If you are starting a business or handling paperwork in Singapore, you will often be asked for a Certified True Copy. It could be when you open a bank account, apply for a visa, or file documents with Singapore’s corporate registry (ACRA).
A Certified True Copy acts as proof that your documents are genuine. It is a common requirement across business, banking, and personal paperwork. But the rules on who can certify it and how much it costs are not always straightforward — which makes it easy to face delays or extra fees.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✔️ 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 can certify documents and how the process works
✔️ Typical costs and how to avoid unnecessary fees
Let’s dive in!
What is a Certified True Copy?
A Certified True Copy (CTC) is a copy of a document that has been checked against the original document by an authorised certifier. The certifier provides an official stamp and signature to confirm it matches. This way, you do not need to hand over your original every time, whether for opening a bank account, applying for a visa, or registering a company.
How is it different?
It’s easy to confuse a Certified Copy with other terms like photocopies, notarisation, or legalisation of documents. Here’s how they compare:
Photocopy
A basic copy anyone can make. It has no official standing unless certified.
Notarisation
Part of notarial services carried out by a Notary Public, usually a senior lawyer. They check the copy and sometimes your identity, and may issue a notarial certificate. This is often the first step if the document is intended for use overseas.
Legalisation/Apostille
Managed by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL, the authority that handles legalisation in Singapore). SAL legalises notarised documents by attaching an Apostille Certificate. This internationally recognised stamp makes the legal documents valid overseas.
How to Get a Certified True Copy in Singapore
Getting a Certified Copy in Singapore is straightforward once you know who can provide notarial services and what the certification process looks like.
Who Can Certify Documents in Singapore?
The right certifier depends on your purpose. Here’s a quick guide:
| Purpose | Best Place to Go | Examples of Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Business filings or banking | Chartered accountants or banks | Company documents, identity documents (like passport or NRIC) for account opening |
| Legal or court-related matters | Law firms or Commissioners for Oaths | Court filings, affidavits, statutory declarations (formal signed statements) |
| Overseas recognition | Notary Public → Singapore Academy of Law (for legalisation) | Contracts, commercial documents, private agreements |
| Government-issued documents abroad | MFA, embassies, consulates, or high commissions | Birth certificate, marriage certificates, death certificates |
Tip: When starting a company, you’ll often need certified copies for ACRA filings or opening a business account. A company registration service can handle this as part of incorporation.
How the Certification Process Works
Once you know who to approach, the steps to get your Certified Copy are simple.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Bring the original document along with a photocopy. The certifier will check the copy against the original.
Step 2: Confirm the right certifier
Refer back to the list above to make sure you are using the correct authority for your purpose. For government-issued documents, you can always verify requirements directly on gov.sg.
Step 3: Verification and certification
The certifier reviews the original, compares it to the copy, and then stamps and signs the copy with an official stamp to confirm it is accurate. In some cases, a notarial certificate may also be issued.
Step 4: Collect your Certified Copy
You receive the certified copy, which can now be used in place of the original for your application or filing.
Extra step for overseas use
If your document must be recognised abroad, the Singapore Academy of Law legalises it by attaching an Apostille Certificate.
Check how your type of document is handled
Note: Many certifications are completed the same day. Build in buffer time if appointments, identity checks, or SAL/Chamber steps are involved. If your documents are not in English, a certified translation of documents may be required before certification.
When Do You Need a Certified True Copy in Singapore?
Now that you know how to get a Certified Copy, here are the most common situations where certified documents are required:
| Category | Situations Where Certified Copies Are Required |
|---|---|
| Business | When registering a company with ACRA or opening a business bank account, certified company papers and identity documents are often required. |
| Personal & Legal | Visa or residency applications, whether in Singapore or abroad, may require certified copies of passports, marriage certificates, or a birth certificate. |
| Overseas Use | For documents to be recognised overseas, most need notarisation first, followed by legalisation by the Singapore Academy of Law. SAL may attach an Apostille to confirm international validity. |
Note: Not every process needs a Certified Copy. Some local applications accept a plain photocopy.
How Much Does a Certified True Copy Cost?
Once you know when and where a Certified Copy is required, the next question is usually cost.
Fees depend on who is certifying documents and whether extra steps like notarisation, legalisation, or translation of documents are needed.
Here’s a breakdown of typical fees in Singapore:
| Provider / Authority | Service Covered | Typical Fees | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA (Embassies) | Certification of government-issued documents (e.g. birth or marriage certificates) | SGD 2 per certification, SGD 2 per page marking, and SGD 0.30 per photocopy | Paid in local currency if abroad. Only covers government-issued documents. Some consulates may also require additional documents. |
| SAL (Singapore Academy of Law) | Legalisation for overseas use / Apostille | SGD 10.70 per document + SGD 1.07 photocopy fee | Private or commercial documents need notarisation first. An authentication fee of SGD 87.20 applies in that case. |
| Notary Public / Other Certifiers | Certification of private, legal, or business documents | Typically SGD 5–20 per page | Rates are generally fixed, but extra charges may apply (e.g. courier, urgent requests, translations). GST (Singapore’s goods and services tax, currently 9%) may also apply. |
Tip: Fees are charged differently depending on the provider, by certification, by document, or by page. Always check how your documents will be counted before estimating your total cost.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what to remember about Certified Copies in Singapore:
- Choose the right certifier depending on your purpose
- Allow extra time and cost if SAL legalisation is required for overseas use
- Check how fees are charged, whether by page, document, or certification
- Use a company registration provider if you want certified copies bundled with incorporation and secretarial services
By following these steps, you can keep costs predictable, avoid delays, and make sure your documents are accepted smoothly 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 has been checked, signed, and stamped with an official stamp by an authorised certifier. Notarisation is done by a Notary Public, usually when the document must be recognised overseas.
