An apostille is a certificate issued by the competent authority of a given state. It verifies the stamp impression and signature on a public document so that the document can be used in the states that have signed the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents of 5 October 1961. The apostille replaces superlegalisation.
This means that a foreign public document bearing an apostille can be used without further certification in the territory of any other contracting party to the Convention and before any of its authorities.
How Do You Obtain an Apostille?
The simplest option, saving both time and money, is to order document apostille services from a firm that specialises in them.
Getting an Apostille Without the Hassle
The apostille system was created to make life easier for people and businesses that use official documents abroad. Instead of a lengthy chain of certifications ending at an embassy, a single certificate issued in the country of origin is enough for the document to be recognised in other countries that are party to the convention. Even so, obtaining an apostille can feel complicated if you are doing it for the first time.
Step One: Confirm the Requirement
Start by asking the authority, bank or institution that will receive your document exactly what it needs. Some will accept a certified copy, while others insist on the original. Some require the document to have been issued recently, and many will also want an official translation. Clarifying these points first prevents you from legalising the wrong version.
Step Two: Identify the Competent Authority
Each country designates the bodies that may issue apostilles, and responsibility often depends on the type of document. Court documents, notarial deeds, civil status certificates, educational diplomas and company documents may each follow a different route. Submitting a document to the wrong authority is one of the most common reasons for delay.
Step Three: Arrange Translation and Delivery
Once the apostille has been issued, the document and the apostille itself may need to be translated by a sworn or certified translator. Finally, the documents must be delivered safely to their destination, which may involve international courier services.
Why Use a Specialist Service?
- You save time by avoiding repeated visits to offices
- Documents from abroad can be handled without you travelling
- The correct authority and procedure are identified from the outset
- Translations and delivery are coordinated in a single process
- The risk of a document being rejected at its destination is reduced
A specialist service is particularly helpful when several documents from different countries are needed at once, for example when setting up a company abroad or applying for residence.
Contact eTuls and let us take care of your apostille. Tell us which documents you need and where they will be used, and we will handle the rest.
