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 an apostille can be obtained for online notarised signatures.
What is an apostille?
The apostille confirms the authenticity of a document. This confirmation of authenticity is only possible for public documents. The apostille is used when a notarised document is to be used across national borders. It is a legalisation formula based on the Hague Convention. An apostille is possible in countries that have signed the Hague Legalisation 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 5.10.1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (briefly: Hague Convention). In its scope of application, the Convention reduces the cross-border authentication process to a single formality: the issuance of an authentication certificate by a state authority. This certificate is referred to as Apostille designated.
The purpose of the apostille is to facilitate cross-border legal transactions. If the competent authority in a contracting state issues an apostille, this is sufficient for the formalities vis-à-vis the contracting states of the Hague Convention.
When do I need an apostille?
An apostille is always required when a notarised document is to be used across national borders. The authenticity of a document is confirmed with an apostille. If the authenticity of a power of attorney or a sworn declaration is required, this is done with an apostille. In principle, apostilles can be obtained for all certified documents and notarial acts.
How do I get an apostille?
You often also need an apostille for a notarised document. Apostilles are commonly used in practice to certify signatures. Apostilles are usually issued by state authorities. For documents notarised online, you can simply request an apostille from notarity, which we will then be happy to obtain for you. This will save you a lot of time and you will receive an apostille on your document in the shortest possible time.
Obtaining an apostille online
Notarity offers the possibility to process an apostille electronically. To do this, 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 on documents that are notarised online at our partner notary's offices via notarity.
It usually only takes a few seconds to obtain the apostille. The apostille is then available as a digital document and can be sent to the physical address of your choice.
How much does an apostille cost?
The cost of obtaining the apostille is EUR 120 (incl. VAT).
How long is an apostille valid?
The apostille has no expiry date. However, the document with which the apostille was provided may have a validity period. If the validity period of the document has expired, the state can no longer accept the certification with the apostille.
Interest aroused? Make a non-binding contact request here if you would like more information.
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