← All articles

Guide · 5 April 2026 · 2 min read

Do I need SAL authentication?

SAL authentication is mandatory for documents going overseas. Here's how to tell whether yours needs it.

Key points

  • SAL authentication confirms a Notary Public's signature and seal, so foreign authorities accept the document.
  • You need it for notarised documents going to another country. It costs $87.20.
  • For Apostille Convention countries, SAL issues an apostille instead.
  • Only a Notary Public can arrange it, and most firms handle it for you.
In this guide

Since 1 October 2019, a document notarised in Singapore for use in another country must be authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). The fee is $80 plus 9% GST, which is $87.20.

How a document is prepared for use overseas
1

Notary Public

Certifies your document or witnesses your signature, and attaches a Notarial Certificate.

2

Singapore Academy of Law

Checks the notary’s signature and seal. Your notary usually submits it for you.

Apostille Convention country

SAL issues an apostille. The document is ready to use.

e.g. UK, Australia, China, Japan

Other countries

SAL authenticates it, then that country’s embassy legalises it.

Check with the embassy

When you need it

  • Any notarised document for a foreign authority, embassy or consulate.
  • Job offers, school applications, visa applications and powers of attorney for use abroad.

Apostille countries

Going to an Apostille Convention country, such as the UK, Australia or China? SAL issues an apostille instead, which does the same job.

Ready to get your document notarised?

Get a quote →

When you do not need it

  • The organisation is in Singapore and has not asked for it, such as a court, HDB or a bank.
  • You only need a statutory declaration or affidavit witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths.

Good to know

SAL can only authenticate documents notarised by a Notary Public. A Commissioner for Oaths cannot issue the Notarial Certificate that SAL authenticates.

How it works

  1. 1A Notary Public notarises your document and attaches a Notarial Certificate.
  2. 2The firm submits it to SAL. Most firms do this for you.
  3. 3SAL authenticates the certificate, usually within a working day. Some firms offer same-day service for an extra fee.

Keep reading