Today, I will sort out with you how to handle it in 2024ApostilleWhen foreign trade enterprises involve import and export business, or prepare to study abroad, they will need to provide relevant documents for notarization, at this time, most people will choose apostille, to be honest, there are still many people who do not know much about this, so today to help you sort out: what is apostille?When do I need an apostille?Handle it in **What is the certification process?There are also some frequently asked questions.
What is Apostille?
Apostille is the legalization of the Convention on the Abolition of the Legalization Requirements for Foreign Official Documents (i.e., the Hague Convention). It is a process of secondary certification by the issuer of the original certification (usually a local notary office or an international notary) and stamped or labelled by the first institution of the member state. This process is known as apostille, also known as apostille. Its main purpose is to enable the documents issued by the Hague Member States to be recognized and used effectively in other Member States.
When do I need an apostille?
For the foreign trade and export industry, many documents (such as product authorization letters, ISO EC certificates, sales certificates, company qualifications such as business licenses, tax registration certificates, etc.) usually need to be apostilled when used abroad. In addition, for individuals who plan to study, immigrate, or work abroad, some documents also require an apostille.
How to apply for apostille?
Apostille Process in the United States:
Different documents need to be handled at different agencies, and ordinary documents can be certified by a lawyer and sent to the Secretary of State.
Special documents, such as a clean criminal record issued by the FBI, need to be sent to the United States*** for certification.
Hong Kong Apostille Process:
Provide the original documents that need to be authenticated, notarized by an international lawyer, and sent to the High Court of Hong Kong for authentication and stamped with apostille.
Scope of Overseas Certification
When it comes to apostille, the scope of authentication is very broad and includes but is not limited to the following:
Authentication of personal documents includes:
Marriage Certificates, Birth Certificates, Divorce Papers, Adoption, Foster Care, Kinship, Death Certificates.
Employment history, power of attorney, declaration, green card, passport, invitation letter, single certificate.
Judgments, wills, criminal records, real estate certificates, transcripts, academic certificates, professional qualification certificates, medical certificates, etc.
Certification of company documents includes:
Certificate of Registration, Legal Personality, Agreement, Contract, Power of Attorney, Declaration, Certificate, Letter of Appointment.
Trademark certificates, asset certificates, director information, shareholder information, articles of association, meeting minutes.
Company name change documents, invoices, certificates of origin, customs declarations, product certificates, product introductions and other company documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. HandlingHow much does an apostille cost?
Fees vary depending on the document and country, including notary fees, Hong Kong High Court fees, courier and ** handling fees, etc. Basically, it is about 3000-4000, please consult Eagle Fly International for details.
How long does it take for the apostille to be processed?
The processing time varies in different countries or regions, such as about 3 working days in Hong Kong, China, and 3-15 working days in other countries.
What is the difference between an apostille and an embassy legalization?
Apostille can be used in the countries of the Hague Convention for a short period of time;Embassy authentication is only used in the country where it is processed, and the time is long and subject to local ** time restrictions.