I have encountered many individuals and business owners who are confused about the difference between legalisation and notarisation in Singapore during my career as a notary public. While both processes involve making documents legally valid for use in the country, there are distinct differences that are important to understand. In this article, I will explain the differences between legalisation and notarisation in Singapore, their purposes, and when each process is necessary. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of these processes and be able to make informed decisions for yourself or your business.
What is Notarisation
- Process conducted by a Notary Public to verify the authenticity of a document or its execution.
- Typical tasks include administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, and certifying true copies.
- Essential for documents meant for use overseas.
- After notarisation, a notarial certificate will be produced by the notary public. This certificate is generated from the Singapore Academy of Law website.
- Finally, the notarial certificate needs to be taken to the Singapore Academy of Law, where it will be authenticated and apostilled.
- The process is completed.
What is Legalisation
- Similar to the above, with one added step at most times. The added step is to further have it legalised by the relevant embassy or high commission in Singapore. More comprehensive process aimed at enabling the use of documents officially both locally and abroad
- Sometimes, the above step under notarisation is not required. This is particularly so, for government related documents.
- All that will be required is for the Singapore Academy of Law to legalise the document and then it gets legalised by the relevant embassy or high commission in Singapore.
Key Differences between Legalisation and Notarisation
The main difference between legalisation and notarisation lies in their purpose. Legalisation is necessary when a document needs to be recognised as legally valid in another country, while notarization is needed for the verification and certification of a document’s authenticity.
In terms of documents involved, legalisation typically applies to personal documents such as birth certificates and educational degrees, while notarisation is more commonly used for legal or financial documents.
The legal requirements and procedures also differ between the two processes. Legalisation involves obtaining endorsements from government authorities, while notarisation only requires the signature and seal of a licensed notary public.
Moreover, documents that have been legalised are recognised as valid in the country where they were legalised, while notarised documents may have limited validity and recognition outside of Singapore.
When to Choose Legalisation over Notarisation
There are certain scenarios where legalisation is required instead of notarisation. For example, if you plan to study overseas, your educational degrees may need to be legalised for recognition in that country. Additionally, if you are getting married to a foreigner, your marriage certificate may need to be legalised for the marriage to be legally recognised in their country.
The advantages of choosing legalisation include having your document recognised as valid and legal in another country and avoiding any potential issues or delays with authorities in that country.
When to Choose Notarisation over Legalisation
Notarisation is necessary when a document needs to be certified for use in Singapore. For example, if you are signing a contract with another party, it may need to be notarised to ensure its authenticity and validity. Additionally, if you are applying for a loan or mortgage, the supporting documents may need to be notarised by a licensed notary public.
The benefits of choosing notarisation include having a legal professional verify the authenticity and validity of your document, which can add credibility and trust in legal or financial matters. Notarisation is also typically a quicker and more cost-effective process compared to legalisation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding the differences between legalisation and notarisation in Singapore is crucial for individuals and business owners who may require these processes. Both are important for making documents legally valid, but their purposes, procedures, and requirements vary greatly. By knowing when to choose one process over the other, you can ensure that your documents are recognised and accepted for use both domestically and internationally. As always, it is recommended to consult a professional for specific and complex document requirements. So, it is important to stay informed and make the right decisions when considering legalisation or notarisation in Singapore. Remember, the authenticity and validity of your documents can have a significant impact on your personal or business matters, so always choose wisely. Keep these key differences in mind and you will be well-equipped to handle any document needs that may arise in the future.
Legalisation is now, limited to only certain countries, those that are not part of the Hague Apostille Country List.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer for specific legal guidance related to your individual circumstances.