Whether you are planning to do business internationally, or want to live abroad, you may be asked to obtain an apostille on your documents.
The 20 most common types of documents that require “apostille” for use in a foreign country are:
| · Birth certificate | · Adoption documents |
| · Marriage certificate | · Power of Attorney |
| · Death certificate | · Passport copy |
| · RCMP Criminal record check | · Certificates of Origin and Commercial Invoices |
| · University degree | · Medical device licence |
| · College diploma | · Certificate of residency |
| · High School Diploma | · Incorporation documents |
| · Educational Transcript | · Manufacturer’s Declaration |
| · Divorce certificate | · Patent Application |
| · Single Status Affidavit | · Statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad |
This is by no means an exhaustive list of documents. Almost any type of document can go through this process if they are prepared correctly.
What is an Apostille?
Under The Hague Apostille Convention, signatory countries of this treaty have agreed to recognize public documents issued by other signatory countries, providing those documents are authenticated by the attachment of an internationally recognized form of authentication known as an “apostille“. An apostille ensures that public documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid or legal in all other signatory countries.
Canada is not a signatory to this Hague Convention. Therefore, our process is slightly different and is called “authentication and legalization”.
What is the authentication and legalization process?
The authentication and legalization process involves having your documents authenticated at the Global Affairs Canada. Next, they must be legalized at the diplomatic mission for your destination country.
Global Affairs Canada and each diplomatic mission have very specific requirements for the authentication and legalization of Canadian documents. In some cases, additional steps such as notarization or translation may be required.
We would be happy to discuss your situation and answer any questions you might have about your documents or the process. Call us toll free at 1-888-433-1011 or complete an online Request Form.
