Certified translation standardVerified June 2026

Document Translation Requirements in Singapore

Official bodies in Singapore generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

Get a certified translation See pricing

Singapore requirements at a glance

Translation standard	Certified translation
Who can translate	Any competent professional translator providing a signed certification of accuracy
Apostille	No (for use in Singapore). Apostilles are mainly used when Singapore-issued documents are presented abroad.
Accepted languages	English (official working language of government)
Responsible authority	Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) (apostille for Singapore documents used abroad)

Important: Singapore does not operate a sworn translator system. Acceptance of translations depends on the receiving authority, but certified English translations are generally accepted.

Who can translate documents for use in Singapore?

Singapore does not licence or regulate translators through a national registry. Any competent professional translator or translation company may prepare a certified translation for submission to government bodies, courts, universities, or financial institutions. The translation should include a signed statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document.

What makes a translation official in Singapore?

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation. ICA does not require a specific class of translator, but the translation must be accurate and properly certified. In certain cases, an authority may request additional verification, such as notarisation of the translator’s signature, if there is doubt about authenticity.

How does Singapore treat documents from abroad?

When submitting foreign documents to Singapore authorities, an apostille is not generally required. However, the receiving authority may request additional verification in specific cases. If you need to use a Singapore-issued document abroad, Singapore’s apostille/legalisation process is handled through the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). Official guidance on authentication and notarisation can be found via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Authentication & Notarisation of Documents .

Legal context

Unlike civil-law countries such as Germany or France, Singapore does not define “certified translation” in legislation. Translation requirements are determined by individual institutions (e.g., ICA, courts, universities, banks). Applicants should always confirm specific requirements with the receiving authority.

Ready to get your documents translated?

Certified for USCIS, universities, and credential evaluators — from $24.95/page.

Start my translation

Which direction are your documents going?

Submitting foreign documents in Singapore?

Authorities in Singapore accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 60+ languages with delivery in 24–48 hours.

Browse languages we translate See document types we certify

Sending U.S. documents to Singapore?

U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in Singapore — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

Popular certified translations

The document types we certify most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.

Certified birth certificate translation Certified marriage certificate translation Certified diploma translation Certified academic transcripts translation Certified divorce documents translation Certified death certificate translation

Singapore translation requirements — FAQ

What type of translation does Singapore require?

Singapore follows the certified translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: any competent professional translator providing a signed certification of accuracy.

Is an apostille required for foreign documents in Singapore?

No (for use in Singapore). Apostilles are mainly used when Singapore-issued documents are presented abroad.

What languages do Singaporean authorities accept?

Official authorities in Singapore accept documents in: English (official working language of government). Documents in any other language need a certified translation before submission.

Can CertTranslate help with documents for Singapore?

Yes. We provide certified translations into English with a signed Certificate of Accuracy — the format accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and credential evaluators in Singapore.

Requirements in related countries

Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

Australia China Indonesia India Malaysia New Zealand View all countries on the map

Sources

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – Translation GuidanceOfficial guidelines

Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

Need a certified translation?

Signed Certificate of Accuracy with every order, 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee, optional notarization and e-apostille — delivered in 24–48 hours.

Start my translation See pricing