Who does the Hague Convention apply to?
The Hague Convention applies to countries that have adopted the convention relating to the legalisation of documents by Apostille.
What is a non-Hague Convention country?
These are the countries that are not part of the Hague Convention. As a non-Hague country, it is still possible to get your documents legalised, but it will require more processing stages depending on where the document is coming from and the individual in need of the documents. The document type will also be a determining factor in most countries.
Why is a Hague apostille required?
The Hague apostille simplifies the process of recognising public documents in countries that are parties to the Hague convention.
A Hague apostille is needed if:
- One wants to work in a different country.
- If you are getting married in another country.
- If you want a background check on someone.
- In case you want to establish a business in another country.
- If you’re going to adopt a child from another country.
- If one gives a power of attorney to someone in a different country.
What does Hague apostille look like?
The Hague Apostille is a 15-centimetre square piece of paper with a seal that is attached to a public document. All authentic Hague apostille certificates have ”APOSTILLE” as the title and contain the French title of the Hague Convention. It also contains a seal and signature from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
What is a Hague apostille stamp?
A Hague apostille stamp is embossed on an apostille certificate to confirm that the certificate was signed by an official and is authentic. It contains vital details and confirms that the stamps, signatures and seals are original.
Countries within the apostille convention recognise the stamped documents and allow them to be used in their country.
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