What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a competent authority designated by a country that is party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Apostilles are used to certify the authenticity of documents so they can be recognized in foreign countries that are also parties to the Convention. This simplifies the process of using documents abroad, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and other official records.
When is an Apostille Required?
An apostille is typically required when you need to use an official document in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This might include situations such as:
- Studying abroad
- Working in a foreign country
- Getting married in a foreign country
- Conducting business internationally
- Legal proceedings in a foreign country
- Immigration purposes
- Dual citizenship applications
If you are planning to use a document in a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need to go through a different authentication process called legalization or consular authentication.Learn more about apostilles for immigration purposes
How to Obtain an Apostille
The process for obtaining an apostille varies depending on the type of document and the country where it was issued. Generally, you will need to submit the original document or a certified copy to the competent authority, along with any required fees.
The competent authority will verify the authenticity of the document and issue an apostille certificate, which is typically attached to the document.