Legalisation of documents is required whenever your official papers are needed abroad. From birth certificates to graduation certificates or even business contracts, you would need your documents recognized in another country after some preparation. The process is often the legalisation of documents Singapore or apostile, depending on the country.
The term “apostile” sounds formidable, but the process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the procedure. So let’s break it down in the simplest possible way so that anyone who has not become quite familiar with this subject can understand where we are coming from.
What Do We Mean by Legalisation of Documents?
Legalisation is the verification process that proves a document to be authentic for recognition by foreign governments. In simple terms, it’s similar to stamping something to prove that the document is good and therefore credible. The processes may vary slightly from country to country with whom you are dealing, but the general idea will be the same.
When Would You Need Document Legalisation?
Sometimes, you need full legalization when you plan to submit official documents in a country that does not adhere to the Hague Apostile Convention. The Hague Apostile Convention is an international treaty by which many countries mutually agree to a simplified process of legalisation through an apostile certificate. If the country of destination does not become a signatory of this convention, full legalisation is required.
Common Documents That Require Legalisation
Examples of exceedingly common documents that you may need to get legalised, among others;
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Diplomas from educational institutions, and marked copies of every transcript
- Contracts and business agreements
- Power of attorney documents
- Judgement or decree issued by the court.
For instance, if you are studying abroad, working in another country, or getting married overseas, you’ll need to legalise a few of these.
Apostile Services vs. Legalisation of Documents
At this stage, you are probably wondering what is the difference between apostile services and legalisation. Now, here’s the good news-it’s easier than you think.
Apostile Services
An apostile is an authentication certificate for use in countries within the Hague Apostile Convention. This takes a much shorter period as compared to full legalisation because once the document gets an apostile, it is recognized by any member country without the need for further verification. Indeed, Singapore joined the Hague Apostile Convention in 2021, which will make documents readily accepted in over 120 countries.
Legalisation Process
Non-member countries have to go through a legalisation process. It becomes a bit cumbersome because it has to pass through several stages such as being certified by the Singapore authorities and sometimes the embassy of the foreign country.
How To Legalise Documents In Singapore
From Singapore, here are the easy steps that you can take if your documents require legalisation. Notice that the steps may vary depending on whether you need apostile services or full legalisation, so it’s great to know what exactly you’re after.
1. Determine Whether Apostile or Legalisation is Required
The first step is finding out if the destination country accepts apostile services or if full legalisation is required. If you are not sure, a quick Google search or a call to the relevant embassy will put you straight.
2. Get Ready Your Documents
. Gather all applicable papers. Ideally, these should be photostats or certified true copies. Make sure you validate everything carefully, as incomplete or wrongly filled papers tend to delay it.
3. Proceed to the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)
The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) officially issues apostile certificates for apostile services in Singapore. If you need to legalize your paperwork, you will forward it to SAL for certification.
The procedures at SAL usually include the following:
- Submission of your documents either in person or online
- Payment of the fees for certification or apostile stamp
- Wait for it to be processed and issued appropriately
4. Verification at the Embassy or Consulate for Legalisation
If the legislation is fully complete, the next thing to do after visiting SAL is to bring the documents to the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Singapore. There, the embassy would further vet the documents. Do note that processing time and charge vary at each embassy, so it is better to find out their respective requirements beforehand
Tips To Easily Smooth The Legalisation Process
While all this may sound a bit overwhelming at first, here are some quick tips on how to simplify things and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Begin Early
Legalisation or apostile can take some time, especially if there are several countries involved. So, begin early. You would want to start this entire process at least a couple of weeks before you need the documents abroad.
2. Double-Check Document Requirements
Always ensure there is a particular document requirement with the destination country. Some places require additional documentation or follow-up processes so it would be best if you prepared yourself.
3. Have Digital Copies
You might be asked to legalise physical copies but it would be prudent to keep digital copies of your documents. That way they won’t get lost in the melee of legalisation.
Benefits of Apostile Services
Apostile services are very convenient and have far-reaching benefits when considered in comparison with traditional legalisation. This is because of the following:
1. Saves Time
Apostile services save you time by streamlining the whole process. The automatic recognition of the document in member countries makes embassy visits and additional verification steps redundant.
2. Simplifies International Transactions
Whether you are a student, expat, or businessperson, apostile services will make cross-border transactions easier. You can easily and hassle-free sign contract documents and submit your educational papers in one single step.
3. Accepted Globally
If over 120 countries which constitute the Hague Apostile Convention agree to honour such documents, your apostile service will give you peace of mind that your documents will be used anywhere without any hitch on the other end.
Conclusion
You do not have to make it a complicated procedure in order to legalise your documents in Singapore. If you know the procedures involved and prepare your documents beforehand, then you will have a hassle-free process at hand. Start early, double-check the requirements, and keep track of your papers. Getting your documents legalised for use abroad was never easy until apostile services opened their doors in Singapore.
