Depending on the nature of the document and jurisdiction in which it shall be used, a myriad of steps may be followed in the legalization of any document. In general, this is how one may legalize a document in Singapore. Finally, here are some general guides to the legalization of a document in Singapore:
1. Prepare the Document
- The paper must be an original or certified true copy-for some documents such as academic certificates.
- This should be signed, stamped, or notarized, whichever is applicable
2. Notarization:
- You will need to have the document notarized first by a Notary Public in Singapore when the documents are of a private nature such as contracts or affidavits, this should be done to attest the authenticity of that document.
3. Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) Authentication
- The document, after being notarized, needs to be taken to SAL to be authenticated. SAL verifies that the signature and seal of the Notary Public are authentic.
- SAL is located in the Supreme Court building and performs the authentication of public and private documents.
- You must make an online appointment for the document’s authentication.
4. Legalization by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
- The authentication should then be legalized by MFA in Singapore.
- Where the MFA will verify the authentication provided by SAL. You can make a website appointment to the MFA for the document presentation.
- Once this is done, the document, obtained from the MFA is thus considered legalized and can therefore be used internationally.
5. Legalization by Foreign Embassy/Consulate if required
- You may also be bound to legalize the document from the embassy or consulate of a country where it is intended to be used, in case that country is a foreign country.
- Not all countries do require this further step, and you will have to get in contact with the relevant embassy or consulate in order to determine if this particular step is actually necessary.
Key Points to Remember:
- Notarization: This is required only in the case of private documents, such as an affidavit or agreement.
- Authentication by SAL: This is required only if the documents are notarized.
- MFA legalization applies to all public and private documents, including birth certificates.
- Embassy Legalization: On occasion, this may be required if the country of destination requires further authentication.
These steps will adequately legalize a document to be used outside Singapore.