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Singapore is set to revolutionise its public document authentication process by leveraging digital technology to enhance convenience, efficiency, and security for its citizens. Starting in 2025, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL), in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), will digitise the apostille process.
The introduction of the e-Apostille system marks another milestone in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to harness digital technology to benefit its citizens. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise legal services and make it easier for Singaporeans to authenticate public documents for overseas use, removing the need for in-person submissions and reducing the time and effort involved in obtaining an apostille.
The introduction of the e-Apostille system represents a pioneering application of verifiable credential technology in the legal sector. The new digital framework will enable individuals to authenticate their documents online through the SAL Legalisation Portal, eliminating the need to physically present documents for verification.
Once uploaded, documents are quickly verified, and an e-Apostille, a digital certificate of authenticity, is emailed within minutes. This method speeds up the process significantly compared to traditional methods while keeping the cost at SG$10.70 (including GST) per document.
Initially, the e-Apostille system will cover documents from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), such as Business Profiles (BPs) and Business Certificates (BCs). These documents are crucial for business-related activities that need verification of businesses and stakeholders.
Given that these ACRA documents represent about half of all documents submitted for legalisation, their inclusion in the initial phase of the e-Apostille system will significantly impact business processes in Singapore. To ensure the authenticity of these documents, the system will utilise ACRA’s trustBar verification service before issuing the e-Apostille certification.
Plans to expand the e-Apostille system to include documents from other public agencies are already in the pipeline, further broadening the range of public documents that can be digitally authenticated. This phased approach reflects Singapore’s commitment to continuously enhancing its digital services and streamlining processes for both businesses and individuals.
Singapore’s digital apostille process is significant as it aligns with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Verifiable Credentials (VC) standards. This adherence ensures that Singapore-issued e-Apostilles are globally recognised and interoperable, enhancing both international legal cooperation and the effectiveness of cross-border transactions. By setting a high standard for digital document authentication, Singapore is positioning itself as a leader in global legal innovation.
“e-Apostille marks the latest step in SAL’s efforts to use technology to benefit, and bring greater convenience to our members and the public,” said Mr Yeong See Kin, Chief Executive of SAL.
He emphasised that the new system will speed up the document authentication process and reduce administrative burdens for businesses and individuals alike. By embracing digital transformation, SAL and IMDA are working together to modernise legal processes and enhance the delivery of legal services in Singapore.
In addition to the e-Apostille system, Singapore has introduced other digital services to enhance legal process efficiency. The Notarisation Certificate Verification e-Register enables verification of Notarial Certificates from October 2019 and Apostilles from September 2021. This tool is for verification purposes only, and SAL disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or misuse.
Through these initiatives, Singapore is positioning itself as a global leader in the digitisation of legal services, paving the way for more efficient, secure, and user-friendly processes. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Singapore is enhancing its legal infrastructure to better serve the needs of its citizens, businesses, and the international community.
This commitment to digital innovation underscores Singapore’s role as a forward-thinking nation, continuously seeking ways to improve service delivery through technology.
