What is the difference between an Apostille and a Legalisation?

People travelling from one country to another need to present certain certified documents (depending upon the purpose of their visit) issued by the country they belong to. These documents can be certified for legal purposes in other countries. 

 

As per Hague Convention, certified documents issued by any signatory country will be accepted for all legal purposes by all other signatory countries. There are more than 100 countries that are signatories to the Hague treaty. Apostille Certificates are documents issued by a signatory country to Hague Convention, and they will be accepted for all legal purposes by all other signatory counties of the Hague Convention. It may be termed an international certification compared to a notarisation in domestic law. The certificate verifies the legitimacy of the signature and the validity of the seal or stamp on the document. 

 

Legalisation is a process identical to and valid like Apostille for countries, not a signatory to the Hague Convention. In the case of such countries, the legalisation of documents needs to be done by the Consular / Embassy. 

 

An Apostille will make your document applicable to all other participant countries for legal uses. While legalisation will make your document suitable for legal uses merely in the nation of which the delegation has sanctioned the document. Legalisation is always included in the Apostille because it is crucial for getting the Apostille. Apostilles are used whenever there is a need to show public documents abroad. If you have to show your documents to a country not part of The Hague Convention, you can opt for legalisation. 

 

It is recommended that before going for Apostille or legalisation certificate, you should confirm with the authorities what document is required. 

 

For more information, please contact us on +44 (0) 121 442 5330. 

 

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