Legal & Logistics
The apostille process explained, step by step
Apostille, legalisation, notarisation — three different things that people call the same thing. Here is the difference and the order.
Three document steps get conflated into one and it costs families months. They are not the same.
Notarisation
A notary confirms the authenticity of a signature or a certified copy. It is the first step, not the last.
Apostille
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the notary's authority for use abroad, between members of the Hague Convention. Non-members require full consular legalisation instead.
Certified translation
Translation must be certified — done by a sworn translator — and in most cases done after the apostille, so the apostille itself is translated.
The order that works
Original, notarised copy, apostille, certified translation, then submission. Reversing any two can invalidate the whole set.
The premium apostille tracker logs each civil document through every step, with dates and who holds it.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Retain qualified counsel in the relevant jurisdiction before acting.