Written by Sneha Patwari, Corporate Secretary Lead
I've guided hundreds of founders through the incorporation process across Hong Kong and Singapore. The questions are always different; the mistakes are usually the same. I write to help people avoid them.
Key Takeaways
A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that an authorised person checks, signs, and marks with an official stamp or seal.
Notaries public, law firms, Commissioners for Oaths, chartered accountants, and banks can all certify true copies in Singapore. The right certifier depends on your purpose.
Expect a lawyer's fee for CTC of roughly SGD 5 to SGD 20 per page. A Singapore notary charges more, and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) apostille or legalisation adds a separate fee.
Private documents headed overseas need notarisation first, then an apostille from the SAL under the Hague Convention. Government-issued documents can go straight to SAL for a direct apostille.
Most certifications are handled the same day. Build in buffer time for appointments, courier delivery, and translation services.
If you are starting a business or handling paperwork in Singapore, someone will ask you for a certified true copy. It happens when you open a bank account, apply for a visa, or file documents with the corporate registry.
A certified true copy proves your documents are genuine. It shows up across business, banking, and personal paperwork. But the rules on who can certify and what they charge are not always clear, which is how people end up with delays and extra fees.
This guide covers:
✔️ What a certified true copy is, and how it differs from notarisation or legalisation
✔️ When you need one in Singapore for business, personal, and overseas matters
✔️ Who is authorised to certify documents and how the process runs
✔️ Where to go, what to bring, and how long each route takes
✔️ Typical fees and how to avoid paying twice
Let's dive in.
What Is a Certified True Copy?
A certified true copy (CTC) is a copy of a document that an authorised certifier checks against the original. The certifier then adds an official stamp and signature to confirm that the two match. You keep the original, and the copy travels in its place, whether you are opening a bank account, applying for a visa, or registering a company.
The certifier is confirming one thing: that the copy is true and accurate. They are not vouching for the content of the document itself.
Difference Between a True Copy and a Certified Copy
People use these terms as if they mean the same thing. In practice, knowing which term applies to you saves you a wasted trip.
| Term | What It Means | Official Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Photocopy | Any copy you make yourself | None |
| True Copy | A copy that reproduces the original in full, with nothing added or removed | None on its own |
| Certified Copy / Certified True Copy | A true copy that an authorised person has verified, signed, and stamped | Accepted by most banks, government agencies, and registries |
| Notarised Copy | Certified by a notary public, who may also verify your identity and issue a notary certificate | Accepted locally and as the first step for overseas use |
| Legalised / Apostilled Copy | A notarised document carrying an apostille from the Singapore Academy of Law | Recognised in 129 Apostille Convention countries |
In short: a true copy simply matches the original. A certified true copy has been verified to match. That verification is what a bank or a registry is paying attention to.
How Notarisation and Legalisation Fit In
Notarisation is part of the notarial services carried out by a notary public in Singapore, who is a senior lawyer appointed under the Notaries Public Rules. A notary public checks the copy, often verifies your identity, and can issue a notarial certificate. This is the first step for any document intended for use overseas.
Legalisation and apostille make up the next stage, handled by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). SAL attaches an apostille certificate to a notarised document, which makes it valid in other Hague Convention states. Singapore joined the convention in 2021, and the apostille replaced the older chain of consular legalisation for most destinations.
Who Can Certify True Copies in Singapore?
No single authority holds a monopoly on document certification. The right certifying officer depends on where the paperwork is going.
| Purpose | Best Place to Go | Examples of Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Business Filings or Banking | Chartered accountants, corporate secretaries, or banks | Company documents, identity documents such as a passport or NRIC for account opening |
| Legal or Court-Related Matters | Law firms or Commissioners for Oaths | Court filings, affidavits, statutory declarations |
| Overseas Recognition | Notary public, then the Singapore Academy of Law | Contracts, commercial documents, power of attorney, private agreements |
| Government-Issued Documents Used Abroad | MFA, embassies, consulates, or high commissions | Birth certificate, marriage certificates, death certificates |
A few notes on qualifications. Every notary public in Singapore is an advocate and solicitor with at least 15 years of standing, appointed by the Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public. A Commissioner for Oaths administers oaths and witnesses statutory declarations, but does not perform full notarial acts for overseas use. Banks and accountants certify freely for their own purposes, though a foreign authority may not accept their stamp.
