If you are moving to Singapore for work, study, or family, you will need to show many important papers. Most government offices, schools, and companies here only accept English documents. If your papers are in another language, they cannot be used.
This is where we help you. We provide certified translation services so that your papers are accepted without any problem.
In this blog, we explain in very simple words: what certified translation means, when you need it in Singapore, what kind of documents require it, how the process works, and how we can support you.
What is Certified Translation?
Certified translation means your document is translated by a professional translator and comes with a signed statement or stamp to confirm it is correct. It shows that the translation is complete, nothing is missing, and every word matches the original meaning.
It is not the same as asking a friend or using Google Translate. Certified translations must be done properly because government agencies in Singapore do not accept casual translations.
When you use our certified translation services in Singapore, we make sure your documents are translated carefully and given with the right certification. This way, you can submit them to ICA, MOM, schools, or courts without worry.
When You Need Certified Translation in Singapore
Many people who come to Singapore for the first time ask us: “When exactly do I need certified translation?” Based on our experience, here are the most common cases:
1. Immigration and ICA Applications
When you apply for a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship in Singapore, ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) only accepts English documents. If your birth certificate, marriage paper, or family document is not in English, you must provide a certified translation. Without it, your application may be delayed or rejected.
We provide ICA-certified translation in Singapore so your papers are prepared exactly the way ICA requires. This makes your immigration process faster and smoother.
2. Employment and Work Pass Applications
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires many papers for job passes. Education certificates, training records, or employment contracts must be in English. We offer certified translation service for MOM Singapore to make sure your application is smooth.
3. School and University Admissions
If you are coming to Singapore as a student, schools and universities will ask for your diplomas, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Certified translations allow the school to check your qualifications properly.
4. Legal and Court Matters
Courts in Singapore only accept English documents. If you have contracts, affidavits, or evidence in another language, you must get a certified translation. Lawyers also need official translations of legal documents to use during cases.
5. Business and Corporate Needs
Companies often work with overseas partners and need to show documents to authorities here. Business registration papers, financial records, and contracts must be in English. Certified translations make sure your company stays compliant with Singapore law.
6. Medical and Insurance Records
When visiting a hospital or making an insurance claim, you may need to submit medical records in English. Certified translations ensure doctors and insurers understand your information clearly and process your case without delay.
Types of Documents That Need Certified Translation
We handle many kinds of documents for our clients. Some common examples are:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Police clearance papers
- Employment contracts
- Business registration documents
- Medical records
- Legal contracts and court orders
For family matters such as birth, marriage, and education records, we also provide certified translation for personal documents so that your personal papers are always ready for official use.
Why Choose Our Certified Translation Services
We know your documents are very important. A single mistake can cause delay or rejection. That is why clients trust us.
Here’s what makes our service different:
- Our translations are accepted by ICA, MOM, courts, and schools.
- We deliver quickly, even when deadlines are short.
- Our translators are experienced and handle legal, personal, and business papers daily.
- We keep your information private and safe.
- We provide clear prices before we start work.
When you work with us, you can feel relaxed knowing that your documents are in safe hands.
Cost of Certified Translation in Singapore
The cost of certified translation depends on many factors:
- Short documents like birth certificates usually cost less than long legal contracts.
- Common languages such as Chinese, Malay, and Tamil may cost less than rare languages.
- Urgent jobs with same-day delivery cost more than normal timelines.
We believe in fair and transparent pricing. That is why we always give you a quotation before starting the work.
How Our Process Works
Getting certified translation with us is simple:
- You send us a scanned copy or photo of your document.
- We check it and give you a quotation.
- After you confirm, we start translating.
- Our translators complete the work and prepare the certified version.
- We deliver your documents in soft copy or hard copy, based on your need.
Most short documents can be finished in 1–2 days. For urgent needs, we also provide express service.
Certified vs. Notarised Translation
Many customers ask us: “What is the difference between certified translation and notarised translation?”
- Certified translation: The translator or agency (like us) gives a signed statement or stamp to confirm the translation is correct.
- Notarised translation: A notary public verifies the translator’s identity and signs to confirm who did the translation.
In Singapore, ICA and most other offices only need certified translation. But for some legal or overseas matters, notarised translation is also required.
👉 We also provide notary translation services along with certified translations. This way, you don’t have to go anywhere else—we take care of both needs for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:1. Do I need both certified and notarised translation for ICA in Singapore?
Ans. No, ICA usually only requires certified translation. Notarisation is only needed for very specific cases, such as when a foreign embassy, overseas authority, or certain legal matters request it. If you are unsure, we can advise based on your exact situation and provide both certified and notarised translations if needed.
Q:2. Can certified translations in Singapore be used overseas?
Ans. Yes, but it depends on the country. Some overseas institutions accept Singapore-certified translations directly, while others may ask for notarisation or even authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you plan to use your documents abroad, let us know, and we will guide you through the extra steps.
Q:3. How long are certified translations valid in Singapore?
Ans. Certified translations generally do not “expire.” However, some agencies (like ICA or MOM) may require that the translation is recent, especially if the document itself has a date or validity period. For immigration, it’s best to use translations done within the last 6–12 months.
Q:4. What happens if a certified translation has an error?
Ans. If a mistake is found, ICA or other authorities may reject the document. This is why it is very important to work with experienced professionals. In our service, we double-check every document, and if there is ever an issue, we correct it immediately at no extra cost.
Q:5. Can I request certified translation in both hard copy and soft copy?
Ans. Yes. In Singapore, most offices accept certified translations in PDF format, but ICA often requires hard copies. We can provide both, so you always have the format you need. Many clients keep soft copies for future use, which saves time and money.
Q:6. Do I need to show original documents for certified translation?
Ans. In most cases, a clear scanned copy or photo is enough. However, for notarised translations, a notary may need to see the original. We will inform you if originals are required, so you don’t face delays.
Conclusion
Certified translation is a very important step if you want to live, work, or study in Singapore. From ICA immigration papers to school applications, business use, and even medical needs, you cannot skip this requirement if your documents are not in English.
Our team has years of experience helping people from many countries with their certified translations. We know what each authority in Singapore expects, and we make sure your documents meet those standards.
By choosing us, you save time, avoid stress, and make your journey in Singapore much smoother.
Ethan Lim
Hi, I’m Ethan Lim, a certified translator and language expert at CertifiedTranslationService.sg. I share clear and helpful articles about certified translation services in Singapore, covering ICA document needs, immigration papers, legal translation, and notarization. With my knowledge of industry standards and client needs, I guide readers through the translation process with trust and confidence.
