What Is an Apostille and When Do You Need One?

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a standardized international certification that verifies the authenticity of public documents. Established by the Hague Convention of 1961, it allows documents issued in one member country to be recognized in another without further legalization. Over 120 countries are members.

When do you need an apostille?

You need an apostille when submitting official documents to authorities, companies, or institutions in another Hague Convention country. Common use cases include business registrations abroad, real estate purchases, academic enrollment, adoption proceedings, and immigration applications. For a broader overview, see our guide on how to legalize documents for international use.

Which documents can be apostilled?

• Corporate documents (articles of incorporation, board resolutions)
• Powers of attorney
• Notarized signatures and certified copies
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Court documents and judgments

The apostille process

The document is first notarized by a licensed Notary Public, who verifies signatures and document authenticity. The apostille is then issued by the designated authority (in Sweden, Kammarkollegiet). The entire process can often be completed the same day when documents are correctly prepared. View all available apostille and notarization services.

Apostille vs. embassy legalization

For Hague Convention member countries, an apostille is sufficient. For non-member countries, full embassy or consulate legalization is typically required, which involves additional steps and longer processing times. Always verify the requirements for your specific destination country. Companies handling documents across jurisdictions may benefit from our guide on cross-border document handling.