Question 1

What is an apostille?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is an official certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates a document for use in another country. It is recognised in all Hague Convention countries. Without an apostille, foreign authorities may not accept your documents.

Question 2

What does a Notary Public do?

Accepted Answer

A Notary Public is a government-appointed official who verifies identities, certifies signatures, and authenticates legal documents. In Sweden, a Notary Public can also issue apostilles on Swedish authority documents.

Question 3

When is notarization required?

Accepted Answer

Notarisation is required when a document needs to be legally recognised abroad. Common cases include powers of attorney, company documents, passport copies, and personal identification documents used in foreign legal or business proceedings.

Question 4

What do I need to bring to the meeting?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or national ID card, and the original document that requires notarisation. For video meetings, you show these on camera.

Question 5

Can I get an apostille the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In most cases NotaryDirect handles the full process within 24 hours. Urgent same-day handling is available depending on document type and country requirements.

Question 6

What documents require original copies?

Accepted Answer

Most documents require originals for notarisation. Certified copies can be made of originals during the notarisation process. Contact us at info@notarydirect.se if you are unsure about your specific document.

Question 7

Is a video meeting legally valid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remote notarisation via video meeting is legally valid and widely accepted internationally. The notary public verifies your identity and witnesses the signing process through the video call.

Question 8

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Payment is made online before or after the meeting. The fixed price is 75 EUR per document. No hidden fees. Volume pricing is available for businesses with regular needs.

Question 9

What is express handling?

Accepted Answer

Express handling means your documents are processed as a priority on the same day. Contact us directly at info@notarydirect.se to arrange express service.

Question 10

Can companies use this service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotaryDirect works with law firms, corporate service providers, fund administrators, immigration consultants and other businesses that regularly need notarisation and apostille for their clients.

Question 11

Do international clients qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve clients in 120+ countries remotely via video meeting. As long as you have a valid ID and a stable internet connection, you can use our service from anywhere in the world.

Question 12

Can expats use this service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Expats living abroad can use NotaryDirect remotely via video meeting without needing to travel or visit a consulate. We handle documents from any country for use in all Hague Convention countries.

Question 13

What happens after booking?

Accepted Answer

After booking you will receive a confirmation with a video meeting link and instructions. The notary public will join the call, verify your identity, and complete the notarisation. You receive your documents digitally or by post.

Question 14

How is personal data handled?

Accepted Answer

All personal data is handled in accordance with GDPR. Your information is never shared with third parties and is only used for the purpose of completing your notarisation service.

Question 15

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule your meeting by contacting us at info@notarydirect.se. We ask for at least 24 hours notice where possible.

Question 16

What is the difference between notarization and an apostille?

Accepted Answer

Notarisation is the act of a notary public verifying identity, witnessing a signature, or certifying a copy as authentic. An apostille is a separate certificate issued afterward that confirms the notarisation itself is valid for use in another Hague Convention country.

Question 17

What is the difference between an apostille and legalisation?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is a simplified, single-step certification used between countries that are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Legalisation is a more complex, multi-step process, typically involving notarisation, government departments, and embassy or consular authentication, required when the destination country is not a Hague Convention member.

Question 18

How do I know if my country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention?

Accepted Answer

You can check the official Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) status table, which lists every contracting party to the Apostille Convention and the date it took effect for that country. This is the authoritative source for confirming Hague Convention membership. See https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41

Question 19

Can a document issued by a foreign authority be apostilled directly?

Accepted Answer

No. Foreign authority documents must first be notarised as a certified copy before an apostille can be issued. Civil documents such as powers of attorney or passport copies follow the same rule: notarisation first, then apostille.

Apostille & Notarization FAQ