---
title: Is an Apostille compulsory for notarised documents in Singapore?
description: "## Are Notarial Certificate and Apostille compulsory in Singapore? Yes. Since **16 September 2021**, all notarised documents in Singapore must be authenticated by the **Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)** with an **Apostille**. A Notarial Certificate alone is not valid without…"
url: "https://help.law.com.sg/faq/is-an-apostille-compulsory-for-notarised-documents-in-singapore/"
updated: "2026-07-20"
category: Notary Public / Notary General
---

# Is an Apostille compulsory for notarised documents in Singapore?

## Are Notarial Certificate and Apostille compulsory in Singapore?

Yes. Since **16 September 2021**, all notarised documents in Singapore must be authenticated by the **Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)** with an **Apostille**. A Notarial Certificate alone is not valid without this step.

### **How the process works:**

► **Step 1 – Notary issues Notarial Certificate**: Your Notary Public prepares the Notarial Certificate through SAL’s online portal after the Notary or client pay the **Apostille fee of $80 + GST**to SAL. Without this payment, the Notary can only generate a *draft* certificate, not the final engrossed version.

► **Step 2 – Binding of documents**: The Notary binds the Notarial Certificate together with your notarised documents using the **red ribbon and official seal** as prescribed by SAL.

► **Step 3 – SAL Apostille**: You (or your representative) must then bring the bound notarised documents to **SAL’s Counter Service at The Adelphi**. SAL will affix the Apostille sticker on the reverse of the Notarial Certificate. This confirms the Notary’s signature and makes the document valid.

⚠️ **Important:** Some clients mistakenly think they do not need an Apostille. In reality, **the Apostille is compulsory** for every notarised document in Singapore. Without it, your document will not be legally recognised outside Singapore.

### **Additional services:**

- If you require our Notary’s office to collect the Apostille from SAL on your behalf, a **service fee** will apply.
- You can view our **Notary Public fee calculators** here:
  - [Certified True Copy (CTC) fees](https://law.com.sg/notary-public-fee-ctc/)
  - [Witnessing fees](https://law.com.sg/notary-public-fee-witnessing/)
- To make an appointment, please visit: [Book a Notary Appointment](https://book.law.com.sg/notary-public/).

📌 For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Laws may change. Consult qualified lawyer.

## Why Every Notarised Document in Singapore Requires an Apostille

![Apostille is mandary for Notarised document in Singapore](https://help.law.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Notary-Steps-683x1024.jpg)

## **Countries that Accept Apostilles**

Countries and states that are members of the **Hague Convention on Apostille** generally accept an Apostille issued in Singapore **without requiring any further legalisation**. However, requirements may vary by authority or institution. You should always confirm whether the receiving country is a Hague member by checking the official list at the Hague Conference website: [https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41](https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41).

## Related Links

https://help.law.com.sg/faq/what-is-a-notary-public

https://help.law.com.sg/faq/where-can-i-find-foreign-embassies-in-singapore

> [Notary Public fees](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/what-are-the-prescribed-fees-payable-to-a-notary-public/)

[“Notary Public fees” — Singapore Law Help](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/what-are-the-prescribed-fees-payable-to-a-notary-public/embed/#?secret=fR3Re11Md7#?secret=RrXQziMJtU)

> [How do I obtain the Apostille from Singapore Academy of Law after Notarisation?](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/how-do-i-obtain-the-apostille-from-singapore-academy-of-law-after-notarisation/)

[“How do I obtain the Apostille from Singapore Academy of Law after Notarisation?” — Singapore Law Help](https://help.law.com.sg/faq/how-do-i-obtain-the-apostille-from-singapore-academy-of-law-after-notarisation/embed/#?secret=edfYOZMh1M#?secret=X0pdsIvUai)