Everything You Need to Know About ICA Translation Requirements

Navigating the process of submitting documents to Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can be tricky, especially when it comes to translation requirements. To help you steer clear of delays or even rejections, we’ve put together a thorough and up-to-date (2025) guide on what the ICA expects for translating non-English documents: certified translations, notarization, and SAL authentication.

1. Why a Standard Translation Won’t Do

The ICA insists that any document not in English must come with an official translation—so generic self-translations or machine-generated outputs just won’t make the cut. Here are the acceptable sources for translations:

·         Translations provided by the embassy of the country that issued the document

·         Translations done by a notary public (whether in Singapore or the issuing country)

·         Privately commissioned translations that are then attested by the embassy or notarized by a notary public

If your translated document doesn’t have this validation, you could face delays in your application—or even worse, a rejection.

2. Certified Translation: Your Base Requirement

When it comes to certified translations, there are a few key elements you need to include:

·         A declaration confirming the accuracy of the translation

·         The translator’s credentials or an official company stamp

·         A faithful representation of the original document, which should encompass seals, stamps, handwriting, and any annotations

For submissions to ICA, these requirements are non-negotiable—every document that isn’t in English must adhere to these standards. And just a heads up: self-translations won’t cut it!

3. Notarisation: Making It Official

Even if you have a certified translation, ICA still requires notarisation for private translations. This means that a notary public in Singapore (or the country where the document was issued) needs to officially witness and endorse the translation. The whole process involves issuing a notarial certificate that comes with an official seal and signature from the notary.

Typical fees:

Notary public fees can vary quite a bit, but you might expect to pay around S$75 or more for straightforward documents.

4. SAL Authentication: Final Verification

As of October 1, 2019, there’s a new step that’s not just a suggestion but a requirement. If you want your notarised translations to be accepted, they need to be authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). Without this SAL authentication, the ICA won’t take your notarised translation seriously.

This process is all about confirming that the notary’s signature and seal are genuine. Once everything checks out, the SAL will provide a certification sticker or seal to wrap up the authentication.

5. Summary of Required Steps

Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure your document meets ICA compliance:

1)    Start by obtaining a certified translation, which should include an accuracy statement and the translator's credentials.

2)      Next, have it notarized by a licensed notary public in Singapore or the country where it was issued.

3)      Finally, get SAL authentication to confirm the notary’s endorsement.

Remember, skipping any of these steps could lead to delays or even rejection by ICA.

6. Timing and Practical Tips

Turnaround time: You can expect your translation and notarisation to take about 2 to 5 working days, although some providers do offer an express service, like Elite Asia and Wordsburg Translations.

Fees: The cost of translation can vary depending on the language and its complexity. If you need notarisation along with SAL authentication, you might be looking at around S$210, which could also include some convenience or courier fees.

7. Why It Matters

ICA deals with important immigration processes—like permanent residency, citizenship, student or work passes, and even the passage of dependents. Just a small translation mistake or a missing certification can cause delays in your application, lead to extra documentation requests, or even result in a rejection. It’s crucial to get your ICA Translation right the first time to keep everything on track.

Our team is here to help you navigate these ICA requirements with ease and confidence. Let us handle your ICA Translation Service needs—from certified translations to notarization and SAL authentication—ensuring your documents are ready for submission and free of risks.