In Singapore, English is the official working language used by government authorities, courts, and institutions. While the country is proudly multilingual, documents issued in languages other than English usually must be translated into English for official submission.
So which languages require translation, and when is certified English translation necessary? This guide explains it clearly.
Why English Translation Is Mandatory in Singapore
English is the primary language used for:
Government and statutory submissions
Immigration and work pass applications
Legal and court documents
Academic and professional verification
Business and regulatory filings
If an original document is not in English, authorities generally require a professional or certified English translation to ensure clarity, accuracy, and legal validity.
Languages That Must Be Translated into English
Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)
Chinese is widely used in personal, academic, and business documents. However, Chinese documents must be translated into English for:
ICA and MOM submissions
Legal proceedings
University and professional applications
Certified English translation is commonly required for official use.
Malay
Although Malay is a national language of Singapore, Malay-language documents are often required to be translated into English for formal submissions, especially for:
Immigration applications
Employment and HR documentation
Court and legal matters
Tamil
Tamil documents such as civil certificates or academic records must be translated into English when submitted to authorities, institutions, or employers.
Arabic
Arabic documents frequently require certified English translation for:
Immigration and visa processes
Legal and notarised submissions
Academic and professional verification
Accuracy is critical due to differences in script, structure, and legal terminology.
Indian & South Asian Languages
Languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Urdu must be translated into English for:
Government and immigration use
Employment and education applications
Legal documentation
Certified translation helps ensure acceptance and avoids delays.
Southeast Asian Languages
Documents in Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, Khmer, and Filipino typically require English translation for:
ICA and MOM submissions
Corporate and employment filings
Academic and official purposes
East Asian Languages
Japanese and Korean documents commonly used for employment, education, or business must be translated into English for official recognition in Singapore.
European & Other Foreign Languages
Documents in French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, or any other foreign language must be translated into English for submission to Singapore authorities or institutions.
Do English Translations Need to Be Certified?
In many cases, yes. Certified English translation is often required when documents are submitted to:
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Courts and legal bodies
Universities and professional organisations
Banks and government agencies
Certified translations include a declaration confirming accuracy and completeness, making them suitable for official acceptance.
What Happens If Documents Are Not Translated?
Submitting untranslated or improperly translated documents can result in:
Application rejection
Processing delays
Requests for re-submission
Additional costs and lost time
Professional English translation helps prevent these issues.
Who Needs English Translation Services in Singapore?
English translation services are commonly required by:
Individuals applying for visas, PR, or citizenship
Employers and HR teams
Law firms and legal professionals
Students and academic institutions
Businesses handling regulatory compliance
If your document plays a role in official decision-making, English translation is essential.
Final Thoughts
In Singapore, any document not issued in English must usually be translated into English for official use regardless of the original language. From Chinese and Malay to Arabic and European languages, professional English translation ensures accuracy, compliance, and acceptance.
When it comes to official submissions, choosing professional or certified English translation services in Singapore is the safest way to avoid delays and ensure your documents are recognised the first time.
