Sworn Translator in Singapore

Clients from Europe, Indonesia and Korea often ask us for a sworn translator. Singapore has no register of sworn translators. Instead, a translation gains legal weight in one of three ways, and we provide all three.

How translations are verified in Singapore

• Certified translation: the translator signs a declaration that the translation is accurate and complete. This is enough for most submissions, but check the receiving authority’s requirements.
• Translator’s affidavit: the translator swears or affirms before a Commissioner for Oaths, in person or by video link, that the translation is accurate. Courts and some authorities require this when they need evidence on oath.
• Notarisation and apostille: for documents used overseas, a Notary Public notarises the translation and the Singapore Academy of Law authenticates it, issuing an apostille for countries in the Apostille Convention. Other countries may also require embassy legalisation.

Who swears our affidavits

Affidavit and notarisation work goes only to a small pool of academically qualified translators. They hold translation qualifications, from diplomas to a Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation, from institutes of higher learning in Singapore and overseas. For some European languages, the pool includes university lecturers in linguistics. Ask us which language pairs are available for affidavits.

ACRA filings

ACRA approves individual translators for foreign-language documents filed with it. Our team includes an ACRA-approved translator for English, Chinese and Japanese. The approval covers ACRA filings only, not ICA, court or embassy submissions.

Need a sworn translation for another country?

If your document is going to a country that appoints sworn translators, such as France, Germany or Indonesia, check with the receiving authority whether a notarised Singapore translation with an apostille is accepted. We can advise before you commit.

Fees and timing

The affidavit or notarisation is quoted separately from the translation. If you are unable to arrange a Commissioner for Oaths, we can arrange one for a fee. Tell us when you ask for a quote whether an affidavit or notarisation is needed, and where the document is going. That decides which translator is assigned and what it costs.

See also: Legal translation · ICA, MOM and personal documents

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