Apostille

Document requirements for one country are not always the same for another. Their validity can be local to a certain region and differ from country to country. Sometimes records can be required or needed in another country but with so many different standards in effect, the need for a unified document was the key. In 1961 The Hague Conference on Private International Law established the Apostille. Apostille is an authentication certification, a stamp. It is designed for use among nations that participate in the Hague Convention. These joint regions are called signatory countries as formed by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Apostille pertains to public documents. Primary examples of public instruments are marriage, birth and death certificates as well as court documents, patents and even diplomas.

Getting documents apostilled can be a complex task especially if it is your first encounter with the subject. Our Apostille specialists will review your documents, advise on any required steps on your part and confirm apostille eligibility within one business day and in most cases even sooner.

Some examples of documents submitted for Apostille are:

• Corporate documents articles, mergers, amendments, powers of attorney, by-laws, etc.

• Powers of Attorney

• School records: diplomas, transcripts, letters relating to degrees, etc.

• Birth Certificates

• Marriage Licenses

• Deeds of Assignment

• Trademarks

The process is easy.  First we meet to complete the notarization of your documents. Then, once all your documents are ready to be authenticated, we will manage the process and your completed paperwork will be sent to you directly.

Legalization is the official process of document authentication granted by international governments. Presently, more than 200 countries accept foreign documents certified by apostille. However, there are certain restrictions regarding its acceptance. Some countries still reserve the right to deny the acceptance of apostillized documents, issued by other countries, which are also parties to the Convention. In cases such as this, and in case the documents are intended to be presented in a country, which is not a party of the Apostille Convention, a multistep embassy or consular legalization of documents is required to be done by a foreign authorities in order to be recognized. Canadian documents that will be submitted in China must undergo the authentication and legalization process instead of being certified by apostille.