Consular legalization
Consular legalization
A way to give a document legal force abroad for countries outside the Hague Convention — through a chain of the foreign ministry and the consulate. It replaces the apostille where it does not apply, but is longer and more complex.
- What it is
- A way of giving a document legal force abroad for countries outside the Hague Convention
- When it is needed
- If the receiving country does not recognise the apostille
- How it proceeds
- Through a chain of the foreign ministry and the receiving country’s consulate
- How it differs
- Longer and more complex than an apostille
- Can you prepare
- Yes: determine the route for your pair of countries in advance
In plain words
Consular legalisation is a way of making a document valid abroad when an apostille will not do. The apostille works only between Hague Convention countries; if the receiving country is not a party, a simple stamp is not enough — a longer chain of certifications is needed.
It usually goes like this: the document is first certified within the country of issue (by a notary or the relevant authority), then the foreign ministry confirms it, and finally the consulate or embassy of the country for which the document is intended. Each link adds its own mark, confirming the authenticity of the previous one.
Because of the several authorities involved, legalisation takes longer and costs more than an apostille, and consulates have different requirements. That is why the route is determined in advance for the particular pair of countries: where an apostille will suffice, where the full consular chain is needed, and in what order to do the translation.
When legalisation is needed
How legalisation is structured
- Certification in the country of issue
- Foreign ministry confirmation
- Consulate’s mark
- A country outside the Hague
- The apostille is not recognised
- The full chain is needed
- Civil documents
- Certificates
- Diplomas and corporate documents
- Longer than an apostille
- More expensive
- Requirements differ
How legalisation works
- 01Certification in the country of issue
- 02Foreign ministry confirmation
- 03Translation (if required)
- 04Consulate’s mark
- 05The document is valid
What you need to know
- Legalisation is needed for countries outside the Hague Convention
- It replaces the apostille where the apostille does not apply
- It goes through a chain of foreign ministry and consulate
- It takes longer and costs more than an apostille
- Consulates’ requirements differ
Common mistakes
- Getting an apostille for a country that does not recognise it
- Skipping a link in the chain (foreign ministry or consulate)
- Doing the translation in the wrong order
- Not allowing time for several authorities
- Not confirming the particular consulate’s requirements
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We determine for your pair of countries what is needed — an apostille or consular legalisation — and take the document through the whole chain in the right order, so that it is accepted first time without weeks lost on redoing it.
Frequently asked questions
01 /How does legalisation differ from an apostille?
An apostille is a single stamp between Hague Convention countries. Legalisation is a chain of certifications through the foreign ministry and the consulate for countries outside the convention. It takes longer and is more complex.
02 /When is consular legalisation needed?
When the receiving country is not party to the Hague Convention and does not recognise the apostille. Then a simple stamp is not enough.
03 /How long does it take?
Longer than an apostille — because of the several authorities involved. The exact time depends on the country and the consulate’s workload, so time is allowed in advance.
04 /Is a translation needed?
As a rule, yes, into the language of the receiving country. The order (before or after which stage) is confirmed in advance so that the translation covers the required marks.
05 /Who adds the marks?
First the authority in the country of issue, then that country’s foreign ministry, and finally the consulate or embassy of the receiving country. Each link confirms the previous one.
06 /Can an apostille be used instead?
Only if both countries are party to the Hague Convention. If the receiving country is outside it, an apostille will not do — full legalisation is needed.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Need a document legalised?
We will determine the route for your pair of countries and take the document through the whole chain in the right order.