Apostille and Document Legalization

Apostille and document legalization for international use.

SERVICE

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification provided for by the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 that allows you to authenticate the origin of a public document intended to be used in another country that is a party to the Convention.

The Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the signatory acted and, when applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document. It does not certify the content of the document.

The Apostille replaces, in cases provided for by the Hague Convention, the procedure of diplomatic or consular legalization. The methods and competent authorities may vary based on the type of document and the country of destination.

When you need an Apostille

Presentation of Italian documents abroad (for work, study, residence, marriage)
Recognition of qualifications in foreign countries
Immigration procedures and visas
International contracts and notarial deeds
Corporate documents for foreign operations
Judicial acts and judgments to be enforced in another country

Apostille and certified translation: what is the difference?

They are two distinct procedures that are often required together:

The Apostille

Certifies the authenticity of the Italian public official’s signature on the original document.

The Certified Translation

Is instead the translation in the language of the destination country, with recognized legal value.

In many cases foreign countries require both: the original document with Apostille plus the certified translation in the local language. Polyline Translations handles both procedures in a single service.

Do you need to translate or legalize acts, certificates or official documents?

Upload the files to be certified to receive a clear quote including taxes and court processing times.

How Our Apostille and Legalization Service Works

1. Document Analysis

Send us the document and the destination country. We assess what formalities may be necessary, including Apostille, legalization and certified translation.

2. Apostille or Legalization

We coordinate the Apostille or legalization procedure with the competent authority based on the type of document and the destination country.

3. Certified Translation (if necessary)

If required by the authority or destination country, we coordinate the certified or sworn translation of the document in the necessary language.

4. Delivery

You receive the documentation according to the agreed methods, with the formalities required for the country and destination indicated.

Hague Convention Signatory Countries

All Hague Convention signatory countries accept an Apostille as a simplified form of document legalization. For non-signatory countries, traditional consular legalization is required instead—a procedure fully managed by Polyline Translations as well.

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