Apostille:
Noun: A certificate issued by a designated authority in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, authenticating the origin and validity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or academic transcript, for use in another country. The apostille ensures that the document is legally recognized and accepted in the foreign jurisdiction without the need for further authentication or legalization.
An apostille is a form of authentication issued by a designated authority in a country that is party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The purpose of an apostille is to certify the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or notarized document, so that it can be recognized and accepted in another country that is also a party to the convention. The apostille is a simplified method of legalization that eliminates the need for further authentication or legalization by consular or embassy officials. It is a standardized certificate attached to the original document or a certified copy, which confirms the identity and capacity of the person who signed the document, the authority of the person who sealed or certified it, and the authenticity of the seal or stamp on the document. The apostille does not validate the content of the document itself, but rather ensures that the document is genuine and can be relied upon in the receiving country.
Q: What is an Apostille?
A: An Apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority in a country that is a member of the Hague Convention. It verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or educational diploma, for use in another member country.
Q: Which countries accept Apostilles?
A: Apostilles are accepted by over 100 countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Some notable member countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Japan.
Q: What documents can be apostilled?
A: Generally, any public document issued by a government authority can be apostilled. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, adoption papers, and more. However, private documents or those issued by non-governmental organisations usually cannot be apostilled.
Q: How do I obtain an Apostille?
A: To obtain an Apostille, you need to contact the designated authority in the country where the document was issued. In most cases, this is the Secretary of State or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will provide you with the necessary instructions, forms, and fees to complete the process.
Q: How long does it take to get an Apostille?
A: The processing time for an Apostille varies depending on the country and the workload of the designated authority. In some cases, it can be done within a few days, while in others, it may take several weeks. It is advisable to check with the relevant authority for an estimate of the processing time.
Q: How much does an Apostille cost?
A: The cost of obtaining an Apostille also varies depending on the country and the type of document. Fees can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It is recommended to check with the designated authority for the exact fee structure.
Q: Can I get an Apostille for a document that is not in English?
A: Yes, you can get an Apostille for a document that is not in English. However, in most cases, the designated authority will require a certified translation of the document to be submitted along with the original document.
Q: Can I use an Apostille for personal or business purposes?
A: Yes, Apostilles can be used for both personal and business purposes. They are commonly required for international adoptions, marriage or divorce proceedings, educational or employment purposes
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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