Apostille for an online notarised signature

If notarised documents are used across national borders, an apostille is often required. In this article, we explain what an apostille is, when it is needed and how to obtain one. We also show how to obtain an apostille for signatures notarised online.

What is an apostille?

An apostille confirms the authenticity of a document. This confirmation of authenticity is only possible for public documents. An apostille is needed when a notarised document is to be used across national borders. It is a form of authentication based on the Hague Convention, and it is available in the countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention.

A large number of countries around the world have joined a convention that greatly simplifies the authentication of public documents for use abroad. This convention is known as the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (in short: the Hague Convention). Within its scope, the Convention reduces the cross-border authentication process to a single formality: the issuing of an authentication certificate by a state authority. This certificate is called an apostille.

The purpose of the apostille is to make cross-border legal transactions easier. If the competent authority in a contracting state issues an apostille, this satisfies the formal requirements towards the other contracting states of the Hague Convention.

When do I need an apostille?

As a rule, an apostille is required whenever a notarised document is to be used across national borders. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the document. If, for example, the authenticity of a power of attorney or an affidavit has to be confirmed, this is done with an apostille. In principle, apostilles can be obtained for all notarised documents and notarial deeds.

How do I get an apostille?

You often need an apostille in addition to a notarised document. A common use case in practice is an apostille for a signature notarisation. Apostilles are usually issued by state authorities. For documents notarised online, you can simply request an apostille via notarity, and we will be happy to obtain it for you. This saves you the trip, a lot of time, and you receive the apostille on your document very quickly.

Obtaining an apostille online

notarity offers the option of handling an apostille electronically. Simply book an online appointment and you will receive the apostille shortly after your online notary appointment. Please note that we can only obtain apostilles for documents notarised online by partner notaries on the notarity platform.

Obtaining the apostille usually only takes a few seconds. The apostille is then available as a digital document and can also be sent to a postal address of your choice.

How much does an apostille cost?

Obtaining the apostille costs EUR 120 (incl. VAT).

How long is an apostille valid?

An apostille has no expiry date. However, the document to which the apostille is attached may have a period of validity. Once the document’s period of validity has expired, the state can no longer accept the authentication by apostille.

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