Documents and apostille
Singapore joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it has applied there since 16 September 2021 (HCCH status table). We found no German objection to Singapore's accession; re-check the table before you order apostilles.
Who issues the apostille
- The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) issues apostilles for Singapore public documents, online via its legalisation portal. Fee since 1 January 2024: S$10.70 including GST for government documents (for example ICA birth extract, marriage certificate, SPF Certificate of Clearance); S$87.20 only for notarised non-government documents, plus notary fees (SAL tariff).
- SAL has issued e-apostilles since 20 June 2025 (HCCH notice, 24 July 2025). The first step covers only ACRA documents; fee S$10.70. Whether German authorities accept e-apostilles in your procedure was not checked.
Specific documents
- Birth certificates: ICA has issued all birth extracts in digital form since 27 March 2023; a digital extract costs S$40 (S$50 search fee per month for births before 1986) (ICA). How SAL apostilles a digital certificate and whether the Berlin authority accepts it: ask before ordering.
- Police certificate: the Singapore Police Force issues a Certificate of Clearance if a foreign authority requires it; applicants must be aged 16+ and have lived in Singapore continuously for at least 6 months; online application only, issued digitally via FileSG in 7 to 14 days, for overseas purposes only (SPF). Fee not confirmed on the SPF page (S$55 was reported); whether Germany needs it depends on the purpose.
- Marriage certificates (Registry of Marriages), degree certificates and transcripts: apostille or certified copy as the German authority asks.
Translations
The embassy accepts documents in English or German; others need an official translation (embassy). Berlin authorities may still ask for German translations by a sworn translator; ask first.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.