please contact a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public on the procedure for making a statutory declaration. Click here for a list of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public.
How can I request for a Certificate of Clearance (COC)?
You may refer to https://www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Apply-for-Certificate-of-Clearance for information on the issuance of Certificate of Clearance (COC).
Alternatively, you may contact the Criminal Records Office at:
Tel : +65 6435 8277 (between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Singapore time (GMT+8), from Mondays to Fridays, excluding Public Holidays)
Email : [email protected]
An alternative for non Singapore Citizens (Singapore Permanent Residents & Foreign Nationals) would be for the applicant to make a Statutory Declaration in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public. Please contact a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public on the procedure for making a Statutory Declaration. Click here for a list of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public.
For documents to be used abroad, please ascertain with the person/authority that requires the documents (the end-user), on whether the Statutory Declaration is to be made in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public, and whether a Statutory Declaration will be accepted in place of Certificate of Clearance.
If you are not currently in Singapore, we would suggest that you check with a Commissioner for Oaths or a lawyer in the country that you are currently residing in, on the procedure for making a Statutory Declaration there.