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 the document is to be used across national borders. It is a certification formula based on the Hague Convention.1Convention on the Exemption of Foreign Documents from Authentication, BGBl 1968/27 An apostille is possible in the states that have signed the Hague Authentication 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 authentication process to a single formality: the issuance of an authentication certificate by a state authority. This certificate is referred to as Apostille designated.2Fucik in Fasching/Konecny3 § 121 JN
The purpose of the apostille is to facilitate interstate legal relations. If the President of the Regional Court issues an apostille, this is sufficient for the formalities vis-à-vis the Contracting States to the Hague Convention. 3Fucik in Fasching/Konecny3 § 121 JN
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.
Austria has bilateral agreements with many European states according to which notarially certified documents are to be accepted in the respective other country without apostille or other formality. These include: Germany, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary. If documents are certified in Austria and used in one of these countries, an apostille is not necessary.
How do I get an apostille?
Often you also need an apostille for a certified document. Apostilles are commonly used in practice for certifying signatures. Apostilles are usually issued by state authorities. In Austria, the regional courts are responsible for notarised documents. For documents certified online, you can easily request an apostille from notarity, which we will then gladly obtain for you. This saves you a lot of time and effort and you will receive an apostille on your document in no time at all.
With us there is the possibility as a total package of a Signature authentication online The document will be sent to the address of your choice, together with the physical copy of the certified document and the apostille. The document is sent to the desired address.
Complete 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 from us by post within 24 hours.
How long does it take to get an apostille in Austria?
As a rule, it takes time to obtain the apostille for notarity one working day, i.e. 24 hours.
How much does an apostille cost?
The cost of an apostille is notarity 300 euros net.4This price is to be understood as net. For consumers, the gross price applies, which is 360 euros. Through the settlement via notarity you save a lot of time, fuel and money because it can easily be done online.
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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