One rule saves the most time: ask the receiving party who they accept before you book anything. A bank in the United Kingdom, a Singapore government agency, and ACRA each publish their own specific requirements.
Tip: When you register a company, you often need certified copies for ACRA filings and for opening a business account. A company registration service handles this as part of incorporation.
How to Certify a True Copy in Singapore
Once you know who to approach, the certification process is short.
- Step 1: Prepare your documents. Bring the original document and a clean photocopy of every page. The certifier compares the two side by side.
- Step 2: Confirm the right certifier. Refer back to the table above. For government-issued documents, check the requirements on gov.sg before you travel to a counter.
- Step 3: Book an appointment. Notaries, SAL, and consular offices work by appointment. Walk-in slots exist at some law firms, but you risk a wasted visit.
- Step 4: Verification and certification. The certifying officer reviews the original, compares it with the copy, then signs and applies an official stamp or seal to confirm the copy is accurate. Some cases also produce a notary certificate.
- Step 5: Pay and collect. Settle the fee at the counter or online. You then pick up the certified copy, or ask for it by mail or courier.
Extra step for overseas use. Send the notarised document to SAL for an apostille. SAL accepts submissions online and at its public office, and returns documents by collection or courier.
Note: Most certifications are handled the same day. Build in buffer time when appointments, identity checks, or SAL steps are involved. If your documents are not in English, arrange a certified translation first. Chinese, Malay, and Tamil documents all need this step before certification.
Where to Get Certified True Copies in Singapore
Five routes cover almost every case. Fees, turnaround, and acceptance differ across them.
| Where | Best For | Turnaround | How to Arrange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Firm or Notary Public | Overseas filings, contracts, power of attorney | Same day to 2 working days | Call or email the firm for a quote and an appointment |
| Chartered Accountant or Corporate Secretary | ACRA filings, bank onboarding, investor requests | Same day | Usually bundled with your incorporation or secretarial package |
| Bank Branch | Identity documents for account opening at that same bank | Same visit | Visit the branch with your original and ask at the counter |
| Singapore Academy of Law | Apostille and legalisation for overseas use | 1 to 3 working days | Submit online or in person at the SAL office |
| Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission | Government-issued documents while you are abroad | Varies by mission | Book an appointment through the mission's consular services page |
A few practical details. Most offices run standard business hours and close on public holidays, so check the calendar before a deadline. Ask about payment methods when you call: some firms take cards, others want a transfer. And confirm confidentiality if the document carries sensitive personal or financial details.
Overseas founders rarely need to fly in. A licensed corporate service provider or law firm can arrange certification on your behalf, then send the documents by courier to any location.
What Documents Require Certification?
Certification is not needed for every process. Some local applications accept a plain photocopy. Here is where certified true copies come up.
| Category | Situations Where Certified Copies Are Required |
|---|---|
| Business | Registering a company with ACRA, opening a business bank account, appointing directors, or answering an investor's due diligence request. Certified company papers and identity documents apply here. |
| Personal and Legal | Visa or residency applications in Singapore or abroad, court filings, and property matters. These call for certified copies of passports, marriage certificates, or a birth certificate. |
| Overseas Use | Documents that must be recognised abroad need notarisation first, then legalisation by SAL. The apostille confirms international validity. |
The documents that come up most often in company work are the certificate of incorporation, the company constitution, the register of directors and shareholders, board resolutions, audited accounts, passports or NRICs of each director, and proof of address for every beneficial owner.
Public documents issued by the Republic of Singapore, such as a birth certificate or a death certificate, follow a different path. The issuing agency or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles them, not a private notary.
And watch the expiry rules. Banks and government agencies often reject a certification older than three months. If your onboarding has dragged on, ask whether you need a fresh copy before you send the file.
