On 12 September 2024, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA“) introduced the e-Apostille Framework which will allow public documents to be authenticated online from 2025. This is an initiative by the Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL“) and IMDA which digitises the process of authenticating public documents for overseas use. With its introduction, Singapore will become one of the first countries in the world to authenticate public documents digitally through the e-Apostille Framework, which aims to create a solution that is not only effective within Singapore but also compatible with international systems and practices.
In the first phase of the e-Apostille Framework, documents issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), such as Business Profiles (BP) and Business Certificates (BC) (Incorporation/Registration), may be authenticated online. Plans to support documents issued by other public agencies will be announced in due course.
The e-Apostille Framework will allow users to directly upload documents online for digital verification at the SAL Legalisation Portal. An e-Apostille, which is a digital certificate of authenticity, will be emailed to them after verification. The e-Apostille service will cost S$10.70 (including goods and services tax (GST)) per document, which is the same as the cost of physically authenticating documents. SAL will continue to issue physical Apostilles as required.
Click on the following link below for more information:
- IMDA Press Release titled “Public documents can be authenticated online from 2025” (available on the IMDA website at imda.gov.sg)
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