Definition
An apostille is a standard international certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, degree, marriage certificate, or criminal-record extract, for use in another country. It is used between countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention and usually replaces the longer consular legalisation chain. Immigration authorities often require an apostille before they will accept foreign civil-status or qualification documents.
Related terms
Certified Translation
A translation accompanied by a signed certification that it is complete and accurate for official use in an immigration or legal file.
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Criminal Record Certificate
An official police or justice document showing whether an applicant has criminal convictions, often required for long-stay visas and residence permits.
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Legalisation
A process that authenticates a foreign document for official use abroad when an apostille is not available or not accepted.
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