How Much Does a Certified True Copy Cost?
Fees depend on who certifies the document and whether notarisation, legalisation, or translation services apply.
| Provider / Authority | Service Covered | Typical Fees | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA and Embassies | Certification of government-issued documents such as birth or marriage certificates | SGD 2 per certification, SGD 2 per page marking, SGD 0.30 per photocopy | Payable in local currency if you apply abroad. Covers government-issued documents only. Some consulates ask for additional documents. |
| Singapore Academy of Law | Legalisation for overseas use and apostille | SGD 10.70 per document, plus SGD 1.07 photocopy fee (direct apostille, no notarisation needed) | Private or commercial documents need notarisation first, in which case the SGD 10.70 legalisation fee is waived and an SGD 87.20 authentication fee applies instead. |
| Notary Public / Other Certifiers | Certification of private, legal, or business documents | SGD 5 to SGD 20 per page | Most firms quote a flat rate per page. Extra charges apply for courier, urgent turnaround, or translation. GST at 9% may be added. |
Three things push the total up more than founders expect. Page count comes first, since a 40-page constitution certified at SGD 10 a page costs more than the notary's appointment fee. Urgency comes second. And the third is the double journey: a document that needs both notarisation and an apostille costs you twice.
Tip: Providers charge in different units, by certification, by document, or by page. Ask how your documents will be counted before you estimate the total, and request a written quote for anything over 20 pages.
Final Thoughts
Here is what to remember about certified true copies in Singapore:
- Ask the receiving party what they accept before you book a certifier
- Match the certifier to the purpose: accountant for filings, notary for overseas
- Allow extra time and budget when SAL legalisation applies
- Check how fees are charged, by page, document, or certification
- Bundle certification with your incorporation or secretarial package when you can
Follow those five points, and you keep costs predictable, avoid the second trip, and get your documents accepted in Singapore and abroad.
FAQs
What is the difference between notarisation and a certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy of your original document that an authorised certifier has checked, signed, and stamped with an official stamp. Notarisation is performed by a notary public, usually when the document must be recognised overseas.
What is the difference between a true copy and a certified copy?
A true copy simply reproduces the original in full. A certified copy is a true copy that an authorised person has verified and stamped. Only the certified version carries official standing with banks, registries, and government agencies.
Who is authorised to certify true copies in Singapore?
Notaries public, law firms, Commissioners for Oaths, chartered accountants, banks, embassies, and the Singapore Academy of Law can all certify documents. The right option depends on your purpose. Banks certify identity documents for account opening. SAL handles legalisation for overseas use. Chambers of commerce may need to certify commercial documents before SAL steps in.
Where can I get a certified true copy in Singapore?
Approach a notary public, lawyer, accountant, or your bank. If you are overseas, a Singapore embassy, consulate, or high commission can certify government-issued documents such as a birth certificate. For documents that must be recognised internationally, arrange notarisation first, then legalisation from SAL.
How much is the lawyer fee for a CTC?
Most law firms charge SGD 5 to SGD 20 per page, often as a flat rate per document set. Add GST, and add courier or urgent handling if you need either. Ask for a written quote when the document runs long.
How long does certification take?
A law firm or accountant usually certifies the same day. An SAL apostille takes 1 to 3 working days. Consular routes take longer and depend on the mission's schedule and public holidays.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes for notaries, SAL, and consular offices. Banks and accounting firms often handle certification at the counter without one, though a call ahead saves a wasted visit.
Do foreigners need legalisation for overseas use?
Yes. Certification alone is not enough. Most documents need notarisation first, then an apostille from SAL for international recognition.
What happens if my original document is lost?
You cannot certify a copy without the original. Request a replacement from the issuing authority first. ACRA reissues company documents through its online portal, and the relevant registry handles personal certificates.
![Cover image for 9 Requirements to Incorporate a Company in Singapore [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2F_next%2Fstatic%2Fmedia%2FRecently-published-02.a17f9254.png&w=256&q=75)
