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Hague Apostille Convention - Official Site
"The Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Hague Apostille Convention) facilitates the circulation of public documents executed in one State party to the Convention and to be produced in another State party to the Convention. It does so by replacing the cumbersome and often costly formalities of a full legalisation process with the mere issuance of an Apostille (also called Apostille Certificate or Certificate). The Hague Apostille Convention only applies as between States parties "
PLEASE NOTE : The information on this page is provided for general apostille information only. Questions concerning interpretation of specific foreign law should be addressed to the appropriate foreign counsel for apostille procedures.
Andorra: Entered into force for Andorra 12/31/96. Competent Authority: El Ministre de Relacions Exteriors; El Ministre d'Interior; El Ministre de la Presidencia.
Angola: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by Angola that Convention is deemed to apply. On October 22, 1969, Portugal extended Convention to Angola. Portugal declared the competent authority to be the Governor General ("Les Gouverneurs generaux ("Governadores Gerais"). Current Competent Authority Unknown.
Anguilla: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Saint Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla which entered into force April 25, 1965. Antigua achieved independence on November 1, 1981 as Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda declared on May 1, 1985 that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Extended by the United Kingdom to Anguilla February 24, 1965. Competent Authority: the Governor of Anguilla.
Antigua and Barbuda: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Antigua which entered into force April 25, 1965. Achieved independence in 1981 and Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention. Competent Authority: a. Governor-General, Antigua-Barbuda; b. Registrar of the The High Court; High Street; St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; tel: 809-462-3147
Argentina: Entered into force 2/18/88. Competent Authority: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto, Reconquista 1088, 1003 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Armenia: Entered into force 8/14/94. Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice
Australia: Entered into force 3/16/95. Competent Authority: Secretary to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth
Austria: Entered into force 1/13/68. Competent Authority: 1. Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium fur auswartige Angelegenheiten; 2. The Presidents of any Civil Court of First Instances, with the exception of the Commercial Court (Handelsgericht) of Vienna and the Juvenile Court (Jugendgerichtshof) of Vienna, or their representatives authorized to issue the apostille; 3. The Governors of the Provinces (Landeshauptmanner); 4. Governments of the Provinces (Landesregierungen)
Bahamas: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bahamas which entered into force April 25, 1965. Bahamas achieved independence on July 10, 1973. On April 30, 1976 the Bahamas declared that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 2. Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 3. Under Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 4. Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 5. Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 6. First Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Barbados: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Barbados which entered into force April 25, 1965. Barbados achieved independence November 30, 1966. By a note of August 1995 to the depositary, the Government of Barbados declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Solicitor-General; 2. Deputy Solicitor General; 3. Registrar of the Supreme Court of Barbados Law Courts, Bridgetown, Barbados, tel: 809-42-75537; 4. The Permanent Secretary - Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and International Transport; 5. The Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and International Transport
Belarus: Entered into Force May 31, 1992. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice (judicial/court documents); Ministry of National Education(educational documents); Committee for Archives and Administration (state archives documents); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (all other documents)
Belgium: Entered into force 2/9/76. Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Cooperation in Development (Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres, du Commerce exterieur et de la Cooperation au Developpement)
Belize: Entered into force 4/11/93. Competent Authority: The Registrar General
Bermuda: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bermuda which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: On October 17, 1968 the competent authority was declared to be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Bermudas or Somers Islands or any member of his staff signing on his behalf and using his official seal.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Entered into Force: December 20, 1991. Competent Authority: By Note dated 17 August 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina informed the depositary of the following:
"(...) the authorities designated by Bosnia and Herzegovina who are competent to issue the certificate referred to in the first paragraph of Article 3 of the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents concluded at The Hague on 5th October 1961, are Municipal Courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Republic of Srpska. These certificates shall be subject to certification by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Minstry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Botswana: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bechuanaland Protectorate which entered into force April 25, 1965. The Bechuanaland Protectorate achieved independence September 30, 1966 as Botswana. On September 16, 1968, Botswana declared that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Permanent Secretary; 2. Registrar of the High Court; 3. District Commissioner; 4. Any person appointed or empowered to hold a subordinate court of the first class; 5. Such other person as the President may appoint by notice in the Gazette.
