You may be able to obtain a direct Apostille in Singapore<\/strong> from the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL), without paying for notarisation. This depends on whether SAL accepts your document for the direct route and whether your overseas recipient requires notarisation. Check both before booking a Notary Public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hardcopy Apostille: a separate SAL visit is required.<\/strong> Our default service is notarisation with a hardcopy Apostille. Attending our office completes the notarisation step only. You or your representative must take the Notarial Certificate to SAL and collect the hardcopy Apostille. Payment of the SAL fee through our firm does not include collection. We can assist with collection only if agreed beforehand, for an additional service fee; courier arrangements and charges are separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Apostille<\/strong> authenticates the origin of a public document, including the signature, the capacity of the person signing and, where applicable, its seal or stamp. It does not certify the truth of the contents or guarantee that an overseas recipient will accept the document for a particular purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)<\/strong> is the sole authority designated to issue Apostilles in Singapore since 16 September 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The paper and electronic routes have different eligibility requirements. A document being a PDF does not, by itself, make it eligible for an e-Apostille:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For eligible Singapore public documents, you can apply directly to SAL for a hardcopy Apostille:<\/p>\n\n\n\n SAL\u2019s direct e-Apostille service for ACRA documents<\/strong> has a limited scope. It does not cover every ACRA extract, PDF or document with a QR code:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can obtain an Apostille without a notary public<\/strong> and save both time and money when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain Singapore public documents<\/strong> can be apostilled directly at SAL without notarisation, subject to SAL\u2019s document and verification requirements. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask your overseas recipient whether it accepts direct legalisation by SAL without notarisation. If it does, and your document qualifies, engaging a Notary Public may be unnecessary. If it specifically requires a notarial certificate or notarised copy, follow that requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need a Notary Public<\/strong> before obtaining an Apostille<\/strong> in these situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private documents commonly require notarisation before SAL can issue an Apostille on the Notarial Certificate. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some overseas authorities specifically request both:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common scenarios include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being overseas does not, by itself, mean that your document needs notarisation. If it qualifies for direct SAL legalisation, we may be able to assist with the application and collection under a separate paid engagement. We must first agree the scope, service fee, SAL charges and any courier arrangements. See our Certificate of Clearance and government document guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some verification methods require the document holder to attend SAL personally, for example where access through their Singpass or personal email is needed. Check the requirements before appointing a representative. Do not share your Singpass password or one-time codes with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This assistance concerns documents and collection logistics. It is not remote witnessing. For signature witnessing by our Notary Public, the signer must attend in person in Singapore and sign in wet ink; we do not provide Zoom or video witnessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 1:<\/strong> Check that SAL accepts your document for direct legalisation and that its verification requirements can be met<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 2:<\/strong> Check recipient requirements (Apostille only, or Apostille + Notarisation)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 3:<\/strong> For physical apostille:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 4:<\/strong> For e-Apostille (ACRA documents):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 1:<\/strong> Confirm the recipient\u2019s requirements and book the appropriate notarial service<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 2:<\/strong> Bring the physical original or provide the issuer-created, verifiable digital original. A scan or PDF copy is not automatically an original<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 3:<\/strong> Our Notary Public completes the agreed notarial act and issues the Notarial Certificate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 4:<\/strong> For the default hardcopy route, you or your representative must take the Notarial Certificate to SAL for the Apostille and collection<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 5:<\/strong> Firm collection is available only by prior agreement for an additional service fee. Payment of the SAL fee through us does not include collection; any courier service must also be separately agreed<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prefer an e-Apostille?<\/strong> Please arrange this before notarisation and confirm that your recipient accepts it. The notarial e-Apostille route is separate from SAL\u2019s direct ACRA route. The e-Notarial Certificate is valid only digitally, the SAL process provides a link for one intended recipient, and a paper Apostille requires a separate request. Electronic delivery does not mean remote witnessing. Read our e-Notarisation and e-Apostille guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, you cannot convert an existing Apostille. You must submit a new request for an e-Apostille if your document qualifies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check SAL\u2019s requirements for the document. Depending on its source, SAL may require you to attend and access the issuing agency\u2019s portal through your own Singpass, or obtain an endorsed copy from the issuer. A scan, screenshot or ordinary PDF does not establish authenticity by itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, all fees paid to SAL are non-refundable. Ensure your documents meet requirements before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Apostille Convention removes further legalisation requirements where it applies between Singapore and the destination state. The recipient may still have requirements about the document, its form or translation. Check the HCCH Apostille section<\/a> and your recipient\u2019s instructions. For a non-Convention destination, SAL may still issue an Apostille, but further embassy or consular legalisation may be required. Our firm does not arrange that further legalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many Singapore Apostille<\/strong> applications can be completed without a notary public, we understand that some situations require professional guidance. If you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No Legal Advice:<\/strong> This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is based on Singapore government policies, procedures, and regulations reviewed on 10 October 2026, but may contain errors and is subject to change without notice. All fees, requirements, procedures, and eligibility criteria mentioned are determined by relevant government authorities including the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) and may be modified at any time. Readers must independently verify all information with official sources including SAL (https:\/\/legalisation.sal.sg\/<\/a>), ACRA, and other relevant government websites before taking any action. We expressly disclaim liability for any errors, omissions, outdated information, or losses arising from reliance on this content. Always seek professional legal advice for your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is an Apostille?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types of Apostille Services in Singapore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Physical Apostille<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Direct e-Apostille for eligible ACRA documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
When You DON’T Need a Notary Public<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your Document Qualifies for Direct Apostille<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
The Recipient Only Requires Apostille<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Apply Directly to SAL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For Physical Documents:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
For Electronic Documents with QR Codes:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
For e-Apostille (ACRA documents only):<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
When You DO Need a Notary Public<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Non-Government Documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
2. Specific Notarisation Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Help with SAL applications when you are overseas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-Step Application Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Direct SAL Application (Without Notary)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
With Notary Public Assistance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I convert my existing paper Apostille to e-Apostille?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if my electronic document has no QR code?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are fees refundable if my application is rejected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long does the Apostille process take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Which countries accept Singapore’s Apostille?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Need Professional Assistance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Disclaimer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n