Why do I need an Apostille and what does it do for me?

Most member countries agree that a document which has been legalized with an Apostille Certificate in its country of origin will be accepted in any other member country. This removes the need for further evidence to be obtained to prove the documents authenticity.

An Apostille is required for legal transactions where a document from one country must be presented in another as part of a legal process. Most often this will involve business transactions but is becoming more common for property dealings and to settle the estate of a deceased person with assets overseas. Some of the most common documents requiring legalization with an Apostille Certificate are Powers of Attorney, Passports, Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates. The requirement of an Apostille benefits you in that in the process of obtaining the Apostille, you are verified as the signor of the document by a Notary Public thus deter fraud or you being defrauded.