Apostille Services for Documents Used Abroad

Document Apostille and Authentication for International Use

We assist with the preparation and authentication of documents for use in more than 120 countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

Apostille Certification of Official Documents

Official documents intended for use outside the country in which they were issued often require an apostille or another form of international authentication. Our specialists provide comprehensive assistance to individuals and businesses preparing documents for use abroad in accordance with applicable international requirements.

An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document. This procedure significantly simplifies the recognition of documents by foreign authorities and, in many cases, eliminates the need for full consular legalisation.

Apostille services for documents intended for use in different countries:

Before the process begins, our specialists review the documents and determine whether an apostille is sufficient or whether consular legalisation or another form of international authentication is required.

We assist with preparing documents for submission to government authorities, courts, notaries, educational institutions, banks, employers and other organisations abroad.

If an apostille is not accepted in the destination country, we determine the appropriate alternative procedure, such as consular legalisation, notarisation or translation.

Documents That Can Be Apostilled

An apostille can be applied to various categories of official documents intended for use in foreign countries. Eligibility depends on the laws of the issuing country, the requirements of the destination country and the nature of the legal procedure involved.

Apostilles are frequently required for civil status and vital records, including birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, death certificates, name-change documents and other records confirming legally significant facts.

International authentication is also widely required for educational documents. These include diplomas, diploma supplements, school certificates, academic transcripts and records, professional certificates and other documents confirming education or qualifications.

When relocating abroad, taking up employment, applying for a visa, residence permit or citizenship, it may also be necessary to prepare criminal record certificates, notarised powers of attorney, declarations, proof of registered residence and other official documents.

For business activities abroad, corporate documents may need to be authenticated, including incorporation documents, articles of association, extracts from official registers, company registration certificates, corporate resolutions and other materials required when dealing with foreign public authorities and commercial organisations.

In certain cases, international authentication may also apply to court judgments, enforcement documents, notarial instruments and other official records where such authentication is required under the laws of the country in which they will be used.

How the Document Authentication Process Works

The procedure depends on the type of document, the country in which it was issued and the requirements of the jurisdiction where it will be used.

The first stage is a preliminary document review. Our specialists determine whether the document is eligible for an apostille, identify the competent authority and establish whether notarisation, written translation, additional documents or consular legalisation are required.

Following the review, we agree on the expected processing time, service fees, the documents required and how they should be provided. If any documents are missing, we can arrange for them to be obtained through archives, government authorities, notaries and other authorised institutions.

The document is then submitted for apostille certification. Where necessary, we also provide written translation, notarisation of the translation and preparation of the complete document package for use abroad.

Once the process has been completed, the documents can be collected in person or sent internationally by courier.

When Is an Apostille Required?

An apostille is required when an official document issued in one country needs to be submitted to government authorities, courts, notaries, educational institutions, employers, banks or other organisations in another country that is a party to the Hague Convention.

This procedure is most commonly required for admission to educational institutions abroad, employment, marriage registration or divorce proceedings, applications for residence permits or citizenship, inheritance matters, establishing a business, participation in court proceedings, inheritance procedures and notarial transactions.

Documents That Cannot Be Apostilled

Whether an apostille can be issued depends on the type of document, the authority that issued it, the laws of the issuing country and the requirements of the destination country.

As a general rule, documents that do not have official status cannot be apostilled. Certain commercial and customs documents may also be excluded where international agreements establish a different procedure for their use abroad.

In some cases, it is first necessary to obtain a newly issued document, prepare a notarised copy, correct errors or complete consular legalisation.

Document Services for International Clients

Legal assistance is available to citizens permanently residing abroad, foreign nationals, stateless persons and companies that need to prepare documents for use in another jurisdiction.

In many cases, the entire process can be handled remotely. Depending on the circumstances, a power of attorney, international courier services and electronic communication can be used, allowing most matters to be completed without the client's physical presence.

Where required, we provide comprehensive assistance, including obtaining replacement documents from archives and government authorities, notarising copies, arranging written translations, preparing the complete set of documents and submitting or forwarding them to the relevant authorities.

This approach can reduce processing times, minimise the risk of errors and help ensure that documents comply with the requirements of the country in which they will be used.

Practical Considerations When Preparing Documents for Use Abroad

Additional preparation may be necessary if a document was issued many years ago, has been damaged, contains corrections or includes information that differs from the details shown in the holder's current documents. In such cases, eligibility for an apostille and the document's subsequent use abroad are assessed according to its type, condition and the requirements of the destination country.

Older-format documents may, in some cases, need to be replaced or reissued. This can apply to birth, marriage and death certificates, educational records, archival certificates and other official documents. If the original has been lost, it may be necessary to obtain a duplicate, replacement certificate, registry extract or archival record.

Discrepancies in the spelling of first names and surnames, changes to personal details, errors in civil status records, missing mandatory information or failure to comply with the prescribed document format require particular attention. Depending on the circumstances, corrections may need to be made, supporting records obtained or a new document issued.

The procedure for preparing archival documents, notarised copies, court judgments and documents issued by authorities or institutions that no longer exist is determined individually. If a particular document cannot be apostilled, an alternative legally recognised method of authentication for use abroad will be considered.

Apostille Costs and Processing Times

The cost depends on the type and number of documents, the country of issue, the country where they will be used, the required processing speed and any additional procedures involved. Separate charges may apply for obtaining replacement documents, notarisation, written translation, consular legalisation and international delivery where these services are required.

Processing times depend on the category of document, the procedures followed by the competent authority and the extent of any additional work required. Timelines can vary considerably between different types of documents and jurisdictions.

Following a preliminary review, we provide an estimated cost, expected processing time and a list of the steps required. This allows the procedure to be established before original documents are submitted and formal processing begins.

Request an Apostille Document Review

Send us a photograph of the document using the contact method most convenient for you. Following a preliminary review, our specialists will determine the appropriate procedure and advise whether you need an apostille, consular legalisation, notarisation, written translation or any other mandatory formalities.

• more than 20 years of practical experience handling documents for international use
• comprehensive document preparation and authentication services
• assistance for individuals and legal entities
• coordination with notaries, courts and government authorities
• end-to-end support with international legal procedures through to receipt of the completed documents