British Virgin Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the British Virgin Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority:
Registrar of Courts
Tortola, BVI
Phone: 284-494-3492
Fax: 284-494-6664
Brunei: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Brunei which entered into force April 25, 1965. Brunei achieved independence January 1, 1984. Brunei declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention December 3, 1987. Competent Authority: Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar and Registrars of the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam; Chief Magistrate, Magistrates and Registrars of subordinate Courts of Brunei Darussalam.
Bulgaria: Entry into force April 29, 2001. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice regarding documents of the courts and notaries; Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding other documents.
Cayman Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Cayman Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968 to be the Governor of the Cayman Islands
China, Hong Kong S.A.R. ONLY: Entered into force 6/3/97 in accordance with an exchange of diplomatic notes. Applies only to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Convention is not/not in force for other jurisdictions in the People's Republic of China. Competent Authority: Registrar, Supreme Court; Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court; and Deputy Chief Secretary, Supreme Court, Registrar, Hong Kong Supreme Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong, tel: (852) 2825-4254. See Hong Kong SAR.
Colombia: Entered into force January 30, 2001. Colombian Competent Authority to Issue Apostille:
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
Oficina de Legalizaciones
Doctor Carlos Guillermo DIAZ BUITRAGO
Transversal 17A, NO. 9-45
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia
tel: (1) 525-1862, 525-1860, 522-3697
Comoros Islands: Now Independent. No formal confirmation that Convention is deemed to apply. When France extended its accession to the Convention to the Comoros Islands (Moroni), the competent authority to affix the Convention "apostille" certificate was the General Procecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Moroni (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Moroni.)
Croatia: Entered into force October 8, 1991. Competent Authority: Municipal courts or the Ministry of Justice and Administration of the Republic of Croatia
Cyprus: Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic: Signed the Convention June 23, 1998; ratified the Convention January 8, 1999. Entered into force: May 1, 1999. Competent Authority: Designation of the competent authorites to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1: 1. the Ministry of Justice, International Department (certificates issued by authorities of justice, including certificates issued or certified by notaries); 2. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department (documents issued by authorities of State Administration or by the other ones).
Djibouti: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. When France extended its accession to the Convention to the Affars and the Issas (now Djibouti), the competent authority to affix the Convention "apostille" certificate was the General Procecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Djibouti (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Djibouti.) Current Competent Authority: Unknown.
Dominica: No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Dominica which entered into force April 25, 1965. Dominica achieved independence November 3, 1978 and became the Commonwealth of Dominica. Competent Authority: Unknown.
El Salvador: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Relations, General Directorate for the Foreign Service, Carretera a Santa Tecla, Km 6 1/2, San Salvador, El Salvador, tel: 503-243-3740/3776/3707, Cost: No Fee
Falkland Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Falkland Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: On October 17, 1968 competent authority declared to be the Governor of the Falkland Islands
Fiji: Now independent. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Fiji which entered into force April 25, 1965. Fiji achieved independence October 10, 1970. Fiji declared on March 29, 1971 that it considered itself bound by the Convention. Fiji's accession to the Convention was effective the date of Fijian independence. Competent Authority: The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Fiji.
Finland: As of September 21, 2000, Finland announced multiple new authorities competent to issue the apostille certificate. See the Hague Conference on Private International Law website
France: Departments in Europe and Overseas Departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion): The General Prosecutors at the Courts of Appeal (Les Procureurs generaux pres les cours d' appel French Overseas Territories:
New Caledonia: Extended by France 11/25/64. Competent Authority: The General Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal of Noumea (le Procureur general pres la Cour d'appel de Noumea
Wallis and Futuna: The Judge of the Section of the Court of First Instance of Noumea at Mata Utu (le Juge de la Section du Tribunal de premiere instance de Noumea siegeant a Mata Utu)
French Polynesia: The Prosecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Papeete (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal superieur d'appel de Papeete)
St. Pierre and Miquelon: The President of the High Court of Appeal of Saint-Pierre (le President du Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Saint-Pierre)
Germany, Federal Republic of: Competent Authorities:
With the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, Convention apostille certificates from the new federal Lander of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia is the responsibility of the following Land authorities:
Gibraltar: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Gibraltar which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared on October 17, 1968 to be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the City and Garrison of Gibraltar
Greece: Competent Authority: local nomarchy (department). Specifically, for Athens, administrative documents come from the Athens Nomarchy, Stadiou 29, Athens, Greece. All judicial documents, both penal and civil, as well as notarial deeds, are legalized by the local court of first instance, in the area where the decision or the notarial deed was issued.
