Certified True Copy in Singapore – Who Can Do It, How It’s Done & Why It Matters

Certified True Copy in Singapore 

In today’s business landscape, authenticity—and proving it—matters. A Certified True Copy (CTC) serves as a widely accepted alternative to original documents in numerous corporate, regulatory, and legal scenarios.

However, there is considerable confusion about what a CTC service entails, why certain stakeholders require it, and what services are available to assist companies with CTC work. In this article, we will explore what a certified true copy service is all about, who can issue a certified true copy in Singapore, and how OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions can assist.

What is a Certified True Copy (CTC)?

A Certified True Copy is a photocopy or duplicate of an original document that a qualified professional confirms to be a true, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original. The certifier stamps or annotates the copy with a statement like “Certified as true copy,” signs and dates it, and records their capacity and membership number. The certifier are usually accredited professionals, tasked to “sight” that the duplicate is a true, complete and unaltered replica.

CTCs are commonly used when original documents cannot be submitted—due to confidentiality concerns, convenience, or when originals must be retained for future reference.

Who Needs CTCs services & Why?

CTCs are often required by:

• Government agencies or statutory board for regulatory filings and license applications. They may require certain documentation that requires a CTC verification.

• Business stakeholders such as banks, financial institutions, customers, and suppliers may require you to produce certain documents that are certified to be a true copy. The CTC documentation is usually used for KYC, loan, and account-opening due diligence, and other forms of verification.

• Embassies, consulates, and foreign authorities for visa applications, overseas entity registration, and document legalization.

The reason? CTCs provide assurance of authenticity without forfeiting original documents—a key safeguard in fraud prevention and regulatory compliance.

Common documents that require CTC include passport, proof of address, birth certificate, marriage certificate, educational certificate, authorisation letter, business licenses and certifications, title deed, and financial statements. The above list is not exhaustive, and the document may vary depending on the use for CTC.

Who Can Do a Certified True Copy in Singapore?

Singapore law recognises the following professionals as valid certifiers of CTCs:

• Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths (typically Advocates & Solicitors) in Singapore are authorized to certify true copies, witness signatures, and attest documents for both local and international use. Notaries are appointed individually under the authority of the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). While firms may provide notarial services, the Notary Public must be officially commissioned. Notarised documents typically include a Notarial Certificate and are legally recognized for authentication purposes, especially for submission to foreign authorities.

  
  

• Chartered Accountants (Certified Public Accountants registered under the Accountants Act or members of ISCA, AIA, ICAS): Another common group of professionals that are widely recognized for CTC certifications are Chartered Accountants. CTCs by Chartered Accountants in Singapore are widely accepted by most organization for document verification. Unlike a notary public certification (where a notarised document is the likely deliverable), a chartered accountant certified copy is commonly used within the financial industry and processes (Bank account opening, International organisations KYC). CTC done by a certified public professional accountant is recognized internationally.

  
  

• Registered Filing Agents (RFAs): Corporate service providers licensed by ACRA with a Qualified Individual (e.g., a CA, advocate, or chartered secretary). While RFAs with the necessary qualified individuals can be a certifying officer, their prevalence is less accepted by stakeholders and may have minimal international or overseas recognition.

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At OakTree, our CTC services are delivered by Chartered Accountants – Singapore, members of ISCA—a trusted and recognised certifying authority.

The CTC Process: Step-by-Step

The CTC process is usually a fairly simple one. At OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions, we streamline the process to ensure an efficient and professional experience for all clients.

1.     Client submits originals + clear copies

Provide the original document(s) alongside quality photocopies or scans. This can be done by mailing both the original and duplicate copies to the certifier. For on-site verification, the certifier should be presented with the original documents and clear copies.  

2.     Document verification

Our Chartered Accountant will verify the documents. This includes comparing every copy to the original versions, confirming accuracy and completeness (including page count). This process is usually quick, depending on the quantity of the CTC documents.

3.     Certification annotation (Stamping)

We annotate each page (when required) or the first page, stating:

• “Certified True Copy” or equivalent

• Certifier’s name, signature, professional qualification (e.g., CA Singapore), membership/license number and date.

4.     Delivery of Certified True Copy Document

If verification is done through mail, we strongly advise using a two-way courier (for a small number of pages). Upon completion of the verification and certification process, we will return the documents to the courier. On-site certification will be straightforward and clients can generally obtain them pretty much immediately.

Where to get Certified True Copy in Singapore?

At your office, your home or anywhere that is convenient! Most service providers of CTC services offer on-site certification, which can be completed from the comfort of your office or home. For international clients who are overseas but require a Singapore CTC service, this can be arranged by using a two-way courier service to the certifier's place of operation.

Considering the importance of using CTC-ed documents in corporate operations, selecting a trustworthy partner is essential to ensure a seamless, professional, and efficient process. This is especially true as most documents are eventually used for processes with tight deadlines.

OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions – Your CTC Partner

As a registered filing agent and a team of certified Chartered Accountants in Singapore, OakTree delivers services related to certifying a copy of a document. Our competitive advantage includes:

• Expert verification by ISCA-qualified Chartered Accountants.

• Swift turnaround—same-day or next-day service for most on-site CTCs projects. (We understand the urgency of the certification process)

• Secure handling with confidentiality protocols and compliant storage.

• Competitive Pricing: We offer affordable CTC packages, recognizing that there may be a need for bulk CTCs from time to time. Please contact us to discuss a reduced fee package for bulk CTC services.

  
  

Whether it's for corporate filings, banking, immigration, or overseas expansion, we ensure your CTCs are accepted without delays.

Our Pricing for Certified True Copy (CTC) Services

For on-site CTC, we charged between S$15 and S$50 per page. The range in pricing is dependent on the type of documents, the location, and also the number of documents. The urgency of the service, including non-operating hours service (Public Holidays), may result in additional charges. We offer bulk pricing for large quantities of documents to ensure our pricing is competitive and affordable without sacrificing professionalism.

Ready to Certify?

Let OakTree streamline your CTC needs with professional, efficient, and internationally accepted services from Chartered Accountants and corporate compliance experts.

Contact us today to arrange your Certified True Copy service!

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of any individuals or organizations with which the author may be affiliated, either in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated.