A company record apostille request should identify the exact document and overseas recipient’s requirements before preparation begins. A bank’s broad request for certified company papers may leave several questions unresolved. Ask what it needs, in what form and for which destination rather than applying the same process to every document.

Hands signing a document at an office desk
Illustrative photograph by Pavel Danilyuk.

Identify each requested record

List the company extract, constitution, resolution or other record separately. Note the issuer, issue date, original or copy status and the recipient’s wording. Do not assume an official extract and an internally signed resolution follow an identical preparation route.

Keep the bank’s written request. A verbal instruction passed through several contacts can lose an important qualification about document age or form.

Obtain the relevant preparation instructions

Consult the Singapore Academy of Law’s official legalisation information and the appropriate professional or issuer for the actual document. Its portal distinguishes notarisation, legalisation and verification services; those labels should not be treated as interchangeable.

Confirm the applicable route and recipient acceptance before arranging appointments or delivery. Do not promise a universal fee, turnaround, validity period or overseas acceptance.

Example: the request says certified constitution

Ask whether the bank wants a particular issued copy, a notarial process, an apostille or a different confirmation. Supply the complete document and its history to the responsible reviewer. An administrator should not create an imitation certificate to satisfy an unclear checklist.

Retain the completed pack

Record the instructions followed, document references and actual delivery. Preserve originals and any separate verification evidence securely. Where legal interpretation is needed, assistance is provided through advisers from associated law firms. Completion of a preparation step does not prove the overseas bank has approved the company’s application.

Related practical guidance

For the surrounding records and responsibilities, see maintaining statutory records, the company secretary role, company recordkeeping.

Official guidance: Singapore Academy of Law official guidance.

Help with your company records

For corporate secretarial and company administration support, contact Raffles Corporate Services at [email protected] or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. Tell us which records or process need attention so we can discuss the relevant next steps.