Apostille and Legalisation: What You Need to Know

Using documents abroad can be tricky, especially when it comes to getting them recognised in another country. Let’s break down the basics of Apostille and legalisation, and what you need to do to get your documents ready.

Apostille vs Legalisation: What’s the Difference?

An Apostille is like a special stamp that confirms a document is genuine. It’s used for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Legalisation, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated and is required for countries that aren’t part of the convention.

Can I Get an Apostille for Any Document?

Not quite. Apostilles usually only work for public documents like birth certificates, passports, and court documents. If you’ve got a private document, like an experience certificate, it might not qualify for an Apostille.

What If I Need to Use a Document in a Country That Isn’t Part of the Apostille Convention?

If you’re using a document in a country like Egypt, you’ll need to get it legalised. This means:

1. Getting it notarised in Australia.
2. Authenticating it with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
3. Getting it stamped by the embassy or consulate of the country where you’ll be using it.

Timing Is Everything

Getting documents Apostilled or legalised can take time – often more than two weeks. So, plan ahead and don’t leave it to the last minute!

How to Get Started

If you’re unsure about what to do, start by:

1. Sending your document to Notary Online.
2. Giving us clear instructions and any relevant info including any advice from the authority that has requested the documentation.
3. Speaking to us about your deadlines and what you need.

By understanding the Apostille and legalisation process, you’ll be better equipped to handle international document use and get your papers in order.