A notary public in Singapore is a senior lawyer authorised to authenticate documents for use overseas. If you have been asked to submit a notarised document to a foreign embassy, an overseas court, or a bank in another jurisdiction — this is the person you need to see.
This guide covers what notarisation actually means, when you need it, what it costs, and how to walk into a notary’s office prepared.
What a Notary Public Does in Singapore
A notary public is appointed by the Singapore Academy of Law under the Notaries Public Act. Only Advocates & Solicitors of the Supreme Court who have been in practice for at least 15 years are eligible. The notary verifies that a signature, document, or copy is authentic — and certifies that verification with a notarial seal recognised internationally.
The notary’s certificate is the part that gives the document weight abroad. Without it, most foreign authorities will not accept the document as valid.
The four most common notarial acts
- Notarising a signature. The notary witnesses you signing the document and certifies that you are who you say you are.
- Certifying a true copy. The notary compares a photocopy to the original and certifies that the copy is identical.
- Administering an oath or affirmation. The notary administers the oath as you swear an affidavit or statutory declaration.
- Authenticating a corporate document. The notary verifies that a company resolution, power of attorney, or board minute was properly executed by an authorised officer.
When You Actually Need a Notary Public
Notarisation is rarely required for documents that stay in Singapore. You need it when the document is going overseas. Common situations:
- Foreign property purchases. A power of attorney appointing someone to sign on your behalf in another country usually needs notarisation.
- Overseas litigation. Affidavits filed in foreign courts require a notarised signature.
- International business. Board resolutions, share transfer instruments, and corporate authorisations sent to overseas regulators, banks, or counterparties.
- Visa and immigration matters. Embassies often require notarised copies of qualifications, marriage certificates, or birth certificates.
- Cross-border family matters. Foreign divorce filings, child custody declarations, or guardianship documents.
- Educational and professional credentials. Degree certificates and transcripts submitted to overseas universities or licensing bodies.
Notarisation vs Authentication vs Apostille
This is where most people get tangled. A notary’s seal is often only step one. Depending on the destination country, you may need additional layers of authentication.
- Notarisation — the notary’s certificate. Done in Singapore.
- SAL authentication — the Singapore Academy of Law authenticates the notary’s signature and seal. This is required for almost all overseas use.
- Embassy or consulate legalisation — the destination country’s embassy in Singapore verifies the SAL authentication. Required for countries that are not parties to the Apostille Convention.
- Apostille — Singapore acceded to the Apostille Convention in 2021. For documents going to other Apostille member states, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues an apostille certificate that replaces embassy legalisation. Faster and cheaper.
Ask the receiving party in the destination country exactly what they require before you start. Doing one extra step you did not need is wasted time and money. Skipping a required step means the document gets rejected and you start over.
What It Costs
Notarial fees in Singapore are set by the Notaries Public Rules. The current schedule:
- Notarising a signature on a document — S$76 for the first signature, S$10 per additional signature on the same document.
- Certifying a true copy — S$22 per copy.
- Administering an oath or affirmation — S$10 per oath.
- Authenticating a corporate document — S$76.
SAL authentication is a separate fee paid directly to the Singapore Academy of Law (approximately S$80 per document). Apostille certification from MFA is around S$10 per document. Embassy legalisation fees vary by country — some are nominal, others run into the hundreds.
For most overseas use, budget S$200 to S$300 per document end-to-end (notary + SAL + apostille or embassy). Complex multi-document estates or corporate filings can run higher.
How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment
The notary’s job is to verify, not to draft. Bring the document in finished form. The verification fails if anything is unclear, missing, or inconsistent.
Before you walk in
- Your NRIC or passport — original, not a copy. The notary must visually confirm your identity.
- The original document, unsigned. You sign in front of the notary. If you have already signed it, you may need to re-execute.
- A photocopy of any document you want certified as a true copy — plus the original to compare against.
- Written confirmation from the receiving party about whether they need notarisation, SAL authentication, apostille, or embassy legalisation. This avoids paying for steps you do not need.
- For corporate documents — the company’s board resolution authorising the signatory, plus the signatory’s identification. The notary cannot notarise a corporate document without seeing the authorisation chain.
What slows things down
- Documents drafted in a language the notary cannot read. A certified translation may be required first.
- Powers of attorney that do not clearly state the scope of authority. The notary will refuse to certify a vague POA.
- Identification mismatches — for example, a marriage certificate showing your maiden name when your passport shows your married name. Bring evidence of the name change.
- Last-minute requests when you need same-day apostille or embassy legalisation. Plan three to five working days minimum for end-to-end authentication.
How DLLC Handles Notarial Work
Anil Lalwani, one of our directors, is a Notary Public appointed by the Singapore Academy of Law. He has handled notarisation across corporate transactions, international family matters, overseas property purchases, and cross-border litigation for clients in over a dozen jurisdictions.
Where the matter needs more than just notarisation — for example, drafting the power of attorney itself, structuring a cross-border share transfer, or co-ordinating with foreign counsel on the form of the document — the wider firm handles it under the same engagement. You are not bounced between providers.
If you need a document notarised, contact us at (65) 6557 0215 or schedule a consultation. We typically respond within minutes during business hours.
Common Questions
Can any lawyer in Singapore notarise a document?
No. Only Advocates & Solicitors who have been appointed Notary Public by the Singapore Academy of Law — a separate qualification requiring at least 15 years in practice — can perform notarial acts.
Does a notary verify the content of the document?
No. The notary verifies the signature, identity, or copy. The truth of what the document says is the signer’s responsibility. If you sign a false statement before a notary, the notarisation is still valid — but you may have committed perjury or made a false statutory declaration.
Can the notary refuse to notarise something?
Yes. If the document is unclear, if the notary doubts the signer’s capacity or willingness, or if the requested act would be improper, the notary must refuse. This protects everyone.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Notarial work cannot be done on a drop-in basis. Book in advance and bring all required documents to the first appointment.
What if I cannot attend in person?
Singapore does not currently recognise remote notarisation. The signer must appear physically before the notary. Plan accordingly if you are overseas — you will need to either return to Singapore or use a notary in your current country.