SAL legalisation basics
Full sal legalisation basics guide
What is SAL legalisation?
It is the process by which the Singapore Academy of Law certifies a Singapore document for use abroad. Since 16 September 2021, SAL does this by attaching an apostille certificate.
Apostille or embassy attestation — which do I need?
An apostille is enough for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries outside it, such as the UAE, Qatar and Malaysia, also need the document attested by their embassy in Singapore after SAL.
Do I need a notary before SAL?
Only for private or company documents, or government documents SAL cannot verify directly. Singapore birth and marriage certificates that SAL can verify (for example by QR code or with the issuing agency), and degrees from NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUSS, SUTD, the polytechnics and ITE, go straight to SAL.
Can someone else submit and collect my document at SAL?
Yes. SAL accepts a proxy without an authorisation letter, except where a document can only be verified through your own SingPass or email.
How much does SAL legalisation cost in Singapore?
SAL's fee starts at SGD 10.70 per document; notarised documents add statutory notary and SAL authentication fees. We send one all-in quote after seeing your document.
Are you the Singapore Academy of Law?
No. We are an independent Singapore document service that prepares documents and takes them to SAL on your behalf.
SAL apostille
Full sal apostille guide
How much does an SAL apostille cost in Singapore?
SAL charges SGD 10.70 to apostille a Singapore government document it can verify, or SGD 11.77 on an SAL-made copy. A notarised document instead carries a SGD 75 notarial certificate and SGD 87.20 SAL authentication; our fee starting from SGD 35 per document (from SGD 199 when a notary step is needed) is quoted on top, as one all-in total.
How long does an SAL apostille take in Singapore?
The SAL counter works on a walk-in basis, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with no appointment; it is closed on weekends and public holidays. Our turnaround is 1–2 working days, including when a notary step is needed first. We confirm your timeline before you pay.
Can someone collect the apostille for me?
Yes. SAL accepts a proxy without an authorisation letter, as long as your document can be verified without your SingPass or email login. That's exactly what we do for clients.
Is an SAL apostille the same as SAL legalisation?
Yes. Since 16 September 2021, SAL affixes an apostille certificate on every document it legalises, whatever the destination.
Do I still need to go to MFA?
No. MFA handed the legalisation of Singapore documents to SAL on 20 January 2021; documents MFA legalised up to 19 January 2021 can still be used. See MFA legalisation in Singapore.
Can SAL apostille a document issued in another country?
No. SAL only legalises Singapore documents. It does not legalise foreign documents; ask us about yours and we confirm the route with you.
Notarisation & apostille
Full notarisation & apostille guide
Why did SAL tell me to get my document notarised first?
SAL can only verify certain Singapore government and institutional documents directly. Private and company documents need a Notary Public's notarial certificate first; SAL then authenticates that certificate and adds the apostille.
What is SAL authentication of a notarial certificate?
It is SAL confirming the Notary Public's signature and seal on your notarised document. The SAL authentication fee is SGD 87.20, paid at the notary's office, and you don't pay the separate SGD 10.70 legalisation fee at SAL.
How much does it cost to notarise and apostille a document in Singapore?
The statutory notarial certificate fee is SGD 75 (+SGD 20 per extra party) and SAL authentication is SGD 87.20. Our service fee starts from SGD 229 per document, and we send one all-in total before you pay.
Can I sign my power of attorney before meeting the notary?
Don't. Documents that need a witnessed signature must be signed in front of the notary after your identity is checked. Bring the document unsigned.
Is a notarised and apostilled document enough for the UAE?
No. The UAE is not in the Hague Apostille Convention, so after SAL the document also needs attestation by the UAE embassy in Singapore. We complete that step too.
Can SAL apostille a notarised copy of a foreign document?
SAL only legalises Singapore documents. It does not legalise foreign documents — ask us about your case before you book.
Notary Public
Full notary public guide
How much does a notary public cost in Singapore?
Statutory fees are SGD 40 for witnessing a signature and SGD 75 for a notarial certificate (+SGD 20 per extra party). If SAL authentication is needed, add SGD 87.20. Our service fee starts from SGD 229 per document.
Can I get a document notarised on the same day in Singapore?
It may be possible — if you send it before 11:00 AM and the document is ready to sign. We confirm the timing when you send a photo.
Is there a notary near me in Singapore?
Our partner notary signs at our office, 7 Temasek Boulevard, #12-07 Suntec Tower One, Singapore 038987 — minutes from SAL at The Adelphi. If you can't travel, a mobile notary can come to your home, office or hospital by appointment.
Do I need a notary or a Commissioner for Oaths?
A Notary Public is for documents used overseas; a Commissioner for Oaths is for documents used in Singapore.
