What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued for documents that need to be recognized in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies the authenticity of the document so it can be used internationally.
What types of documents require an apostille?
Common documents that need an apostille include:
-
Birth, marriage, and death certificates
-
Divorce decrees
-
Power of Attorney documents
-
Business & Corporate documents
-
School transcripts and diplomas
-
Background checks (FBI/DOJ)
Which countries commonly require apostilles?
Many countries require apostille for official documents. Some of the most common include:
-
Mexico
-
Spain
-
Colombia
-
Argentina
-
Brazil
-
Peru
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Chile
-
Italy
-
France
-
Germany
These countries, among others, require apostilles for documents related to immigration, marriage, dual citizenship, education, and business transactions. If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille will be required instead of traditional embassy legalization.