Apostille requirements will vary slightly depending on the country. Here, we have compiled a brief checklist of apostille requirements and how they differ between countries in the Hague Convention.
The Key Requirements
There are some broad standards that apply to all nations that are parties to the Hague Convention; however, the apostille requirements for particular countries vary. These prerequisites consist of:
- You must use a certified copy of the original document or the original document itself.
- A notary public who is qualified to notarise documents for use abroad must notarise the document.
- The apostille authority in the state where the document was signed must apostille it.
- Along with these basic prerequisites, several nations might also have particular rules regarding the kind of document that can be apostilled, the language of the document, or the costs that must be paid. It is crucial to confirm the requirements with the apostille body in the nation where the document will be used.
Specific Requirements Per Country
For a few nations, the following are the specific apostille requirements:
India: Apostilles in India are provided by The Ministry of External Affairs of India. This must be either a certified copy of the original or the original document itself. A qualified notary public who can notarise documents for use abroad must notarise the document. The New Delhi-based Ministry of External Affairs must apostille the document in order for it to be used legally.
Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines is responsible for issuing the apostille. Again, either a certified original copy or the original itself must be used. This must be notarised by a qualified notary public in order to be used abroad. The DFA in Manila must apostille the document.
United Kingdom: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The FCO) of the United Kingdom is responsible for issuing the apostille. As with all other mentioned countries, you must provide either a certified copy or the original document. A solicitor or a notary public must notarise the document, and the FCO in London must apostille the document.
If you are unsure about specific requirements regarding apostilles, it is always best to check the guidelines for the country that applies to you or seek professional advice.
For help with apostilles, translation and legalisation, contact Apostille & Legalisation Services on 02080172216.