Does a notarised document also need an apostille?
If the recipient overseas needs it legalised, yes. SAL authenticates the notarial certificate and attaches an apostille; non-Hague countries then also need embassy attestation.
Can the notary sign on behalf of someone who is not present?
No. Every person signing must appear before the notary with their NRIC or passport for identity verification.
Commissioner for Oaths
Full commissioner for oaths guide
What is the difference between a notary public and a Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore?
A Commissioner for Oaths takes affidavits and statutory declarations for use in Singapore. A Notary Public notarises documents for use overseas, which SAL can then authenticate and apostille.
Where can I find a Commissioner for Oaths near me?
Our Commissioner is at our office, 7 Temasek Boulevard, #12-07 Suntec Tower One, Singapore 038987 — minutes from SAL at The Adelphi on Coleman Street. Send a photo on WhatsApp to book a slot or check walk-in availability.
Can I use a Commissioner for Oaths stamp for a document going overseas?
No — a Commissioner for Oaths is for use in Singapore. For overseas use you need a Notary Public, and SAL authentication and an apostille if the recipient needs it legalised. We'll route you to a Notary Public so the document is prepared for overseas use.
How much does a Commissioner for Oaths cost in Singapore?
Our fee for swearing a document starts from SGD 39. If you also need drafting, we quote an all-in price after seeing your facts.
Do I need to go to SAL for a Commissioner for Oaths?
No. A document for use in Singapore does not need an SAL apostille. The SAL legalisation counter is only for documents going overseas.
Can I affirm instead of swearing an oath?
Yes. You can choose an affirmation instead of a religious oath; it has the same effect for your declaration.
Embassy attestation
Full embassy attestation guide
Which countries need embassy attestation from Singapore?
Countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Egypt. Thailand also needs the embassy route until 28 February 2027.
Does Saudi Arabia still need embassy attestation from Singapore?
No. Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022, so an SAL apostille replaces embassy attestation, subject to the receiving authority's own requirements. The same applies to China and Vietnam.
Can the embassy attest my document without SAL?
No. The embassy attests SAL's certificate, so SAL legalisation always comes first. Private documents need a Notary Public before SAL.
What is the difference between consular legalisation and an apostille?
An apostille is a single certificate accepted by Hague countries. Consular legalisation adds the destination country's embassy stamp after SAL, for countries that don't accept the apostille alone.
How long does embassy attestation take in Singapore?
It depends on the embassy — each sets its own working days, appointment rules and processing time. We confirm the turnaround for your country (usually 5–10 working days) before you book.
Do I need to go to MFA for attestation?
No. MFA transferred legalisation to SAL on 20 January 2021; SAL now does that step, and the embassy follows.
MFA legalisation
Full mfa legalisation guide
Where do I get MFA attestation in Singapore now?
At the Singapore Academy of Law. MFA transferred legalisation of Singapore public documents to SAL on 20 January 2021, so there is no need to go to MFA.
Is my document legalised by MFA before 2021 still valid?
Documents legalised by MFA up to 19 January 2021 can still be used. Whether a particular receiver accepts an older legalisation is up to them — we can check with you.
Is SAL legalisation the same as MFA authentication?
It replaces it. Since 16 September 2021, SAL affixes an apostille certificate on every document it legalises.
The embassy asked for MFA legalisation first — what do I do?
Bring the document to SAL instead. After SAL, the embassy of a non-Hague country attests it as before. We handle both steps.
Do I still need the embassy after SAL?
Only for countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait or Malaysia. For Hague countries the SAL apostille completes the Singapore legalisation; confirm any extra requirements with the receiving authority.
How much does ministry of foreign affairs document authentication cost now?
SAL charges SGD 10.70 per government document it verifies, or SGD 87.20 to authenticate a notarised document. Embassy fees are separate and passed on at cost.
Company documents
Full company documents guide
Can a board resolution be apostilled in Singapore?
Yes, after notarisation. A director signs the resolution before a Notary Public, SAL authenticates the notarised document and affixes an apostille. Non-Hague countries then need embassy attestation.
Who must sign company documents before the notary?
A director or authorised signatory. The Notary Public checks identity and proof of authority, such as a board resolution. We check this with you before booking.
How much does corporate document legalisation cost in Singapore?
Government fees include the notarial certificate (SGD 75, +SGD 20 per extra party) and SAL authentication (SGD 87.20). Our service fee starts from SGD 249 per document, with 10% off for 5 or more documents; we quote the full total upfront.
Do certificates of origin go to a notary?
No. Commercial documents such as certificates of origin and invoices are endorsed by a Chamber of Commerce (SCCI, SCCCI, SICCI, SICC, SMCCI or SMF) and then go to SAL.
Do company documents for China still need embassy legalisation?
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023, so an SAL apostille is the legalisation step. Your Chinese partner may also ask for a translation — we confirm this with you.
Can you legalise company documents for a UAE bank?
Yes. The UAE is not in the Hague Convention, so after notarisation and SAL, the documents need attestation at the UAE embassy in Singapore — confirm the exact requirements with the receiving bank.
Digital documents
Full digital documents guide
Can SAL apostille an OpenCerts degree certificate?
Yes. SAL needs an exact printout of the OpenCerts file, including header, footer, page numbers and borders, and the QR code must scan and match the online version. We prepare and test the printout before it goes to SAL.
Can SAL photocopy my digital certificate at the counter?
It can, but the QR code on a photocopy may not scan. It is safer to print copies directly from the original file, which is what we do.
My digital document has no QR code — can it still be apostilled in Singapore?
Yes, if the issuing agency can confirm it through its portal, a physical endorsement, or an email copied to SAL. If none of these work, the document is notarised and then authenticated by SAL.
Can someone else submit my e-certificate to SAL for me?
Yes, SAL accepts a proxy without an authorisation letter. The exception is a document that can only be verified through your own SingPass or email — then you need to attend in person.
Can I forward the agency's verification email to SAL?
No. The agency must send the confirmation with SAL copied in. Forwarded emails and screenshots are not accepted, and the original must be presented at SAL within one month of that email.
Is a digital birth certificate accepted for apostille in Singapore?
Yes. A digital birth extract with a working QR code can be printed and apostilled by SAL like any other digital public document.
Same-day apostille
Full same-day apostille guide
Can I get an apostille on the same day in Singapore?
Yes, when SAL can verify the document (or it can be notarised) that day and it reaches us before 11:00 AM on a working day. We confirm before you pay.
What time does the SAL legalisation counter close?
4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. On the eves of New Year, Chinese New Year and Christmas it is open 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Do I need an appointment at SAL for an urgent apostille?
No. The SAL counter is walk-in, with no appointment, and fees are paid online by card.
Can I get an urgent notary in Singapore the same day?
Where possible. If your private document needs notarisation, we try to arrange an appointed Notary Public the same day so it can still reach SAL before closing. We confirm availability first.
Is embassy attestation possible on the same day?
It depends on each embassy's own timeline, so we give you a realistic date: the SAL step can be same day, but the embassy step usually takes 5–10 working days.
Can I get a same-day apostille on a Saturday?
No. The SAL counter is closed on weekends and public holidays. Documents received then go in on the next working day.
Translation
Full translation guide
Does SAL translate documents in Singapore?
No. SAL does not translate. It only legalises documents that are in English or bilingual with English, so a translation has to be arranged first and then notarised.
Should I apostille the original or the translation?
It depends on what the receiving authority asks for. It may want the translation notarised and apostilled, or both the original and the translation legalised. Send us their checklist and we confirm the route with you before you pay.
What is a notarised translation for overseas use?
It is a certified translation with a translator's declaration, certified by a Notary Public. SAL can then authenticate the notary's certificate and add an apostille, so the translation carries a Singapore apostille.
Can a translation done in Singapore be used in China or the UAE?
It depends on the receiving authority — it may want a translation made in its own country. Please confirm with the receiving office first — we can help you ask the right question.
How much does translation and apostille cost in Singapore?
Government fees include SGD 75 for the notarial certificate and SGD 87.20 for SAL authentication. Our fee and the translation cost are added, and we send one all-in quote after seeing your document.
What happens if the order of steps is wrong?
The recipient may reject the document and you may need to repeat translation, notarisation or apostille. That is why we agree the order with you before we start.
Fees
Full fees guide
How much does an apostille cost in Singapore?
SAL charges SGD 10.70 per Singapore government document. Private documents add a SGD 75 notarial certificate and SGD 87.20 SAL authentication.
How much does a notary public charge in Singapore?
The notarial certificate is SGD 75, plus SGD 20 for each extra party, and witnessing a signature is SGD 40. SAL authentication of the notarial certificate adds SGD 87.20.
Are government fees refundable?
SAL legalisation fees are non-refundable once paid, which is why we check your document before paying SAL.
How much does embassy attestation cost?
Each embassy sets its own fee. We confirm the current embassy fee when we quote.
Do you charge extra at collection?
No. The all-in quote you approve is what you pay, unless you add services later.
Can I pay SAL myself?
Yes. You can always go to SAL on your own. We charge only for the work we do for you.
Still Have a Question?
Mon–Fri 9 am – 9 pm · Sat–Sun 10 am – 6 pm 7 Temasek Boulevard, #12-07 Suntec Tower One, Singapore 038987