What is an Apostille?
Apostille is a French word used to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (the 'Hague Apostille Convention'). Both countries involved in an international transaction must be members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, or an Apostille cannot be used. Canada is now a signatory of the Hague Apostille Convention. A sample is attached below.
This article will explain more about Apostilles, and how Brosgall Legal | Apostille Services can assist. If you have any questions, or want to book a notary appointment, please send us an email or call us at 604-685-2326. You may also visit our home page for further information.
How do you pronounce 'Apostille'?
The term 'Apostille' comes from the word postille (French for, marginal note or notation), which originally came from post illa verba (Latin for, after these words). It is pronounced 'uh-pos-til'.
Why does my Document need to be Notarized?
For important signed documents such as Powers of Attorney, a notarization is always required as the document signer must be identified and verified by a Vancouver Notary Public. The notary will view and copy your photo identification, and will physically witness you signing the document. Only then will a notarial certificate be prepared. This also holds true for certified copies of other type of important documentation, such as academic transcripts and certificates. A notarization is the first step towards getting an international Apostille.
Why do I need an Apostille?
Member countries to the Hague Apostille Convention 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 when a document from one country must be presented in another country. This is often the case with business transactions, property dealings, and to settle estates of deceased individuals with assets overseas. Some of the most common documents requiring an Apostille are Powers of Attorney, Passports, and Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates. The strict requirements of Apostille authentication verifies the signor of the document, or a copy of a document, to deter fraud.
How do I Obtain and Apostille?
Due to the complexities of international notarizations, and the required documentation, Brosgall Legal - Apostille Services specializes in arranging and expediting the entire process on your behalf. In our experience, every Apostille file is different, so it isn't a simple procedure. Rather, each case is handled independantly, depending on the intented country of use, and their specific jurisdictional requirements. Each document for each recipient country will be handled differently. Brosgall Legal deals with all these details, and any additional certification requirements on your behalf. Utilizing our services reduces stress, and gives you speed and certainty.
Why might I need a Consular Legalization?
When a country is not party/member to the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents must be authenticated by the provincial or federal authorities, and then go through the consulate or embassy of the foreign country final legalization. A sample Legalization is attached below.
Do I need a Certified Translation?
Foreign language ocumentation needs to be translated into English to get an Apostille. Whenever a translation is required, it must be done by a BC certified translator. We work closely translators, covering over 80 languages.
Which Documents can be Apostille in Canada?
Almost any kind of Canadian document can be Apostilled by Brosgall Legal.
Personal examples include: Adoption Documents, Affidavits, Bank letters, Bills of Sale, Birth Certificates, Certificates, Death Certificates, Diplomas, Divorce Certificates, Identity Documents, Marriage Certificates, Passports, Police Records (Non-criminal record Certificate), Powers of Attorney, Proof of non-marriage, Property Deeds, Transcripts, University degrees, Warrants and Authorizations, and Wills.
Business examples include: Articles of Incorporation, Assignments, Bylaws, Certificate of Good Standing, Commercial invoices, Letter of Invitation, Patent Applications, and Trademarks.
Which Countries Rely on Authentication & Legalization?
The following countries use authentication and legalization: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China - People's Republic, Comoros, Congo - Dem. Rep., Congo - Rep. Brazzaville, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, East Timor, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea - Bissau, Guinea - Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar/Burma, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Which Counties Rely on Apostille Certification?
The following countries use Apostille certification: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, China (Hong Kong), China (Macao), Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue (Cook Islands), Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Vanuatu, Venezuela
Vancouver Lawyer, Notary Public, and Commissioner of Oaths
Brosgall Legal's owner and principal, Adam Brosgall, is an experienced Vancouver lawyer, notary public, and Commissioner of Oaths. He is fully accredited, licenced, and insured to do international notarizations, authentications, legalizations and Apostilles. For further information or to discuss getting your processed by Brosgall Legal, please send us an email or call 604-685-2326. We look forward to assisting.