Grenada: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Grenada which entered into force April 25, 1965. Grenada achieved independence February 7, 1974. Competent Authority: Unknown.
Guyana: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to British Guyana which entered into force April 25, 1965. British Guyana achieved independence in May 26, 1966 and became Guyana. Confirmation to U.S. Embassy in Georgetown,Guyana December, 1996 that Guyana considers itself bound by the Convention. Competent Authority: Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takuba Lodge 254 South Road Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 011-592-2-54166 or 011-592-2-54151, Fax: 011-592-2-59192
Guernsey: Extended to Guernsey by the United Kingdom January 24, 1965. Competent authority declared January 17, 1968. Competent Authority: The Lieutenant Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Hong Kong SAR: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Hong Kong which entered into force for Hong Kong April 25, 1965. Sovereignty of Hong Kong reverted to the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1998. China declared the Hague Legalization Convention shall continue to apply to Hong Kong SAR effective July 1, 1998. Competent Authority: first declared October 17, 1968. On October 18, 1986, the then Governor of Hong Kong delegated authority to the Registrar, Supreme Court; Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court; and Deputy Chief Secretary, Supreme Court, Registrar, Hong Kong Supreme Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong, tel: (852) 2825-4254. The Competent Authority did not change following reversion to Chinese sovereignty.
Hungary: Competent Authority: 1. Minister of Justice regarding public documents and judicial documents; 2. Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding public documents and legalizations executed by other authorities
Ireland: Signed the Convention October 29, 1996; ratified the Convention January 8, 1999. Entered into force: March 9, 1999. Competent Authority: Designation of the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1: the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
Israel: Competent Authority: 1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 2. Registrars of Magistrates Courts and Civil Servants appointed by the Minister of Justice under Notaries Law, 1976.
Italy: Competent Authority: 1. The Public Prosecutor (I Procurators della Reppublica); 2. The Competent Prefetti (Heads) of the Territories for the Valley of Aosta; Il Presidente della Regione (The Head of the District for the Provinces of Trente and Bolzano; Il Commissario di Governo (The Commissioner of the Government)
Japan: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Authentications Division (Shomei-han) 2-1 Kasumigaseki 2-chome, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo 100, Japan. Request an application for obtaining an apostille from the Ministry. The letter must include an explanation as to why you need this document. After you receive the application, you must complete it and send it back to the Japanese authority with the "original" document to be authenticated bearing the appropriate seal of the issuing authority. The "original" document must have been certified by the issuing office within the past six months. You should also send a photocopy of the document and a self addressed stamped envelope. You will receive the authenticated documents directly from the Ministry. There is no fee for this service. You may also contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. nearest you for additional information.
Jersey: Extended by the United Kingdom January 24, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968, the Lieutenant Governor of the Bailiwick of Jersey.
Kazakhstan: Entry into force January 30, 2001. Competent Authority: Unknown.
Kiribati: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Gilbert Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. The Gilbert Islands achieved independence as Kiribati July 12, 1979. Competent Authority: Unknown.
