What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certification provided under the Hague Convention of 1961 for the authentication of documents for use in foreign countries (i.e., other than the country where the document was produced). The list of States that have adhered to this convention can be found by clicking on this link. Only in countries that are signatories to the convention the Apostille has replaced the legalization procedure.
When does your document need to be apostilled?
An Apostille is only for the use of public documents in a country other than the one where the document was drafted.
Main Procedural Steps
- Requesting and obtaining a certified copy from the relevant public office (if required) or similar preliminary steps.
- Application for Apostille at the competent office (Minister of Interior or Public Prosecutor’s Office).
- Collection of the apostilled document.
Our assistance includes the following activities:
- Preliminary legal analysis and advice on the need for Apostille for your document;
- Preparation of the document for the purpose of its Apostille (e.g., by obtaining a certified copy)
- Application for Apostille;
- Establishing contact with all public parties involved in the above procedures to resolve potential problems, overcome possible obstacles and promote a successful outcome;
- Collection of the apostilled document.
Validity of the Apostille
An Apostille is recognized as valid only in the states that are signatories to the Hague Convention. Where the country where the Italian document is to be used has not acceded to the Hague Convention on the Abolition of the Apostille, it is necessary to legalize the document through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the state where the document was produced and through the Italian Consulate or Embassy in that state.
Time Frame
The expected time frame to obtain an Apostille from the day of the application is of approximately 1 month.
Get in touch
Do not hesitate to write to us if you wish to have additional information on the matter.
