What is an Apostille?
An Apostille stamp is an internationally recognized form of authentication that confirms the legitimacy of a document for use in another country. It is required when documents need to be presented in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961.
Key Points About the Apostille Process:
- Purpose: The Apostille stamp verifies that the document is genuine and is recognized as authentic by foreign authorities. It is often required for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or legal documents when they are to be used outside the UK.
- Issuing Authority: In the UK, the Apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This department authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp of the document to ensure it is valid internationally.
- Hague Convention: The Apostille process is part of the Hague Convention of 1961, which simplifies the authentication of documents for international use. If a country is a member of this convention, an Apostille stamp will make the document valid there without the need for further legalisation.
- What the Apostille Contains:
- The country of issue
- The name of the person signing the document (if applicable)
- The capacity of the person signing (if applicable)
- The seal on the document (if applicable)
- The date of issue
- The issuing authority (in the UK, this is the FCDO)
- A serial number for the Apostille certificate
- A raised seal and the signature of a representative of the issuing authority
- Document Use: Once a document has the Apostille, it can be used in any country that is part of the Hague Convention without needing further legalization.
Common Documents Requiring an Apostille:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Powers of attorney
- Company formation documents
- Academic certificates (e.g., degrees, diplomas)
If you need an Apostille for a UK-issued document, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure to ensure the document is properly authenticated for international use.