If you need documents accepted overseas, a Singapore Notary Public service is often required. This page gives brief, plain-English remarks for Notary Public Singapore Glossary, i.e. common terms, with Chinese and Pinyin. Use it to understand what you’ll be asked for at the notary, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL), or a foreign embassy. For step-by-step instructions or fees, speak to your notary.
Notary Public Glossary #
| English Term | Chinese | Pinyin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notary Public | 公证人 | gōng zhèng rén | Senior lawyer in Singapore authorised to certify documents for overseas use |
| Notarisation | 公证 | gōng zhèng | Notary confirms identity/signature or certifies a document |
| Notarial Certificate | 公证书 | gōng zhèng shū | The notary’s formal certificate attached to your document |
| Legalisation | 认证 | rèn zhèng | Further embassy confirmation required by some countries |
| Apostille | 认证书（海牙） | rèn zhèng shū (hǎi yá) | Singapore is in the Apostille Convention and Appostille is issued by SAL |
| True Copy Certification | 认证副本 | rèn zhèng fù běn | Notary confirms a copy matches its original |
| Witnessing Signature / Attestation | 见证签名 | jiàn zhèng qiān míng | Notary watches you sign and certifies it |
| Affidavit | 宣誓书 | xuān shì shū | Sworn statement; often notarised for foreign proceedings |
| Statutory Declaration | 法定声明 | fǎ dìng shēng míng | Written declaration under oath; commonly notarised |
| Power of Attorney (overseas use) | 授权书（海外） | shòu quán shū (hǎi wài) | POA prepared/attested for use outside Singapore |
Why this glossary? #
This Notary Public Singapore glossary helps you understand exactly what to ask for before you book an appointment. Many people hear “notarise” or “legalise” and feel unsure what to do. Use this page to match the service to your situation and avoid repeat trips.
Start with the basics. A notary public in Singapore checks your identity, witnesses your signature, and certifies true copies. When a school, bank, or foreign court asks you to “notarise,” they usually want one of these actions. If a university requests “notarised transcripts,” you bring originals and good copies; the notary compares them and certifies the copies as true.
Some destinations also require legalisation. After notarisation, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) or an embassy confirms the notary’s authority. You handle notarisation first, then proceed to SAL or the embassy if the receiving country asks for it. For example, a power of attorney for use in China often needs both steps before the Chinese authority accepts it.
This glossary gives short notes for the terms you will see on checklists: affidavit, statutory declaration, notarial certificate, true copy certification, and witnessing signature. Read the English, Chinese, and Pinyin lines side by side. Share them with family members who prefer Chinese. Everyone aligns on the same meaning and you move faster.
Use these tips to prepare well:
- Bring original documents and good-quality copies.
- Carry identification for each signatory.
- Confirm the destination country’s legalisation requirements in advance.
- Ask the receiving party which exact wording they expect.
Plan your route too. If the matter needs legalisation, budget time to visit SAL and, if required, the embassy.
This glossary does not replace professional advice. It gives you a map so you can describe your needs clearly and complete the process in one or two visits. For official requirements and current procedures, check the Singapore Academy of Law website and follow their guidance.
