Statutory declarations – you see this on government forms, business documents, maybe even heard someone mention it while handing in an application. 

But what exactly are they, and are they important? 

In Singapore, statutory declarations are often used in official processes; from business registrations and immigration matters to property or administrative applications. 

Yet, many people only learn about statutory declarations only when they need one. 

In this guide, we explain what statutory declarations are, when you might need one, and why having them signed before a Commissioner for Oaths is what makes them legally valid.

What Is a Statutory Declaration? 

A statutory declaration is a written statement that you formally declare to be true. 

It is often required when you need to verify certain facts but don’t have supporting documents or official records. This could include confirming your personal details, verifying business information, or declaring ownership of property. 

In Singapore, statutory declarations are governed by the Oaths and Declarations Act. They must be made before an authorised officer, such as a Commissioner for Oaths, in order for the declaration to be valid.

When Do You Need a Statutory Declaration?

Statutory declarations are required more often than most people realise. They are used for multiple personal, business, and administrative matters – essentially, whenever you need to declare that certain information is true. 

You may need to make a statutory declaration when: 

• Declaring marriage related facts such as registration of marriages
• Confirming your identity or personal details, such as when replacing lost documents
• Declaring company or business information for submission to ACRA or other agencies 
• Supporting immigration or employment applications, such as declaring family or work details for ICA or MOM
• Confirming ownership or property-related information, such as tenancy or transfer of assets

Example: Someone applying for a long-term visit pass may be asked by ICA to make a statutory declaration confirming their family relationship. Once the declaration is signed before and by a Commissioner for Oaths, it becomes legally recognised as a sworn statement.

Statutory Declarations vs Affidavits

You may have also heard the word “affidavit” used in legal or administrative settings, but what’s the difference? 

An affidavit is a statement sworn under oath, while a statutory declaration is not sworn under oath but is claimed to be true. 

In both cases, the document must be signed before an authorised person, such as a Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. This ensures that your statement is properly witnessed and verified. 

Preparing affidavits and statutory declarations can feel daunting, but the process is straightforward when you take the right steps. 

The most important one being to ensure your documents are properly validated by an authorised person. 

LP Law Corporation offers efficient and accurate commissioning services, get in touch with us for a Commissioner for Oaths to validate documents used in Singapore.