Korea, Republic of (South Korea): Ratified Convention January 13, 2000; in accordance with Article 28, second paragraph, the Convention will enter into force for the Republic of Korea in the absence of any objections from a State which has ratified the Convention before the deposit of the accession, notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands within a period of six months after the date on which the Ministry has notified it of the accession. For practical reasons, this six month's period will run from January 31, 2000 to July 31, 2000. Pursuant to Article 10, the Republic of Korea objects to the following:
Competent Authority: Ministry of Court Administration, Attn.: Director of International Affairs, 967, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, SEOUL 137-750, Republic of Korea
Latvia: Entered into force: May 11, 1995. Competent Authority: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department, 57 Elizbietes Street, Riga, LV 1510, Latvia, tel: 728-9505, Cost: $10.00 (for individuals, 10 day processing), $20.00 (for individuals, one day service), $20.00 (for organizations, 10 day processing), $40.00 (for organizations, one day service)
Lesotho: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Basutoland which entered into force April 25, 1965. Basutoland achieved independence on October 4, 1966 as Lesotho. On April 24, 1972, Lesotho declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention. The effective date of Lesotho's accession is the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. The Attorney General; 2. The Permanent Secretary of a Ministry or Department; 3. The Registrar of the High Court; 4. A Resident Magistrate; 5. A Magistrate of the First Class; 6. By appointment of the Minister, noticed in Gazette
Liberia: CONVENTION NOT IN FORCE BETWEEN U.S. AND LIBERIA as U.S. concluded Liberia cannot fulfill responsibilities of competent authority to issue Convention "apostille" at present.
Liechtenstein: Competent Authority: Office of the Government of the Prince at Vaduz (Regierungskanzlei der furstlichen Regierung)
Lithuania: Entered into force November 5, 1996. Competent Authority: Dalia Salkauskiene, Head of Consular Assistance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Division, J. Tumo-Vaizganto g.2, 2600 Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania.
Luxembourg: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres)
Macau: Extended to Macau by Portugal at the time of Portugal's accession to the Convention on October 22, 1969. Competent Authority: 1. The Governor of Macau, Palacio do Governo, Av. da Praia Grande, Macau; 2. The Assistant Secretary for Justice of Macau, R. de S. Lourenco, Edificio dos Secretarios Adjuntos, 1 andar, Macau 3. The Head of the Justice Department of Macau Av. da Praia Grande, 594, Edificio BCM, 8 andar, Macau. NOTE: Macau will revert to Chinese sovereignty December 20, 1999. Continued applicability of the Hague Legalization Convention unknown at this time.
Macedonia: Entered into force September 30, 1993. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice
Malawi: Malawi acceded to the Convention February 24, 1967. The Convention entered into force for Malawi on December 2, 1967. Competent Authority: 1. The Attorney General or the Solicitor General; 2. The Permanent Secretary of a Government Ministry; 3. The Registrar of the High Court; 4. The Registrar General; 5. A Government Agent; 6. A notary public; 7. A Resident Magistrate
Malta: Competent Authority: Ministry of Commonwealth and Foreign Affairs
Man, Isle of: Extended by the United Kingdom on January 24, 1965. Competent Authority declared October 17, 1968. Competent Authority: The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man
Marshall Islands, Republic of: Acceded to the Convention November 18, 1991. The Convention entered into force for the RMI on August 14, 1992. Competent Authority: 1. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands; 2. Attorney General and Acting Attorney General; 3. Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the High Court; 4. Registrars and Deputy Registrars of Corporations; 5. Maritime Administrator and Special Agents thereof; 6. Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs or Special Agents thereof.
Mauritius: On December 20, 1968, Mauritius declared it considers itself bound by the Convention. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Mauritius which entered into force April 25, 1965. The effective date of accession is March 12, 1968, the date of independence. Competent Authority: In a note to the depositary dated September 17, 1973, Mauritius declared the competent authority is now: 1. The Permanent Secretary, or in his absence, 2. A Principal Assistant Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office
Mexico: Competent Authorities:
A. Federal Documents:
1. Direccion General de Gobierno, Bucareli No. 99, Planta Baja, 06600
Mexico, D.F., tel: 535-31-12; 535-43-92, fax: 535-26-88;
2. Direccion de Coordinacion Politica
Con Los Poderes de la Union, Abraham Gonzalez No. 48, Planta Baja, 06600 Mexico, D.F.,
tel: 535-51-31, fax: 566-12-25;
3. Subdireccion de Formalizacion Y Control Abraham Gonzalez
No. 48, Planta Baja, 06600 Mexico, D.F., tel: 535-53-84; 546-57-32, fax: 566-12-25
B. Secretaria De Gobernacion Directorio Representaciones de la Subsecretaria de Gobierno BAJA CALIFORNIA:
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