Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Certified
| Apostille required | No (for use in Singapore). Apostilles are mainly used when Singapore-issued documents are presented abroad. |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Certified translation (institution-dependent) |
| Who can translate | Any competent professional translator providing a signed certification of accuracy |
| Official translator registry | No government registry of sworn or licensed translators |
| Accepted languages | English (official working language of government) |
| Legalisation authority | Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) (apostille for Singapore documents used abroad) |
| Official source | Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – Translation Guidance |
Important: Singapore does not operate a sworn translator system. Acceptance of translations depends on the receiving authority, but certified English translations are generally accepted.
Singapore does not licence or regulate translators through a national registry. Any competent professional translator or translation company may prepare a certified translation for submission to government bodies, courts, universities, or financial institutions.
The translation should include a signed statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation. ICA does not require a specific class of translator, but the translation must be accurate and properly certified.
In certain cases, an authority may request additional verification, such as notarisation of the translator’s signature, if there is doubt about authenticity.
When submitting foreign documents to Singapore authorities, an apostille is not generally required. However, the receiving authority may request additional verification in specific cases.
If you need to use a Singapore-issued document abroad, Singapore’s apostille/legalisation process is handled through the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). Official guidance on authentication and notarisation can be found via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Authentication & Notarisation of Documents .
Unlike civil-law countries such as Germany or France, Singapore does not define “certified translation” in legislation. Translation requirements are determined by individual institutions (e.g., ICA, courts, universities, banks). Applicants should always confirm specific requirements with the receiving authority.
