Whether your Singapore document needs an apostille or embassy attestation depends on one thing: the country where it will be used. If that country is a member of the Apostille Convention, an apostille from the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) is normally all you need. If it is not, the document also needs that country's embassy stamp in Singapore.
Step 1: Check the Destination Country
The Hague Conference publishes the official list of Apostille Convention members. Singapore has applied the Convention since 16 September 2021, and SAL is its competent authority.
| Destination | Status | Route from Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| India, China, South Korea, Japan, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia | Member | SAL apostille |
| Vietnam | Member since 11 September 2026 | SAL apostille |
| Thailand | Joins on 28 February 2027 | Embassy route until then |
| UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Egypt | Not a member | SAL, then the embassy in Singapore |
Step 2: Check Who Issued the Document
Government documents, such as an ICA birth certificate or a ROM marriage certificate, go to SAL directly. Private documents, such as a power of attorney, a declaration or a copy of a certificate, must be notarised by a Singapore Notary Public first.
Step 3: Ask the Receiver for Anything Extra
Some receivers want more than the minimum: a translation, a notarised copy instead of the original, or an embassy stamp even for a member country. A short email asking for their written checklist can save a second trip to SAL.
Common Mistakes
- Laminating a certificate. SAL cannot apostille a laminated document.
- Paying for an embassy stamp that a member country does not need.
- Signing a declaration before the notary appointment. It must be signed in front of the notary.
Not Sure Which Route Applies?
Send us a photo of your document and the destination country. We will confirm the route and send an all-in quote, usually within 1 hour during office hours.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements are set by the receiving authority and may change; we confirm your exact route before any work begins.