Apostille, Legalization, and Document Translations
A document to be used in another country may need an apostille or legalization and a translation accepted by the receiving authority. They are not interchangeable processes: they depend on the origin, destination, and type of document.
Apostille, Legalization, and Document Translations
- What You Can Review
- Before Requesting the Procedure
- What to Keep
- Related Articles
- Sources
A document may require additional requirements to be used before an authority in another country. You can confirm them with your advisory before preparing the procedure.
What You Can Review
The apostille and legalization relate to the formal authenticity of the document for international use. They do not convert its content into an authorization of affiliation nor replace the procedure you are requesting.
The translation allows presenting the content in another language. A translation done with an automatic tool does not equate to an official or certified translation accepted by an authority.
Before Requesting the Procedure
- Confirm the exact document required.
- Ask if it should be original, a copy, or a recently issued version.
- Verify if it needs an apostille, legalization, or neither.
- Confirm which translators and formats the destination country accepts.
- Review the order in which steps should be taken.
What to Keep
Keep the base document, its certifications, and the translation. Check names, dates, and numbers before sending them. Correcting an error later may delay an appointment or request.
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