Some documents only gain legal recognition when they are properly certified or witnessed. In situations where paperwork must be accepted overseas or meet formal legal requirements, a notary public in Singapore provides a vital service by verifying identities, witnessing signatures, and certifying document authenticity.
Here are seven types of documents that commonly require notarisation—and why engaging a notary is essential for ensuring your documents are accepted abroad.
1. Powers of Attorney for Use Abroad
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows an appointed individual to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters. When the POA is to be used in another country, notarisation is usually mandatory to confirm its validity.
A notary public in Singapore will:
- Confirm the identity and mental capacity of the person granting the POA
- Ensure the document is executed voluntarily
- Witness the signing
- Issue a notarial certificate confirming its authenticity
Examples of when this is required include:
- Authorising a family member to sell or manage property abroad
- Appointing an agent to act in business dealings outside Singapore
- Delegating authority for legal proceedings overseas
In many jurisdictions, a notarised POA is also a prerequisite for legalisation or apostille certification.
2. Statutory Declarations and Affidavits for International Use
Statutory declarations and affidavits are written statements made under oath or affirmation, often required in legal or governmental matters. When intended for use outside Singapore, these documents generally must be notarised.
Situations that require notarised declarations include:
- Submitting evidence to foreign courts or legal bodies
- Declaring marital status for overseas marriage applications
- Affirming facts for visa or immigration purposes
- Providing sworn statements for international business disputes
The notary public in Singapore service ensures that:
- The declarant is properly identified
- The content is affirmed or sworn in accordance with legal procedures
- A notarial certificate is attached for cross-border recognition
Such notarisation confirms that the declaration was made in compliance with Singapore’s legal standards.
3. Certified True Copies of Official Documents
Many organisations overseas do not accept plain photocopies. Instead, they require certified true copies—copies of original documents verified by a notary as accurate and legitimate.
A notary public in Singapore will:
- Inspect the original document
- Compare it to the photocopy
- Certify that the copy is a true and unaltered reproduction
This is commonly needed for:
- Passports and identification cards
- Academic transcripts and degrees
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Professional licences and certificates
- Bank statements and utility bills (for proof of address)
Certified true copies are frequently required by foreign universities, employers, immigration offices, and financial institutions.
4. Corporate and Business Documents for Foreign Transactions
Singapore-based businesses expanding or operating overseas often need to notarise corporate documents for regulatory filings, due diligence, or contract execution.
Key documents that may require notarisation include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company Constitution or Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Directors’ resolutions or shareholder agreements
- Contracts and commercial agreements for overseas partnerships
- Declarations of authorised signatories
A notary public in Singapore ensures these are executed correctly and prepares them for legalisation when submitting to foreign authorities, banks, or business partners.
This helps prevent delays in international transactions and ensures compliance with foreign legal systems.
5. Parental Consent Letters and Authorisations
When minors travel without one or both parents or are placed in the care of another adult abroad, many countries require formal parental consent. These letters often need to be notarised to be accepted by foreign embassies, immigration departments, and schools.
Common examples include:
- A letter allowing a child to travel with a relative or guardian
- Consent for a child to live or study abroad
- Authorisation for medical decisions in a foreign country
A notary public in Singapore will verify the identity of the consenting parent(s), ensure the letter is signed voluntarily, and certify the document’s authenticity.
Without notarisation, border authorities may refuse entry or exit for the child, especially during international school enrolment or immigration processing.
6. Documents Related to Overseas Property and Inheritance
If you are dealing with property or inheritance issues abroad, notarised documents are often required to validate ownership, authorise transactions, or claim entitlements.
Examples of documents requiring notarisation include:
- Sale and purchase agreements for foreign real estate
- Letters of authorisation to act on behalf of an estate
- Probate-related declarations or affidavits
- Inheritance claims submitted to foreign courts or notaries
The notary public in Singapore ensures these documents are properly signed and legally recognised for international use, especially where the legal process requires validation from a foreign authority.
This is particularly relevant for individuals with overseas assets or family estates.
7. Contracts and Agreements Executed in Singapore for Foreign Use
Contracts signed in Singapore may still require notarisation if they are intended to be legally binding in another country. This adds a layer of legal certainty and cross-border acceptance.
Common examples include:
- International employment contracts
- Cross-border loan agreements
- Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between foreign and local entities
- Lease agreements or business deals involving foreign jurisdictions
A notary public in Singapore service ensures:
- The contract is properly executed in accordance with local legal requirements
- All parties are identified and signing voluntarily
- A notarial certificate is issued confirming validity
In some cases, this notarisation is the first step before further legalisation through the Singapore Academy of Law or the relevant embassy.
Locating a Notary Public in Singapore
If you require any of the above documents to be notarised, it is essential to engage an authorised notary. You can refer to the official list of notary public in Singapore, maintained by the Singapore Academy of Law. This list includes practising lawyers who are empowered to provide notarial services.
Appointments can typically be made directly with a notary’s law firm. Be sure to:
- Bring valid identification (such as an NRIC or passport)
- Present original documents for inspection
- Clarify if additional steps (like legalisation or apostille) are needed
Ensuring Legal Recognition Through a Notary Public in Singapore
Notarisation is often a key requirement when preparing documents for cross-border use. Engaging a notary public in Singapore ensures that your paperwork is professionally witnessed, certified, and compliant with legal standards—both locally and internationally.
When in doubt, check the official list of notary public in Singapore or consult a legal adviser to determine if notarisation is required for your specific documents. Doing so will help prevent costly delays and ensure your documentation is recognised where it matters most. If you need further assistance and guidance, contact us at Bhavini S Law.