Guide · 16 April 2026 · 2 min read
How to notarise a document for use in China
China is one of the most common destinations for notarised documents from Singapore. Here is what you need, what it costs, and what to watch for.
Key points
- Chinese authorities usually want Singapore documents notarised and then given an apostille by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL).
- Since 7 November 2023 there is no Chinese Embassy step.
- You must use a Notary Public. A Commissioner for Oaths is not accepted.
- English documents usually also need a certified Chinese translation.
In this guide
Setting up a business, studying, marrying or transferring property in China? The Chinese authorities will almost always ask for Singapore documents that have been notarised and given an apostille.
What you need
- 1A certified true copy of your document, such as a passport, degree or birth certificate, made by a Singapore Notary Public.
- 2A Notarial Certificate attached to the copy.
- 3An apostille from SAL attached to the Notarial Certificate.
Notary Public
Certifies a true copy or witnesses your signature, with a Notarial Certificate.
Singapore Academy of Law
Adds the apostille, usually the same day.
China
Accepted without a Chinese Embassy step since 7 November 2023.
No embassy step
China has accepted the SAL apostille since 7 November 2023, and the Chinese Embassy in Singapore no longer legalises documents.
Check first
An apostille does not guarantee acceptance. Check the format, content, time limit and translation requirements with the authority in China that will receive your document.
Ready to get your document notarised?
Get a quote →Do I need a translation?
Usually, yes. If your document is in English, the receiving authority will normally want a certified Chinese translation. Some notary firms arrange this, and the notary can then certify the translation together with the original.
For the translation side of this, including English to Chinese: certifiedtranslation.com.sg.
Costs
Certified true copy
Fee: $10 for the first page, $5 per extra page
Notarial Certificate
Fee: $75
SAL apostille
Fee: $87.20
Translation
Fee: Quoted by the firm
| What | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified true copy | $10 for the first page, $5 per extra page |
| Notarial Certificate | $75 |
| SAL apostille | $87.20 |
| Translation | Quoted by the firm |
A one-page passport copy comes to about $172.20, before any translation.
How long it takes
The notarisation is done at one appointment, and SAL usually issues the apostille the same day. Allow a few working days in total, plus time for any translation.
Tips
- Bring the original document. The notary must see it in person.
- Ask the firm to arrange the apostille when you book.
- Check whether the firm provides the translation or you need to arrange it.
- Requirements vary between provinces and institutions, so check with the receiving party in China.
Keep reading
- Notarisation
Apostille vs notarisation in Singapore: what is the difference?
People often confuse apostilles and notarisation. Here is how they differ, when you need each, and how Singapore handles them.
2 min readRead guide - Notarisation
Certified translation and notarisation: when and why you need both
If your document is not in English, or needs to be used in a country with a different official language, you may need a certified translation alongside notarisation.
2 min readRead guide - Notarisation
Do I need SAL authentication?
SAL authentication is mandatory for documents going overseas. Here's how to tell whether yours needs it.
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