Quick answer: Any document that is not in English needs an official translation. ICA accepts translations provided by the embassy of the country that issued the document, translations done by a notary public, or privately prepared translations that are officially attested. Submit the translation together with the original document, not instead of it. Start early, because replacement certificates from overseas registries are usually the slowest part of a PR file.
This is the step that quietly delays applications. The documents themselves are often in order, but the translation route is wrong, or the original is a photocopy nobody can certify.
Which documents usually need translating
| Document | Needs translation if |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Not issued in English, and the birth was not registered in Singapore |
| Marriage certificate | Not issued in English, and the marriage was not registered in Singapore |
| Divorce certificate, including the certificate making interim judgment final | Not in English |
| Death certificate of a former spouse or child | Not in English, and not registered in Singapore |
| Educational certificates and transcripts | Not in English |
| Skill certificates and professional licences | Not in English |
| Letter of employment | If your employer issues it in another language |
| Household register | Where it is used in place of a birth certificate |
| Adoption papers, custody papers, deed poll | Not in English |
Our guide on what to include in your PR documents lists the full set, and the employer letter guide covers the employment side.
The three routes ICA accepts
| Route | What it means | When it suits you |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy or high commission of the issuing country | The mission that represents the country where the document was issued prepares or endorses the translation | Your country’s mission in Singapore offers the service, and you want the least arguable route |
| Notary public | A notary public prepares or certifies the translation | You are in Singapore and want it handled locally |
| Private translation, officially attested | A translator prepares it, then it is officially attested | The document is unusual, or the language is not widely served |
Whichever route you use, the result must be a complete translation of the document, matching the original page for page. A summary or partial translation is not a translation.
How to prepare the pack
- Locate the original. Photocopies cause problems. If the original is lost, order a replacement from the issuing registry first.
- Check names and dates against your passport. A spelling difference between the birth certificate and the passport is worth resolving before translation, not after.
- Translate the whole document, including stamps, seals and marginal notes.
- Keep original and translation together. Submit both.
- Scan clearly. Full page, readable, correct orientation.
- Check dates on the employment letter, which must be dated no more than 3 months before your online application.
Common problems
| Problem | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Only the translation is submitted | The file is incomplete | Upload the original and the translation together |
| Informal translation by a friend or colleague | Not an accepted route | Use the embassy, a notary public, or an attested private translation |
| Partial translation, leaving out stamps and endorsements | Treated as incomplete | Translate everything on the page |
| Name spelled differently across documents | Requests for more information, delays | Resolve the discrepancy at source where possible, and explain it if you cannot |
| Original lost and replacement not ordered early | Weeks of delay | Order replacements before you start the rest of the file |
| Translating documents you did not need to translate | Wasted time and money | Documents already in English, or registered in Singapore, do not need it |
How long to allow
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Ordering a replacement certificate from an overseas registry | Weeks, sometimes longer |
| Translation and attestation | Days to a couple of weeks, depending on the route and language |
| Preparing the rest of the file | A few days once documents are in hand |
| ICA processing after submission | Usually within 6 months |
See how long a PR application takes for the full picture. If you are planning citizenship later, the same translation rules apply, as covered in our citizenship documents checklist.
Budgeting
Translation and attestation are priced per document or per page, and vary by language and provider. There is no official tariff, so get a quote for the whole set rather than per item, and ask whether attestation is included in the price. These costs sit on top of ICA’s fees, which are S$100 to apply and S$120 more per person if approved.
How First Immigration can help
- Telling you which documents actually need translating, so you do not pay for ones that do not.
- Checking the translated pack against ICA’s checklist before submission.
- Resolving name and date discrepancies between documents and passports, which is the most common cause of a request for more information.
Book a free assessment through our contact page. If you are still deciding whether to apply, start with our guide to PR application requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does ICA accept any translation for a PR application?
No. ICA accepts translations from the embassy of the country that issued the document, translations by a notary public, or privately prepared translations that are officially attested.
Can I translate my own documents?
No. An informal translation, including one done by you or a colleague, is not an accepted route.
Do I submit the original as well as the translation?
Yes. The translation goes with the original document, not instead of it.
Which documents need translating?
Any document not in English, commonly birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates, educational certificates and transcripts, and skill or professional certificates.
Do I need to translate documents registered in Singapore?
No. Documents issued in Singapore, and those already in English, do not need translation.
Does the whole document need translating?
Yes, including stamps, seals and notes. A partial translation is treated as incomplete.
What if my name is spelled differently on different documents?
Resolve it at source where you can, for example with a deed poll or a corrected certificate, and explain the discrepancy if you cannot.
What if I have lost the original certificate?
Order a replacement from the issuing registry before you start the rest of the file, because this is usually the slowest step.
How much does translation cost?
It is priced per document or per page and varies by language and provider. Get a quote for the full set, and check whether attestation is included.
How early should I start?
Before anything else in the application, if documents have to come from overseas.
Official sources: ICA, Document Checklist for Permanent Residence; ICA guidance on accepted translations for applications.
Disclaimer: Requirements are set by ICA and can change. Checked October 2026. Confirm accepted translation routes with ICA before paying for a service.
Planning your Singapore PR application?
First Immigrations reviews your route, documents and timing before you submit to ICA. See how our Singapore PR application service works, or start with a free assessment. No documents needed to begin.
