Foreign consulates and embassies often have a strict set of requirements for their processes. They offer services like visa applications, citizenship, work visas and passport services. In order to apply with a local consulate or embassy, it is important to understand the requirements for the particular process in question. It is also important to identify which embassy or consulate corresponds to your jurisdiction, as each consulate serves citizens from specific states. In this article, we will discuss one of the most common requirements for consular applications: apostilles.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille certifies a document so that countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention will legally recognize it. The Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents is an international treaty intended to simplify the process for accepting foreign documents in any of the countries that are part of the treaty. For example, a document issued in the US that is accompanied by an apostille can be submitted in any other member country and legally recognized there.
Which Countries are Part of the 1961 Hague Convention?
As of October 2024, there are 127 member countries of the 1961 Hague Convention. Some countries include Italy, Spain, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Portugal, Mexico and France. For a full list of all countries, please click here. If your country is not a member of this Convention, it will likely have a different set of requirements for consular applications.
Which Documents Require an Apostille?
An apostille is often attached to official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or death certificates. An apostille authenticates signatures or stamps on the original document. However, in order for a foreign embassy or consulate to accept it, the apostille must be translated in most cases. Translating an apostille is a simple process that can be done quickly.
Who Can Issue an Apostille?
Apostilles can only be issued by an official government body, and not a translation company. They must be requested in the country or state in which the document was issued. For example, a Florida birth certificate must receive an apostille from the State of Florida. In the United States, apostilles are issued by a Secretary of State. If the original document is from a foreign country, it will be necessary to get the apostille from the country of origin where the document was issued.
Who Can Translate an Apostille?
Apostilles must be translated by a professional translator. Failure to properly translate an apostille could result in an application being denied. At CSH Translation, we are accustomed to translating apostilles and consular documents daily, and would be happy to assist you with your translation. Please contact us for a free quote.