CTC Passport Singapore – All You Need to Know About CTC Services

CTC Passport Singapore – All You Need to Know About CTC Services

When dealing with important documents like your passport for official purposes in Singapore, you often encounter the requirement for a Certified True Copy (CTC).

Whether you're applying for visas, opening bank accounts, or handling employment matters, understanding a Certified True Copy of a Passport (or any other documents) is essential for smooth document processing.

What is CTC

A Certified True Copy (CTC) is a photocopy or duplicate of your original passport that has been officially verified by a qualified professional as an accurate, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original document. The certifier examines both documents, confirms their accuracy, and then stamps or annotates the copy with statements such as "Certified as True Copy," along with their signature, professional qualification, membership number, and the date of certification. There may also be a statement confirming the validity period.

This process provides official authentication that the copy accurately represents the original passport without requiring you to surrender the original document. CTCs serve as a widely accepted alternative to original documents in numerous corporate, regulatory, and legal scenarios, offering a crucial safeguard in fraud prevention and regulatory compliance.

When Do You Need CTC Services for Your Passport?

Visa Applications and Immigration

One of the most common requirements for passport CTCs is during the visa application process. Many embassies, consulates, and foreign authorities require certified copies of your passport for visa applications, overseas entity registration, and document legalization. For instance, when applying for visas to various countries, you'll typically need to submit a certified copy of your passport's biodata page rather than the original document.

Banking and Financial Services

Banks and financial institutions frequently require CTC passport copies for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, account opening due diligence, and loan applications. When opening corporate bank accounts in Singapore, banks typically require certified true copies of directors' and signatories' passports as proof of identity.

It is also common for banks to require CTC for other documents, such as proof of address, foreign ID (Director's IC), and business licenses.

Employment and Work Permits

For employment-related matters, particularly Employment Pass applications in Singapore, certified copies of passport pages showing personal particulars are required. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mandates specific documentation that includes passport copies for work pass applications.

Government and Regulatory Filings

Government agencies and statutory boards often require passport CTCs for regulatory filings and license applications. These authorities need verified documentation that maintains authenticity without requiring original documents to be submitted.

Who Requires CTC Certification

The need for passport CTCs extends across various sectors:

• Immigration authorities are processing visa applications

• Banking institutions conducting customer due diligence

• Employers and HR departments handling work permit applications

• Educational institutions verifying student credentials

• Legal firms managing documentation for international matters

• Government official agencies processing official applications

• Internal records

Who Can Provide CTC?

In Singapore, several categories of qualified professionals are authorized to certify true copies of passports under Singapore law:

Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths

Typically, advocates and solicitors, these professional certifying officers 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), and their certifications include Notarial Certificates that are legally recognized for authentication purposes, especially for submission to foreign authorities. A notary public usually offers notarised documents at higher prices.

Chartered Accountants

Certified Public Accountants registered under the Accountants Act or Chartered Accountants – Singapore, under recognition of ISCA, are allowed to perform CTC services. CTCs by Chartered Accountants in Singapore are extensively accepted by most organizations for document verification, particularly within the financial industry for processes like bank account opening and international organization KYC procedures. These certifications are recognized internationally and provide trusted authentication.

Registered Filing Agents (RFAs)

Corporate service providers licensed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) with a Qualified Individual (such as a CA, advocate, or chartered secretary) can also provide CTC services. However, their statutory declaration for certifying a copy is less accepted by stakeholders and may have minimal international or overseas recognition compared to other certifiers.

How We Can Help and Our Process

At OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions, we provide comprehensive CTC services delivered by Chartered Accountants – Singapore, members of ISCA—a trusted and recognized certifying authority. Our streamlined process ensures professional, efficient, and internationally accepted passport certification services.

We offer both on-site (at your place of convenience) and off-site CTC services. We understand that the need for CTC may be pressing, and as such, we are committed to offering a quick turnaround.

Our CTC Process (Passport)

1. Document Submission

You can provide your original passport alongside quality photocopies through two convenient methods: either by arranging for us to be on-site at your location, or by scheduling an appointment to visit us at our office.

For other documents that are not as sensitive as a passport, you may also have the option to arrange a 2-way courier so that they can deliver the originals and CTC copies to and from our office.

2. Professional Verification

Our qualified Chartered Accountant conducts thorough document verification, comparing every copy to the original passport (usually the passport data page is the one that requires CTC), confirming accuracy and completeness, including page count. This verification process is typically quick, depending on the quantity of documents requiring certification.

3. Official Certification

We annotate each required page with proper certification markings, including "Certified True Copy" statement, our Chartered Accountant's name and signature, professional qualification (CA Singapore), membership/license number, and certification date.

4. Secure Delivery/Collection

For mail-based verification, we recommend using secure two-way courier services. Upon completion of verification and certification, we return the documents via courier. For on-site certification, clients receive their certified documents immediately upon completion of the process.

Why Choose Our CTC Services

• Expert Verification: All certifications performed by ISCA-qualified Chartered Accountants

• Swift Turnaround: Same-day or next-day service for most on-site CTC projects

• Secure Handling: Strict confidentiality protocols and compliant storage procedures

• Competitive Pricing: Affordable CTC packages with bulk CTC services options available

• International Recognition: Our certifications are accepted without delays for corporate filings, banking, immigration, and overseas expansion

• Flexible Location: Services available at your office, home, or any convenient location

Whether you need passport CTCs for visa applications, banking procedures, employment documentation, or international business matters, our experienced team ensures your documents meet all requirements and are processed efficiently.

Ready to CTC your documents? Contact OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions today to arrange your professional CTC service. Ensure your essential documents are authenticated adequately for any official purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does a CTC passport certification remain valid?

A: In Singapore, CTCs do not have an expiration date. Once a qualified professional has certified that your passport copy matches the original, it remains valid indefinitely. However, some organizations may require recently certified copies (typically within 3-6 months) for their specific purposes, so it's best to check with the requesting authority about their particular requirements. Also, be concerned that the certifier’s membership or accreditation may lapse.

Q2: Can I get a CTC of my passport without presenting the original document?

A: No, you cannot obtain a valid CTC without presenting the original passport. All authorized certifiers must physically inspect and compare the original document with the copy to verify authenticity. This is a fundamental requirement of the certification process - the certifier needs to sight the original passport to confirm that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction.

Q3: What's the difference between a CTC and notarization for passport copies?

A: While both processes involve document authentication, they differ in scope and cost. CTC certification verifies that the copy accurately represents the original passport, while notarization is more comprehensive and involves a Notary Public validating the document's contents for international use. Notarization typically includes additional authentication steps through the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) and is generally more expensive, making it necessary primarily for documents used internationally. For most local purposes like banking or employment applications (loan resolution, bank resolution), a CTC that is done by a chartered accountant or certified individual is sufficient and more cost-effective.

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.