The witnessing of the signature is the “simpler” form of a notarization (as opposed to the full notarization of a document). By witnessing the signature the consular officer confirms that the person indicated in the document signed it in front of him. In many cases, the signature certification is sufficient for the document to become effective.

The signature has to be given in person in the presence of the consular officer or has to be acknowledged in his presence. No advice about the legal meaning of the document to be signed is provided.

Often the certification of signatures can also be done by a Singaporean “notary public”. Please inform yourself whether that might be a viable alternative for your purpose.

For witnessing of signatures by a consular officer please book an appointment!

Book your appointment

The following documents need to be submitted:

1. The document to be signed
2. Valid passport
3. Residence permit for Singapore
4. for declarations of approval: the contract which has been signed earlier in Germany
5. if applicable, power of attorney for the company / person etc.

In individual cases further documents may be required.

The fee for the signature certification depends on the value of the legal transaction for which the document is needed and ranges between 25 and 250 EUR. The fees need to be paid when submitting the document to be signed.
The fee is converted into SGD according to the daily exchange rate at the German Embassy.

PLEASE NOTE:

Following the amendment of the German Money Laundering Act the German missions abroad can no longer notarize signatures or perform identity verification to open a new account, for loan applications or similar cases. This also applies to credit card applications.

Please contact the bank which sent you the documents on how to proceed.

Exempt from this new ruling are blocked accounts for foreign students who must apply for a student visa before entering Germany and who need to open an account in Germany in order to prove sufficient financial means for their stay in Germany. In these cases only, the German Embassy in Singapore is allowed to notarize signatures or to perform identity verification.