At International Documents Canada we expertly navigate the Canadian apostille process on behalf of thousands of clients every year. This article answers one of the questions we are asked the most: How much does an apostille cost?
Canada can now issue apostilles
As of January 2024, Canada can now issue apostilles on Canadian documents.
The apostille process is in place to confirm the authenticity of a Canadian document, so that it will be officially recognized in other apostille signatory countries. Any country that has signed the Hague Apostille Convention, will issue apostille certificates and recognize apostille certificates issued by other countries.
If the country where you are going is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents will require an additional step called document legalization. Document legalization is completed at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
What is involved in getting a Canadian apostille?
There are up to three steps to getting a Canadian apostille:
Step 1 involves preparing your documents to be processed. This can involve notarization, translation, and preparing supporting documents.
Step 2 involves having your documents apostilled by an apostille office in Canada.
Step 3 involves having your documents legalized at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be presenting these documents. This step only applies if the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
How much does an apostille cost in Canada?
There are a number of costs to consider when having a Canadian document apostilled:
Notarial services – Many documents require notarization by a notary public or lawyer before they can be apostilled. We can provide this service to our clients if needed, but notarial services are widely available across Canada. A fee of $35 to $75 to notarize a document is standard, although prices vary. In some cases, it may be possible to apostille what is known as a “certified true copy” of a document, instead of the original.
Translation – If your document contains a language other than English or French, it will need to be translated into one of these languages by a certified translator. In Canada, translators are certified at the provincial level rather than nationally. At IDC we have a roster of trusted translators that we use for our clients. Prices vary from $0.25 to $0.40 per word. We can also help you locate a translator in your province – simply contact our friendly staff.
Document apostille – Most apostille offices across Canada charge a fee for each document apostille certificate. These fees vary from $10 to $65 per document.
Document legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country – Each embassy or consulate sets its own fee for legalizing a document. Fees range from a few dollars to $790 per document. Contact the embassy or consulate in question to find out the amount that applies to your situation, or contact our friendly staff.
Shipping your documents – You will need to factor in the costs of shipping your documents to and from the apostille office. We strongly encourage using a courier service that allows you to track your shipment.
Using an expert service to apostille your documents
If you process your documents on your own the fees listed above apply. You also have the option of using an expert service like ours to take care of the Canadian apostille process for you. There are many advantages to using our service, including:
- we know the ins and outs of the process, avoiding costly delays
- we help ensure your documents are prepared and submitted correctly the first time, avoiding costly mistakes that can add many weeks to the process
We do charge a fee for our services, which you will need to factor in. When you contact us, we’ll explain the Canadian apostille process, answer any questions you have, and clearly explain your options – no pressure and no obligation. We will then provide you with a detailed quote, so you can see exactly what is involved when making your decision as to how to proceed. Our friendly staff would welcome the chance to discuss your specific document processing needs. Call us toll-free at 1-888-433-1011, or fill out our quick form and we’ll get right back to you.
